Game Reviews

Honest, in-depth reviews written by Australian gamers who actually finish the games they review.

Elden Ring Nightreign
Action RPG 10 May 2026

Elden Ring Nightreign

FromSoftware's co-op spin-off strips back the open world but doubles down on punishing, rewarding combat encounters that will challenge even veterans.

★★★★★ 9.2 / 10
Hollow Point: Zero Hour
FPS 7 May 2026

Hollow Point: Zero Hour

A tactical shooter that blends tight gunplay with a surprisingly rich narrative campaign set in near-future Melbourne.

★★★★ 8.5 / 10
Starcraft III: Dominion
Strategy 3 May 2026

Starcraft III: Dominion

Blizzard's long-awaited sequel refines the RTS formula with an astonishing campaign and deep multiplayer systems that reward hundreds of hours.

★★★★★ 9.6 / 10
Saltmarsh Chronicles
Indie 28 Apr 2026

Saltmarsh Chronicles

An Australian indie gem that weaves Indigenous Australian mythology into a breathtaking puzzle-adventure experience.

★★★★ 8.8 / 10
EA Sports FC 26
Sports 22 Apr 2026

EA Sports FC 26

The annual football sim returns with improved physics, a revamped career mode, and the best Ultimate Team experience to date.

★★★★ 8.1 / 10
Ghost Protocol: Reborn
Action 15 Apr 2026

Ghost Protocol: Reborn

Ubisoft's stealth-action franchise gets a fresh coat of paint with a gripping story and vastly improved AI enemy behaviour.

★★★★ 7.9 / 10
9.2 Score
Action RPG PC / Console

Elden Ring Nightreign

By James Mitchell — 10 May 2026 — 12 min read

Elden Ring Nightreign gameplay

Overview

Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware's bold experiment in cooperative play, taking the beloved Lands Between and reshaping it into a focused, high-intensity experience designed for two to three players. Rather than a sprawling open world, Nightreign offers a series of condensed, procedurally-influenced maps that escalate in difficulty over three in-game nights.

Gameplay

The core combat loop remains unmistakably FromSoftware — deliberate, punishing, and deeply satisfying. What Nightreign adds is a layer of coordination that transforms familiar encounters into something entirely new. Communicating with teammates, sharing resources, and coordinating boss strategies elevates the tension without sacrificing the series' signature sense of personal achievement.

Each run lasts approximately 40 minutes, making it ideal for Australian gamers looking for a complete session without committing to a multi-hour grind. The roguelite elements — randomised weapon drops, variable enemy placements — ensure no two runs feel identical.

Visuals & Performance

On PC with a mid-range GPU, Nightreign runs at a consistent 60fps at 1440p with high settings. The art direction is exceptional, with new biomes that feel distinct from the base game while remaining tonally coherent. Night-time sequences in particular are visually stunning, with dynamic lighting casting dramatic shadows across crumbling architecture.

✓ Pros

  • Excellent co-op mechanics
  • High replayability
  • Stunning visual design
  • Tight, satisfying combat
  • Perfect session length

✗ Cons

  • Requires online connection
  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited solo viability

Verdict

Elden Ring Nightreign is a triumphant co-op spin-off that proves FromSoftware can innovate within their own formula. While it demands a committed group of players, those who invest the time will find one of the most rewarding cooperative experiences of 2026. Highly recommended for fans of the series and newcomers alike.