Minecraft Dungeons II: Xbox Series X Review

Developed by Double Fine and Mojang Studios
Published by Xbox Game Studios
Platform: Xbox Series X

It was back in July 2020 that Minecraft was given a Gauntlet-style makeover with a dungeon brawler that captured those who'd never played the Mojang mega hit and longed for some way into this world so beloved by many.

It's taken nearly six years for a sequel to emerge and to say it's been worth the wait is quite the understatement.

In the sequel, the Overworld has been at peace since the Arch-illager was defeated. But as ever, peace is somewhat fleeting in this world and a council of three Illagers have discovered a new portal to a soul-charged dimension known as the Sift and are using it for their own nefarious reasons.

As they meddle further, they unleash a series of corrupted creatures and rifts throughout the Overworld and it's upto you to take on the danger and survive the threats that are ahead.

Mojang Studios and Double Fine have crafted a much deeper and expansive experience this time around with both a depth of story and a map that's massive and opens up the further into the story you get. At its heart though, Minecraft Dungeons II takes everything that worked about the first game (Minecraft crafting, combat, blocky graphics) and ups it to 11, creating an experience that feels like it'll sap hours of your time before you've even realised.

Creating the first new Minecraft dimension in 15 years was a challenge for the studios, but they've carried it off with aplomb. It's not just combat that feels chunkier, but the level of personalisation as well.

With the options to equip gear on every part of your body, the inventory opens itself up to masses of gear that is scattered all over the Overworld. Initially it appears that there are too many red chests strewn around the world, giving you the chance to snag gems and new gear. But given how many different parts of you need clothing and equipping, it soon becomes clear that this is a minor gripe.

Combat has also had a bit of an overhaul too. With the chance to perform jump attacks, and more mobs that spawn in a seemingly never-ending array of ambushes, there's a need to be a little smarter with the fighting, rather than simply mashing buttons and hoping for the best. Enemies are more deadly than before and even though there are more weapon choices, there'll be bosses who can't be defeated until the game's allowed you to level up.

In terms of the map, it's much bigger than before and is packed with side quests throughout. But while there are plenty of side quests, most of them can be finished fairly quickly (around 10 minutes of combat and exploration) and bring some rewards. They're fruitful distractions which help to deepen the lore and enhance the world around your character. (And there are nice nods to the Minecraft world with some cliffs yielding homes to just chill in and look at.)

The dungeons are plentiful and offer challenges with various creatures to dispatch. This time around, it feels like the boss fights are harder and the skill levels are quick to traverse. Graphically the game's improved in some areas, with environments standing out a little more and explosions from the likes of TNT offering a chunkier explosion and after effect.

Fast travel also shows off the scope of a map that's more interconnected than its predecessor and one which gives a chance for endless replay. Whereas Minecraft Dungeons was a series of levels, Minecraft Dungeons II feels more like a wider world and it's a welcome touch for those looking to spend time in this game.

The entrance to the Sift dimension itself is nicely done, a kind of oily graphic that glows in the middle of a level, offering you a chance to explore a new world and a new set of combat opportunities. Visually, as opposed to the Overworld's lush greens and foliage, this is a world filled with stark colours and almost garish creations and critters. It's a vibrant contrast and one which feels like Mojang Studios have worked for a while to ensure the difference is obvious.

Crucially once again, Minecraft Dungeons II doesn't become so entrenched to the original game that it is not approachable for non-fans. You don't need to know your Illagers from your Zombies to be part of it. And along with an online team up and the chance to expand the leads out, the game really does owe a massive debt to Gauntlet.

Whether it's tackling soul-corrupted spiders or Evokers or spending time working out which gear is best to equip before a battle, Minecraft Dungeons II once again shows the blocky world is well worth exploring and with the depth and love that's been sunk in here, it'll be a long time before all of the game's secrets and thrills have been explored by gamers.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series to release on physical media on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch

Limited Run Games, a premium publisher of physical video games, announced today that time-limited pre-orders for the sci-fi narrative adventure The Expanse: A Telltale Series are still open for PlayStation®5 and Nintendo® Switch™, with the time-limited period ending on October 4th.

 

Beloved storytellers Telltale has upped the excitement and intrigue in this mysterious series of expeditions, set in the unforgiving brutality of space. Within these five episodes of atmospheric sci-fi, players will don the spacesuit of one of the beloved show’s key characters, Camina Drummer, voiced by returning show star Cara Gee. Hop aboard spaceship The Artemis and embark on a perilous adventure set before the events of the television series. 

 

In this narrative-driven title the universe has yet to experience civilization being flipped on its side by The Ring, a massive, alien megastructure that acts as a stable wormhole portal to a vast network of star systems.

 

In the hostile, zero-g environment, players will need to make difficult, world-changing decisions that decide the fate of their crew and everyone around them, while at the same time embarking on scavenging missions and combating terrifying pirates who have their eyes on your precious loot. 

 

There are no easy choices in a Telltale title, but every decision will have consequences…and players will have to guide Camina through a landscape shaped by the choices they make.

 

To commemorate the physical edition of The Expanse: A Telltale Series Limited Run Games has included the game case, with special cover art, the game disc or cartridge, and an eight-page booklet for an MSRP of of $39.99  / £40.00 / €44.95 / $56.99 CAD.

 

Pre orders for The Expanse: A Telltale Series are open right now and will finish on October 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET (3:59 AM UTC October 5, 2026) at https://limitedrungames.com/products/the-expanse-a-telltale-series-standard-edition-switch-ps5

 

Brave space and buckle up, beltalowda because it’s gonna be a wild ride.

Show Me Shorts Film Festival Announces 21st Programme

BUMPER LINE-UP OF AWARD-WINNING SHORT FILMS REVEALED

Show Me Shorts Film Festival has announced their 21st programme with the best new cinema from Aotearoa and around the world.

New Zealand’s top international short film festival, Show Me Shorts, will screen 65 short films for audiences across Aotearoa during 7–31 October. The programme brings together acclaimed international short films alongside a strong line-up of homegrown New Zealand films, with movies that have screened at some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Venice, Tribeca, Clermont-Ferrand, SXSW and Annecy.

Fourteen world premieres of New Zealand short films will take place during the festival. Comedic drama Lucky Luke, directed by Jesse Griffin; body-swap comedy Six Minute Supplement, directed by Sinead Lau; and horror Thicker than Water, directed by Pavel Kvatch will make their debuts at Auckland Opening Night on 7 October. Animation for children Seedlings, directed by Seung-Woo Hong; heart-warming documentary Bob & C-Nut: A Good Way to Start the Day, directed by Anna Frances Pearson; and relationship drama Breakfast For Dinner, directed by Tū Māia Curtis and Te Waiarangi Ratana will headline Wellington Opening Night on 8 October. Eight more New Zealand films will make their world premieres in the Day One Shorts collection.

 The 65 chosen short films were selected from almost 2,500 submissions. They have been divided into ten themed collections, spanning comedy, drama, animation, documentary, horror, science fiction, music videos and films for tamariki. The festival will include 120 screenings and events at 44 cinemas and community venues nationwide, making it one of the most widely available film festivals in Aotearoa.

Life Goes On - directed by Kat Butterfield and Daniel Audritt.

LIST OF SHORT FILM COLLECTIONS:

1.  The Sampler: Highlights of the festival, with inspiring, thoughtful and fun films from around the world.

2.  Aotearoa: Homegrown stories of our land and our people, showcasing talented upcoming creatives.

3.  Whānau Friendly: Cute and charming films for children and families to enjoy together.

4.  Norwegian Short Film Focus: Dark humour, dreamy landscapes and trolls. Showcasing iconic Norwegian filmmakers.

5.  Heartstrings: Bold stories of humanity, heart, and compassion in pressured situations.

6.  After the Robots: Lighthearted sci-fi, exploring possible apocalyptic futures when AI robots have taken over.

7.  Oddballs & Absurd Calls: Explore intriguing worlds one step from reality and meet amusingly unusual characters.

8.  Run for Your Life: Zombies give chase and killers stalk their prey. Thrills, scares, frights and fears brought to life.

9.  Day One Shorts: Films by young filmmakers about identity, memory, connection and overcoming challenges.

10.  Award Winners: All the winning films together - demonstrating excellence in craft and creativity.

“Short films are the embryo of the movie ecosystem, and I’m pleased to report thriving creativity in spite of ever reducing budgets,” says Festival Director Gina Dellabarca. “I invite you to come check out who the next top directors, actors, and other film creatives are. Every collection has been carefully curated to provide a thoughtful, entertaining and inspiring journey for viewers. Bring your mates or family for maximum enjoyment.”

 Highlight films in The Sampler, the collection that travels most widely around the country, include Life Goes On, starring BAFTA winner David Bradley as a man who finds himself stuck in a time loop; 113 Words for You Today, a science fiction romance set on a distant frozen planet; and Socks, a coming-of-age story about a Māori boy who forms an unexpected bond with a Mormon missionary.

Internationally recognised performers and filmmakers feature strongly across the programme, such as Emmy Award winner Alan Cumming who stars in Kiloran Bay, about a gay man returning to Scotland with his partner after years away. Renée Zellweger makes her directorial debut with They, a colourful animation with a positive message for children. While Australian director Nash Edgerton (who Show Me Shorts regulars will know from his Spider/Bear/Shark trilogy of shorts) stars in quirky drama Mr Adidos, and his most recently directed short comedy Candy Bar features in The Sampler collection.

They - directed by Renée Zellweger

The Aotearoa collection showcases eight local films, including Ana Chaya Scotney’s Kurī, which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and Marina Alofagia McCartney’s The Return, a story of ancestry and self-acceptance.

 Technology and our uncertain relationship with it is a recurring theme this year. After the Robots is a collection that brings together eight ambitious visions of possible futures shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and machines. Among them are Please and Thank You, in which a virtual assistant attempts to save its polite human user from an AI apocalypse; The Old Lady and the Eternity, about an 86-year-old woman who refuses to be uploaded to a digital afterlife; and おか (Okage), the first ever AI film to screen at Show Me Shorts – this is the story of a robot dog that must rely on the kindness of humans to complete its journey.

 

The Whānau Friendly collection is always one of the most popular, with seven short films for primary school aged children and their families. The films in this collection were chosen for children, by children, with young film lovers from Parnell District School helping to select the shorts they most wanted to see on the big screen.

 

Aspiring filmmakers attending Show Me Shorts can take advantage of educational industry events. Filmmaker Talks provide an opportunity to hear how films were made directly from the creators and ask questions about their process.

SHOW ME SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL SETS OFF ACROSS AOTEAROA DURING 7TH - 31ST OCTOBER.

Tickets for screenings and events are now available though www.showmeshorts.co.nz. Advance booking is recommended as some sessions will sell out quickly.

Some collections will also be available with captions to make them more accessible to people with hearing impairments.

About Show Me Shorts Film Festival

Show Me Shorts is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading international short film festival and is considered one of the top short film festivals globally. The festival is Oscar, BAFTA and Goya qualifying. It delivers an entertaining and thoughtful experience for audiences, with 120 screenings and events taking place in 44 cinemas and community venues nationwide each October. The festival also includes events and professional development opportunities for filmmakers.

EA Sports FC27: PS5 Review

Developed by EA Sports
Published by EA
Platform: PS5

The beautiful game returns once again.

In its latest annual update, EA Sports has added some major gameplay content to the long-running franchise and still ensured that the football remains at the heart of what transpires.

The biggest push of the 2027 season is the inclusion of The Grounds, a new social football playground where fans can live out their street to stadium football fantasy.

Back once again is Career Mode. The latest version includes a rebuilt Transfer Market, introducing active club bidding and realistic player values enhanced by TransferRoom. Master new negotiation tactics, including performance and buy-back clauses, as Dynamic OVRs reflect player form, morale, and fitness across every club.

Dune Awakening: PS5 Review

Developed by Funcom
Published by Bandai Namco
Platform: PS5

With the third and final part of the Dune film series coming out this year, there's never been a better time to revisit the world of Arrakis and this port of the old game will no doubt fuel some of that spice that people feel for the Atreides saga.

Set in the Dune-iverse, the game which benefits from a solo player campaign, rather than just the online version that existed before, gives you the chance to craft and survive, scavenge and fight your way around Arrakis, as well as discovering the deep lore that exists there.

You play an agent, sent by the Bene Gesserit to investigate the apparent disappearance of the Fremen. Which in theory sounds like a simple concept, but the planet of Arrakis proves to be the biggest enemy you face as the harsh desert conditions conspire against you to make survival anything but guaranteed.

From sandworms to sandstorms, the reality of surviving Dune Awakening is harder to face than you think. With a game that relies on crafting and fighting, the pressure's constantly on to make it further into your quest. There are a range of customisation options at the start of the game which can be tweaked (to varying effect) but are necessary to give you the very best chance to get through.

The game's multiplayer mode is also present, but the solo mode, while challenging, gives a little more of a hint of being part of the world - and as a result can feel much more rewarding than perhaps you'd first think. Perhaps the online world is better spent teamed up with friends, but the solo mode represents a leap forward in terms of where the game originally launched from.

Graphically, the game stands up - you can almost feel the sand in your throat as you face a sandstorm which can see you lose both your life and everything you've crafted and built up. Combat is better in melee, but the weapons (blades, mostly) don't really feel like you've stood a chance and when guns come into play, the game's a little more level.

Ultimately, Dune Awakening is a test of both commitment and atmosphere - it may occasionally feel like a punishing grind,  but in a world of games where the Souls-like narrative punishes those who play on, this return to Arrakis is a welcome drink in a very dusty gaming ocean.

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition: Nintendo Switch 2 Review

Developed by FromSoftware
Published by Bandai Namco
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2

Four years after its initial release, the painfully hard Elden Ring gets a porting to a handheld console that can handle its needs and its depth.

With a fixed 30fps rate, the game plays solidly on the Switch and makes a strong case for diving into this world of pain all over again. And while some of the environmental details on the game are a bit softer due to the fact of the lower frame rate, there's no sign of rate drops during the gameplay.

This time, the Lands Between stand out as you get to navigate them, facing enemies that initially seem unbeatable and threats that seem insurmountable. Including the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, this package is the complete one and one which will see you pouring hours once again into the Souls-like RPG that plays out.

Once again, the words "You Died" will haunt your life and irritate the heck out of you as you try to negotiate your way through the world of Elden Ring. Made in collaboration with George R R Martin of Game of Thrones' fame, the third person perspective Elden Ring sees you roaming around an open world of the Lands InBetween, some time after destruction of the famed Elden Ring.

For those unfamiliar with it, you are one of the Tarnished, a warrior being who roams the land, trying to reunite the shards and facing all manner of conflicts as you do so.

It's not an easy game to master, and in truth the opening sequences and gameplay of Elden Ring will help you decide whether you are in or out. But patience gradually sees you rewarded as you pass through the lands - with or without the help of messages left by other players scattered throughout. (Be warned, not every message left is helpful, and some are downright obnoxious).

While boss fights remain incredibly tough, Elden Ring has given you a chance to remove yourself from the combat, go off and do other things and level up and then head back to defeat them. It means the Souls formula has been refined and it doesn't hinder your progress in the game throughout. It's a smarter touch that means the once seemingly uncrackable formula can offer new players enticed by the accolades an in rather than leaving them frustrated.

With extra cosmetics on offer and a solid port being made for the Switch 2, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is well worth the time - even if it still proves to be horrendously hard for those unable to master its basics.