STACK #261 July 2026

PREVIEWS GAMING

WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH? No matter what style of game is your vibe, there’s sure to be something to get excited about amongst these fresh releases heading to JB this month. Words Amy Flower

EDITOR’S PICK RHYTHM PARADISE GROOVE RELEASE DATE: Jul 2 GENRE: Rhythm FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No We first fell under the spell of Rhythm Paradise – also known as Rhythm Heaven overseas - back in the Nintendo DS days. Its mix of rhythm game challenge with bonkers minigames based on everyday things proved fiendishly addictive. We’d slice onions, punch wrestlers, even pluck hairs – but perfectly on the beat, of course! Adding to all this fun was the fact that the catchy tunes were ultimate earworms – it was impossible to resist! Now Switch users get to join in the fun, as Rhythm Paradise Groove hits, promising more wild antics that will have us variously bouncing fruit off biceps, squishing drink cans, flapping along with birds, going veggie ninja in ‘Slice N Dice Kitchen’, and heaps more Complete with tracks from revered Japanese musician Tsunku, if you’ve never had the pleasure, then you’re in for a wild rhythmic treat!

NICKELODEON EXTREME TENNIS: NEXT! RELEASE DATE: Jul 1 GENRE: Sports FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Nickelodeon fans say “Yay!”, as your

MOUSE: P.I. FOR HIRE RELEASE DATE: Jul 10 GENRE: Shooter FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Immerse yourself in a hardboiled detective tale in a handdrawn

1930s-inspired world, blending fast-paced FPS action with noir mystery. Guide Jack Pepper through Mouseburg’s corrupt underbelly, battling gangs and uncovering conspiracies, while wielding crazy cartoony weapons. Conquer more than 20 levels of big band jazz-infused retro shooter action, bulging with secrets, style, and toon mayhem!

favourite characters bring chaos to the tennis court in this fast, family-friendly showdown. Customise your characters with hundreds of outfits and dive into easily learned couch co-op matches, unleashing wild ultimate abilities as you go. With added minigames and a narrated story mode there’s plenty to do, as you chase trophies with stars from the worlds of SpongeBob, TMNT, and more.

ASSASSIN’S CREED BLACK FLAG RESYNCED RELEASE DATE: Jul 9 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No The legendary swashbuckling Assassin’s

RATATAN RELEASE DATE: Jul 16 GENRE: Rhythm action FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The brains behind the legendary Patapon games bring us a new rhythm-driven

roguelike adventure! As the Ratatan, you’ll issue musical orders and trigger Fever Mode for frenzied power boosts as you command adorable Cobun warriors in beat based battles and crazed melees – with over 100 characters onscreen! Charming 2D animation, strategic rhythm play, and four-player multiplayer combine for toe-tapping trials.

Creed pirate tale roars back to life as you sail the Caribbean once again as Edward Kenway. Rebuilt combat, smoother stealth, upgraded naval battles, and a fully enhanced open world mean every raid is set to feel richer than ever. Add new storylines, returning icons, fresh allies, pets, and sea shanties to the adventure and Black Flag is now more immersive – and charming - than ever!

GRANBLUE FANTASY: RELINK – ENDLESS RAGNAROK RELEASE DATE: Jul 9 GENRE: Action RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes A classic returns, presenting new

SPLATOON RAIDERS RELEASE DATE: Jul 23 GENRE: Shooter FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The splat is back, as a wild new Splatoon adventure splashes onto

Nintendo Switch 2. A spinoff from the main series, gear up with gadgets and ink-blasting weapons, adding your own custom style as you team up with the band Deep Cut, and explore the mysterious Spirhalite Islands. You’ll splat Salmonids in chaotic shootouts, hunt for sweet, sweet loot, and tinker with tech as a fearless mechanic in this quirky quest.

threats as strange ragnalia emerge, chaotic realms open, and powerful foes descend upon Zegagrande. Expanded solo and coop content introduces summons, primal bursts, master traits, new quest tiers, and The Conflux, a challenging mode filled with unpredictable trials. With fresh stories, bosses, and crossplatform multiplayer, the adventure pushes characters further than ever.

ECHOES OF AINCRAD RELEASE DATE: Jul 10 GENRE: Action RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No

HALO: CAMPAIGN EVOLVED RELEASE DATE: Jul 28 GENRE: Shooter FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes This remake of the O.G. preserves the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign

Hey, intrepid hero! A perilous ascent through the floating fortress of Aincrad

awaits, where every clash demands skill and strategy, and each victory unlocks new abilities. Make your hero, tailor weapons and stats, and work with a trusted partner in realtime combat as you explore vibrant cities, hidden dungeons, and expanding regions that are filled with quests, treasures and – of course - deadly foes.

while adding modern features, fresh tactics, rebuilt HD visuals, updated cinematics, refined controls, and a new three-mission story featuring Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. Classic combat is expanded with extra weapons, vehicles, enemies, and replay changing Skulls. Plus, play solo, two-player split-screen co-op, or four-player online co-op.

Coming in AUGUST MARVEL TŌKON: FIGHTING SOULS (Aug 7) BEAST OF REINCARNATION (Aug 4) STAR WARS ZERO COMPANY (Aug 27)

Answers: 1. Rhythm Heaven 2. The Ren & Stimpy Show 3. Edward Kenway 4. Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse 5. Patapon 6. Inklings 7. Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 8. Razer Boomslang

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GAME EXAM

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