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PAX Aus 2025: The Fun Came, We Saw, We Played!

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From Gaming to Cosplay, PAX Aus 2025 Had It All!🎮✨

Can you believe it’s been a whole year since the last PAX Aus? Time really does fly when you’re having fun—and wow, did we have a lot of it this year!

From the moment the doors opened, PAX Aus 2025 was bursting with energy, excitement, and that unmistakable buzz of shared geekdom. Whether you were there for the blockbuster game reveals, epic cosplay, thought-provoking panels, or just to roll some dice and mash some buttons, there was something for everyone.

The Main Hall was a sensory overload (in the best possible way), filled with new gaming experiences, neon lights, and endless action. Meanwhile, the Tabletop and Freeplay areas became mini worlds of their own – where strangers became teammates, rivals, and friends over cards, boards, and controllers.

And of course, we can’t forget the heart and soul of the show (Ed: we are biased!) – our beloved Classic Gaming area. But don’t worry, we’re giving that its own spotlight soon (because it totally deserves it). Keep an eye out for that post if you’re craving a dose of retro nostalgia! 👾

For now, grab a snack, get comfy, and let your mouse wheel (or index finger) do the work—scroll on and soak up all the PAX Aus 2025 goodness!

image source / copyright: ausretrogamer.com

Gaming Giants Assemble: PAX Aus 2025 Exhibitors Announced

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PAX Aus 2025: Gaming’s Biggest Party is Back in Melbourne!

Dust off your controllers, sharpen your pinball flippers, and charge those power banks — because PAX Aus 2025 is almost here, and it’s shaping up to be the ultimate celebration of gaming culture! With less than a month to go, the exhibitor line-up has just been revealed, and trust us, it’s packed with enough gaming goodness to keep your thumbs twitching well into next year.

From console giants to cult indies, esports mayhem to quirky activations, here’s a taste of what’s waiting on the Expo Floor this October.

Nintendo Brings the Big Guns

Nintendo Australia is going all-in with an epic booth showing off the Nintendo Switch 2 and fan-favourite Switch titles. For the first time in Australia, you can wander Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Switch 2 Edition) ahead of its October 16 launch.

But that’s not all:

  • Kirby Air Riders is speeding onto the scene (Nov 20 release).

  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond lets you try Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.

  • Demos for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades II and more round out the booth.

Basically: if you’re a Nintendo fan, clear your calendar.

Xbox Turns It Up to 11

Xbox is dropping a massive rig at PAX with THIS IS AN XBOX — an immersive booth stuffed with must-play moments. You’ll be able to get hands-on with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, slice and dice in Ninja Gaiden 4, and uncover plenty of Easter eggs for those willing to explore.

Pro tip: bring your camera, because the booth is loaded with photo ops.

The Sims Goes Camping

Who says gaming can’t be outdoorsy? The Sims is bringing Camp Gibbi Gibbi to PAX, complete with its new Adventure Awaits expansion. Expect campfire vibes, bug-catching, and some very collectible Sims merch. FreePlay is joining the fun too, showing off an in-game campground lot for mobile players.

Devolver Digital & Massive Monster – Cult Vibes

Lamb cultists, rejoice! The first hands-on with the new Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven DLC is happening at PAX. Alongside gameplay and merch, you’ll also be able to snap photos with The Lamb in the Temple. A must-stop for anyone who loves Devolver’s quirky chaos.

Bethesda Brings the Wasteland

Step into Fallout IRL at Bethesda’s Red Rocket diner and Vault-Tec cafeteria setups. With props, prizes, and photo ops galore, you’ll feel right at home in the Wasteland. Plus:

  • Meet ESO Game Director Rich Lambert.

  • Pose with DOOM: The Dark Ages props.

  • Nab an exclusive Fallout 76 Pinny Arcade pin.

Collectors, consider this your side quest.

Borderlands 4 Lands at Gearbox

Vault Hunters, PAX Aus is where you’ll first hear the dirt on Borderlands 4. Expect developer insights, never-before-heard stories, and a chance to chill at Moxxi’s Bar with themed drinks, giveaways, and fellow fans. Chaos guaranteed.

Ubisoft: 10 Years of Siege & Just Dance Vibes

Ubisoft is bringing the big guns with a Rainbow Six Siege 10th Anniversary Esports Showdown. The best APAC teams will fight for a slot at the Munich Major, plus fans can groove to the latest Just Dance tracks on the show floor.

Aftershock Powers the Party

Custom PCs, daily giveaways, streamer battles, flight sim setups, a claw machine (!), and even live carving by Broxh — Aftershock is pulling out all the stops. Expect SteelSeries, Clevergear, and Ultralabs hardware launches, plus exclusive merch for the lucky few.

Retro Collecting Meets Modern Gaming

It’s not just about new titles. eBay’s Passport Adventure will have a collectors’ playground, including:

  • A museum wall of iconic gaming collectibles.

  • Vintage arcade games (yes please!).

  • Exclusive prizes for quest-goers.

For collectors, this booth is a holy grail.

Extra Goodies Worth Checking Out

  • ÆRTHLINGS mystery figs drop daily in Queue Hall, tying into the brand-new ÆRTH game.

  • Red Bull Tetris® brings a competitive twist, with a shot at the World Finals in Dubai.

  • Australian Esports League showcases the best school & uni talent across Rocket League, Siege, and Valorant.

  • CODE spotlights Kiwi game dev creativity, and Crunchyroll brings the anime hype.

Oh, and hardware fans? Brands like MSI, Thermaltake, Turtle Beach, Sony InZone, and Keychron will have the latest tech ready for you to try.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Whether you’re chasing new game demos, geeking out over collectibles, or just want to be surrounded by thousands of like-minded gamers, PAX Aus 2025 looks set to deliver on all fronts. From Pokémon firsts to Fallout photo ops, esports madness to indie darlings, this is the gaming event of the year.

Mark your calendars: PAX Aus 2025 hits Melbourne next month (October)!

Review: Irem Collection Volume 3 (Xbox) – Blast from the Pixelated Past

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If you’re a fan of side-scrolling shoot ‘em ups and wild retro weirdness, Irem Collection Volume 3 from ININ Games is like opening a time capsule filled with pixelated power-ups, dragons, and the kind of creative enemy design only the ’80s and ’90s could conjure. This lovingly compiled collection brings together three of Irem’s most eccentric and thrilling shooters: Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper, Mystic Riders, and Dragon Breed. And trust me—you’re in for a ride that’s as bizarre as it is brilliant.

🚁 Mr. Heli / Battle Chopper (Arcade & PC Engine)

This quirky little helicopter with eyes and a face is anything but cute when it comes to dishing out destruction. In Mr. Heli, you’re piloting a plucky chopper through caves, industrial complexes, and molten hellscapes, blasting enemies while navigating tight spaces and gravity-defying jumps.

The PC Engine version is a neat inclusion—it’s a faithful port with slightly different sprite work and some charming 16-bit flair. Whether you’re nostalgic for the arcade or curious about the console iteration, it’s great to have both.

🧙‍♂️ Mystic Riders (Arcade)

Mystic Riders is what happens when you mix magic carpets, flying broomsticks, and enough glittery magic spells to make Hogwarts jealous. This co-op horizontal shmup is the most whimsical of the bunch—two wizard kids take to the skies to take down fantastical foes in a world that feels like a mashup of anime and high fantasy fever dreams.

The local 2-player co-op here is where it shines. There’s something inherently joyful about launching fireballs and dodging oversized haunted pumpkins with a friend at your side.

🐉 Dragon Breed (Arcade)

Now this is the heavy-hitter. You’re not just piloting a ship—you’re riding a freaking giant golden dragon across a dystopian sci-fi landscape. The gameplay twist? Your dragon is invincible, acting like a moving shield as you rain laser death upon alien hordes. It’s smart, strategic, and the kind of game that sticks with you.

With its epic boss fights, moody soundtrack, and layers of attack options, Dragon Breed is arguably the crown jewel of this collection.

🎮 Quality of Life Upgrades

ININ Games didn’t just dump ROMs and call it a day—there are some thoughtful enhancements here:

  • Quick Save/Load and a built-in rewind system let you recover from boneheaded mistakes or rewind to finesse your dodging skills.

  • Customisable controls, including rapid-fire assignments, make a huge difference for comfort and performance.

  • Display filters recreate the glow and scanlines of old-school arcade monitors, or keep it clean with sharp pixels—it’s your choice.

  • Worldwide leaderboards add a modern challenge for competitive score-chasers.

🕹️ Final Thoughts

Irem Collection Volume 3 is a joyous blast of arcade nostalgia. Whether you’re chasing high scores, revisiting forgotten favourites, or discovering them for the first time, these games hold up remarkably well. The mix of fantasy and sci-fi, wacky enemy designs, and tight shoot ‘em up mechanics showcase why Irem was a kingpin of the genre.

And let’s be honest—riding a fire-breathing dragon while blasting biomechanical nightmares just never gets old.

Score: 7.5/10 – Pure retro arcade magic, lovingly preserved and enhanced for the modern couch warrior.

New Trailer for Atari’s Missile Command Delta

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A Reimagined Classic?

According to the new Atari (they aren’t the Atari I used to know and love in the late 70s / early 80s), Missile Command Delta is launching on July 8th!

Apparently, the premise is that you and your friends are trapped in a mysterious bunker and you must find your way out by solving terminals, explore the twisting environments, and uncover the real story!

Hmm, being huge Missile Command fans, our interests were piqued, however, watching the trailer, it looks like this new game is Missile Command in name only :-/


source: Atari Interactive, Inc

Brilliant Ad Strategy for ‘GTA VI’

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive still haven’t announced a release date for their much anticipated “Grand Theft Auto VI.” I believe the game will be released by the end of this year, possibly before Christmas, but they haven’t released any new footage or a new trailer for the smash hit. And, in a clever way, it’s genius marketing.

“Grand Theft Auto VI” is making all the other game production studios nervous about when to release their games. It’s smart not to put out a release date for “GTA VI.” They know at Rockstar Games that they could wait a week before the release to drop an ad; the anticipation from fans of the “GTA” franchise is already at a summit.

I can’t remember a time when there was so much enthusiasm for a video game release. Maybe when “Halo 2” was released in 2004? If Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive want the launch to be swift and sudden, I don’t think they lose a single unit sell of “GTA VI.” I’m sure there will be fans camping out at Best Buy stores on the eve of its long-awaited release. The brand is iconic, and it doesn’t need much promotion to break sales records in a matter of hours. “GTA VI” could be the biggest selling video game in history, and I know the key people at Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games think that as well.


source: Rockstar Games

Big advertising opportunities are few and far between now to the end of summer. We just had the Final Four. If it’s a spring ’26 release, maybe an ad before the first NFL game of the 2025-26 season. The “GTA” franchise is so prevalent, I could see an ad in the theater before a Marvel film this summer.

It was recently announced that the biggest Nintendo Switch 2 games like “Mario Kart World” could cost $80 dollars. That means “GTA VI” could be priced at $100 dollars. And with all the buzz about how the sixth entry is “cinematic,” it could be priced even higher. “GTA VI” has been listed by a Swiss retailer for $112 dollars. With the demand so high, I expect the price point of the game to be expensive.

I wonder if “GTA VI” will last fifteen years plus before we get “GTA VII.”

 

 

The Epyx Collection Handheld Landing on XBox and PC

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Seven Classic Lynx Games Arrive on Xbox and PC April 9th in ‘The Epyx Collection: Handheld’

Retro gaming fans, rejoice! Pixel Games UK and Imagine Software are making history with their first-ever release on Xbox consoles. Set to launch on April 9th for both Xbox and PC, ‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ brings seven legendary Atari Lynx games to a new generation of players.

Priced at £11.99 / US$14.99/ ~AU$23.99 / €14.49, this collection delivers a dose of late ‘80s and early ‘90s nostalgia with beloved classics, including:

  • California Games (1989): Experience extreme sports like skateboarding, BMX biking, surfing, and more in a vibrant, sun-soaked West Coast setting.
  • ElectroCop (1989): Step into the cybernetic boots of a futuristic police officer and battle crime in a dystopian cityscape.
  • Blue Lightning (1989): Engage in high-octane aerial combat and prove your piloting prowess in this arcade-style flight adventure.
  • Gates of Zendocon (1989): Navigate alien worlds, battle hostile creatures, and take down the sinister Zendocon in an intergalactic space odyssey.
  • Chip’s Challenge (1989): Solve over 140 mind-bending puzzles in this brain-twisting classic, now with additional Sega Mega Drive and SNES ports.
  • Todd’s Adventures in Slime World (1990): Explore a hazardous alien world filled with monstrous creatures and slimy traps.
  • Zarlor Mercenary (1990): Pilot a customisable spacecraft and defend the galaxy from waves of alien invaders in this action-packed shooter.


source: Imagine Software

Modern Enhancements for a Timeless Experience

Bringing these iconic titles to modern platforms isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about elevating the experience. ‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ includes:

  • Customisable Display Filters – Choose from a variety of filters, including an authentic 80s-style CRT mode.
  • Suspend Points – Save and restore up to four game states per title, ensuring you can pick up where you left off.
  • Live Rewind – Rewind up to five seconds of gameplay instantly to correct mistakes or retry difficult sections.

Additionally, the collection features an overhauled user interface, with interactive 3D-rendered box art and cartridges based on the original releases. Fans can also enjoy fully remastered instruction manuals, bringing even more historical detail to these retro gems.

A New Era for Pixel Games UK on Xbox

This marks the first retro release on Xbox for Pixel Games UK and Imagine Software, but it’s only the beginning. “We’re excited to bring the first collection of classic games to Xbox and PC,” says Nick Tiseo, Director of Imagine Software. “It’s been a goal of ours for a long time.”

As the world of retro gaming continues to thrive, ‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ is a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers eager to discover these classic adventures. Don’t miss its worldwide release on April 9th via the Microsoft Store!

PAX Aus 2024 Panel Schedule Announced

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With only a month to go till PAX AUS 2024 (Ed: wow, not long to go now!), we thought we’d share some of the panels that will be on at this year’s event.

To check the full schedule of panels so you can map out your weekend at PAX Aus, go here now!

Friday, October 11:

  • Storytime with Julian Wilton, Creative Director of Massive Monster | Main Theatre, 12:00pm – 1:00pm

  • Fireside with Abubakar Salim | Main Theatre, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

  • Fireside with Sonia Coronado Cuesta, Senior Music Designer at PlayStation | Quokka Theatre, 5:00pm – 6:00pm

  • Content Creating with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses: Finding Acceptance within Gaming | Fruitbat Theatre, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

  • Career Storytellers | Dropbear Theatre, 10:30 – 11:30am

  • Creating Armour and Props with EVA Foam | Cosplay Theatre, 12:30pm – 1:30pm

  • Civilization VII Developer Panel: Bringing Your Civ World to Life | Quokka Theatre, 11:00am – 12:00pm

  • Xbox presents: In Conversation with Ryan Warden, Production Director of Avowed: Lifting the lid on Production | Quokka Theatre, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

  • Fireside: Bringing Lord of the Rings lore to the Art of Tales of the Shire, presented by Wētā Workshop | Main Theatre, 5:00 – 6:00pm

Saturday, October 12:

  • Penny Arcade Make-A-Strip | Main Theatre, 11:00am – 12:00pm

  • The Custodians of Lord of the Rings bringing Hobbit lore to Tales of the Shire, presented by Wētā Workshop | Quokka Theatre, 11:00 – 12:00pm

  • Crafting Characters: The Style and Substance of FINAL FANTASY XIV | Main Theatre, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

  • Making Music in the Games Industry | Dropbear Theatre, 2:30pm – 3:30pm

  • MOUSE: P.I. For Hire – First Look: Developer Playthrough | Quokka Theatre | 3:00 – 4:00pm

  • Fireside Chat With Josh Weier – Project Lead On Portal 2 | Quokka Theatre, 5:00pm – 6:00pm

  • Forging a new league of legends: gaming, mental health and masculinity | Dropbear Theatre, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

  • Sea Shanties you say? Yahaarghh! | GenerOZity Wombat Theatre, 9:00 – 11:00 pm

  • Airbrushing 101: Airbrushing for cosplay, props and minis (Live painting demo) | Cosplay Theatre, 10:30am – 11:30am

  • So you want to be a Voice Actor? | Main Theatre, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Ausretrogamer’s Alex Boz at the ‘Blast From The Past’ panel at PAX Aus

Sunday, October 12:

  • World Of Vtubers | Dropbear Theatre, 10:30am – 11:30am

  • Fireside with Mark Meer | Main Theatre, 12:00pm – 1:00pm

  • Zelda Universe Presents: More Than A Damsel | Quokka Theatre, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

  • Cosplay Central Crown Championship Finals | Main Theatre, 2:00 – 3:30 pm

  • Overshare: Handling Mental Health Topics in Stream Chat | Kookaburra Theatre,  2:30 – 3:30pm

  • Fireside with Teddy Dief and Karrie Shao | Quokka Theatre, 3:00 – 4:00pm

  • One-Shot Wonders | Writing D&D5e One-Shot adventures | Dropbear, 4:30 – 5:30pm

 

Parasol Stars Is Coming To Modern Consoles

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🌈The Iconic Sequel To Rainbow Islands Is Coming To Modern Consoles on July 11th!

In 1991, TAITO released the third entry in its enduring Bubble Bobble series: Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III. Originally released on the PC Engine, the game followed the success of its predecessors, building on the foundations Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands laid down and continuing the story from where they left off. It quickly became a hit, later being ported to Atari ST, Amiga, Game Boy, and even NES, gaining huge popularity and its own dedicated fandom.

Some thirty-three years later, this iconic platformer is ready to land on modern consoles on July 11th for only €9.99 and can be pre-ordered for Nintendo Switch as of now. Xbox pre-orders will start on 19.06.2024. Both offers an additional 10% pre-order bonus until release! Hurry up! PlayStation®4/PlayStation®5 versions will also be out on the 11th of July 2024.

Game Features:

  • An enigmatic ensemble of enemies, each with unique abilities (and charm);
  • 2-player mode: double the fun with Bubby and Bobby!
  • Dazzling parasols with magical powers;
  • Power-ups galore;
  • 8 worlds to save, plus 2 unlockable ones!

And some quality-of-life options, such as save states and the ability to rewind gameplay – woohoo!

 

Atari’s NeoSprint Is Racing Onto PC & Consoles Very Soon!

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NEOSPRINT ZOOMS BACK TO LIFE AS A SINGLE SCREEN ISOMETRIC ARCADE RACER

As huge fans of Atari Games’ Super Sprint and Championship Sprint overhead racers, we are actually quite chuffed to hear that NeoSprint – a sort-of-sequel to the “Sprint” series, is coming to our modern gaming systems sometime this winter (Jun – Aug – Atari hasn’t as yet confirmed the exact date/time)!

According to Atari,

NeoSprint is a single screen arcade racer for up to 8 players on supporting systems. Paired with a robust track builder and intuitive sharing tools, NeoSprint provides a racing experience that will satisfy speed demons and architects alike.


source: Atari

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox , Nintendo Switch, and Steam, we honestly can’t wait for NeoSprint!

PS: If you have an Atari VCS, then we are officially jelly, as NeoSprint is already available for you to hoon around on!

The Great GameOnCancer® Giveaway Returns to Raise Funds for Groundbreaking Cancer Research

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The Great Game On Cancer® Giveaway (GOCG) is back with more than 400 prizes on offer during the fundraiser, valued at more than $30,000

Running through all of March (1st – 31st), anyone who donates AUD $50 or more to Cure Cancer during this period will get a prize valued at $50 or more, randomly selected from the assortment of donated prizes. People can donate as many times as they like or as much as they like, with each $50 donation worth a prize (e.g. if you donate $200, you will receive 4 prizes).

It’s a win/win situation, you get to donate to cancer research and you get a prize that could be greater than the value of your donation!

To claim one of the incredible prizes, people simply need to go to https://www.curecancer.com.au/giveaway, make a donation and then, at the end of the four-week campaign, they will be informed about which prize they have won. Yes, it’s that simple!

Major brands are on board including the likes of Xbox and EA Games, who have all donated prizes to the campaign, which aims to raise $20,000 plus for Cure Cancer. Prizes include Xbox Series S consoles, and a Moza R5 Racing Bundle, just to name a few.

Other brands involved are Logitech G, Turtle Beach, Nanoleaf, Bethesda, Twelve South, Satechi, Quokka Mousepads, 2K, Massive Monster, CATAN Studios, Fantasy Flight Games, Pandasaurus Games, Andaseat, MOZA Racing, Bungie, PAX Australia, Annapurna Interactive, Neon Doctrine, Keychron, Fellow Traveller and Fortress.

The money raised will go directly to Cure Cancer to fund ground-breaking cancer research by brilliant scientists to save millions of lives. Cure Cancer’s community of researchers, fundraisers and partners take on every cancer, working together to find the most impactful solutions in record time. Driven by a bold ambition –  What if we cure cancer?

The charity recently announced that it has raised over $1.25million through its Game On Cancer® initiative; vital monies driving vital research into all cancers.

Donate to support ground-breaking cancer research today and your generosity will be rewarded with one of the fantastic prizes!