Matthew Arcari

Melbourne

Games and Technology Editor at AU review

Just a kid with a dream.

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Articles

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach improves upon its predecessor in almost every way

4 days ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

In the lead-up to the launch of the first Death Stranding back in 2019, it’s safe to say the stakes were high. Hideo Kojima had left Konami, founded his own development company in Kojima Productions Co., Ltd. and created one of the more ambiguous games we had seen in quite some time. Was it a horror game? An action game? The answer was somewhere in between.
Our Gears of War: Reloaded beta impressions

5 days ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

Gears of War is back again, and boy, does it feel strange to talk about its availability on the PlayStation 5. Gears of War: Reloaded is essentially a remaster of the original Gears of War, now polished and made available on a new platform. We got the chance to partake in the recent beta, which took place over the last two weekends, and are here to give our initial thoughts and impressions on the overall experience, as far as the current visuals, performance, and mechanics are concerned.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is another solid iteration on a classic

5 days ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

I must say, the Nintendo Switch got it right with the original Pro Controller. Maybe it was the uncomfortable Joy-Cons, which were way too small, but after begging for an alternative, the Pro Controller brought the goods. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller feels like Nintendo understood what we were already happy with. With a familiar shape and design, Nintendo haven’t done much to redefine the original formula, but added to the overall package where it counts.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera has its flaws, but serves its purpose

5 days ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

We recently reviewed the Nintendo Switch 2 and thought it would be a good idea to include this in our main review, as one comprehensive article that covers all accessories. But given that the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera doesn’t come with the console, we feel it deserves its own review. The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a fine option for the console, given its close connection with the GameChat feature.
The Nintendo Switch 2 feels like the evolution we've been waiting for

5 days ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

It’s hard to believe the original Nintendo Switch was released back in 2017. It’s a true testament to that console that it lasted this long and remained popular practically until the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. That being said, this new console, while pushing the platform forward in terms of its outright grunt, also provides some sleek additions and nuances that make it a more refined version of that original console.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is charming in parts, and boring in others

6 days ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

In one of the more interesting reviews I’ve had to write in a while, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour serves as an introductory guide to using and learning about your brand-new console. In certain ways, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour does its job well. Through a series of mini-games and quizzes, you not only learn about what you can do with the console, but also how things work in the first place. Now I don’t want to be petty, but there are a few gripes I just can’t get over.
Mario Kart World is a fantastic step forward for the franchise

1 week ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

Can you believe it’s been over a decade since we’ve had a new Mario Kart game? But along with the Nintendo Switch 2, here we are. In many ways, Mario Kart World is an awesome follow-up to an almost perfect kart-racer that has stood the test of time. On the fresh hardware, it looks fantastic and runs incredibly well. There are plenty of cool tracks and a couple of adorable new characters across a large roster. It’s a familiar experience that feels all the more polished and refined.
The OPPO A5 Pro 5G falters in places, but still provides some decent value

2 weeks ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

OPPO is no stranger to a wide variety of entry-level, mid-range, and even premium phones for various users and budgets. Their newest entry-level option, the A5 Pro 5G, proves to be a decent choice in certain areas. For A$399, you’re getting fantastic battery life, 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, and plenty of software support for added longevity.
The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds provide fantastic audio quality on a budget

2 weeks ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

While Skullcandy have certainly been around for a while with a diverse range of headphones, earbuds, and everything in between, their newest pair of earbuds has taken a bit of a detour from the norm. Pairing up with Bose to deliver a new form of high-fidelity audio proves Skullcandy isn’t messing around this time, providing a stack of premium features at a reasonable price of A$189.99.
Here's every announcement from the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase

2 weeks ago | theaureview.com | Matthew Arcari

PlayStation’s surprise State of Play, Summer Game Fest, Future Games Show and now, Xbox Games Showcase. It’s been a crazy weekend for game announcements, and we’re not done yet. Here’s every announcement from the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase, along with The Outer Wilds 2 Direct. Enjoy!And that’s a wrap! Really impressive showing from Xbox this year, and it’s great to see them push the envelope in terms of allowing players to play their games anywhere.