STACK #258 April 2026

YOUR

TO MOVIES, TV, MUSIC, GAMING & TECH TO MOVIES, TV,

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

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ISSUE 258 APR ’26

STACK Issue 258 APRIL 2026 “The truth is out there.” WIN!

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 258 APR 2026

GAMING 6 Take 5/Charts/Q5/Wham, bam, game exam! 8 The truth is out there: Saros interview 10 Life is for living! Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream preview 12 Cosmic forces! Marvel Cosmic Invasion Q+A 14 Welcome to Skell! Xenoblade Chronicles X - Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition preview 16 The Razer Viper V4 Pro strikes! 18 What's out this month? MOVIES & TV 20 Take 5/Charts/5 cinema highlights/ Bob J's Film Buff Bafflers 22 Anaconda : The hiss-terical return/Savage survival - 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple 24 Hanging with Neil Diamond, and Song Sung Blue /Oscar glory! Jessie Buckley soars in Hamnet 26 Reel classics: New from Imprint Films/Q+A with William Brent Bell, director of Wer 28 4K all the way!/What's out this month? 29 Merch of the month MUSIC 30 Take 5/My first album/ STACK exchange 32 New albums: Foo Fighters - Your Favorite Toy /The Amity Affliction - House of Cards 36 New albums: Matt Corby - Tragic Magic / Holly Humberstone - Cruel World 37 New albums: Bring Me the Horizon - L.I.V.E. in São Paulo /Noah Kahan - The Great Divide 38-39 What's out this month? TECH FLIP MAG AND READ FROM BACK 4-10 Baby tech love 12-14 KitchenAid essentials for every home 16 Coffee time with Breville 18-20 Robot vacuums: Things to know before you buy 22-26 5 next-gen robot vacuums ready to take on your floors 28 Upgrading your laundry? Things to know before you buy 30 Low-price, high-quality washers and dryers 32-34 Your guide to washer/dryer perfect pairs 42 Next-level creativity starts with the Sony Alpha A7 V Full Frame Mirrorless Camera 44 Instant Mario! Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 Nintendo Switch Mario Edition 46 Home light therapy treatment: How does it work? 48 Light therapy for all budgets 50 Light up your skincare routine with the Shark CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask 52 Tracking whole-body health with Withings 54 eero Outdoor 7: Whole property Wi-Fi that just works 56 Nothing's Phone (4a) is here! 58 The big three in TV from LG 60 Samsung unpacks the new Galaxy Buds4 + Buds4 Pro 62 Home and roam: Sonos Play and Era 100 SL 64 Sony WF-1000XM6: Top of the class 66 JBL Bandbox: A portable AI-powered amp for practice and performance 68 4 top new laptops 69 Work, play, and create with the HP OmniBook X Flip laptop 36-38 The retro camera revival 40 Retro-style camera roundup

WELCOME

This month in STACK it's a home essentials extravaganza, rounding up the appliances that make modern living smoother, smarter, and a whole lot easier. For the kitchen, Breville’s Nespresso Creatista range delivers café-quality coffee without the queue, pairing capsule convenience with slick design and intuitive controls for barista-style results at home. Plus, KitchenAid continues to earn its cult status, from iconic stand mixers to versatile benchtop heroes that look the part and go the distance, turning everyday cooking into something a bit more special. Around the house, the latest robot vacuums are stepping up in a big way with smarter navigation, and stronger suction and mopping, taking the hassle out of keeping your floors spotless. And when it comes to the laundry, today’s washers and dryers are working overtime with clever features, improved efficiency, and seamless pairing to make wash day faster and easier than ever. If you’re looking to upgrade your home setup, we’ve got the essentials covered – what to look for, what’s worth the upgrade, and how these cool appliances fit into busy, connected lifestyles. Paul Jones, Editor-in-Chief

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Founder Nic Short Editor-in-Chief Paul Jones Tech Editor Scott Hocking

Music Consultant Mike Glynn Marketing Manager Fleur Parker Chief Contributors Gill Pringle, Bob Jones, James O’Connor Contributors Jeff Jenkins, Billy Pinnell, Bec Summer, Dan Nicholson, Trista McConville

Social Media Manager Glenn Cochrane Production Manager Craig Patterson Correspondence STACK editor@stack.com.au

Games & Online Editor Amy Flower Movie & TV Editor Glenn Cochrane Creative Director Gary Siewert Movies Consultant Kerrie Taylor Games Consultant Sachi Fernando

RATINGS GUIDE

Parental guidance recommended

Recommended for mature audiences

Not suitable for people under 15. Under 15s must be accommpanied by a parent or adult guardian

Restricted to 18 and over

General

Disclaimer STACK is published by Scribal Custom Pty Ltd (ACN 092 362 135). © Copyright Scribal Custom Pty Ltd, 2026 All rights reserved. All material appearing in this publication is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material or advertisement. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Scribal Custom Pty Ltd. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of advertisements or information. Whilst care has been taken in the research and preparation of this publication, the publishers, writers or anyone else associated cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or hardship arising from the content contained herein or reliance therefrom, howsoever caused, and it remains your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any such content. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or the editor. By the very nature of this publication, things change daily and we cannot take responsibility for any changes or inaccuracies that occur subsequent to going to press.

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BEST SELLERS at

What’s your earliest video gaming memory?

MARCH 2026

Playing a game called Ceiling Zero on an Apple IIe.

APRIL

What’s your all-time favourite game or game series?

’ s ROVING REPORTER

1 POKÉMON POKOPIA

Final Fantasy VII, or Guitar Hero.

2 CRIMSON DESERT

CHEYNE WELLINGTON @ JB Hornsby, NSW

What have you been playing most lately?

3 RESIDENT EVIL REQUIEM

Either War Thunder or SOVL: Fantasy Warfare.

4 POKÉMON LEGENDS: Z-A

5 EA SPORTS FC 26

What’s the best thing about working in games at JB?

You can only have one games console from any era – what would it be and why?

6 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 7

Sharing the enthusiasm with customers about their choice of games and exploring new experiences for the customer.

My Xbox Series X. It plays everything I want it to play, and Game Pass has been amazing.

7 WWE 2K26

8 SUPER MARIO GALAXY + SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2

Are you up to answering all eight of this month’s game related posers?

1. What was the name of the 2013 Housemarque arcade-styled original that debuted on PS4? 2. Which actor played the lead role in the 2010 movie Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time ? 3. On which handheld console did the Tomodachi games start out? 4. On which console did the original Xenoblade Chronicles first release? 5. What was the name of the 2013 Capcom original, the first game from Dontnod Entertainment? 6. What is unusual about the guns in the High on Life games? 7. What was the name of the only Ys game released on the SEGA Master System? 8. What was the name of the first Razer branded gaming mouse, released in 1999?

9 DONKEY KONG BANANZA

GAME EXAM

10 MARIO TENNIS FEVER

!

ANSWERS on page 18

1 What was the first game that you remember playing? Probably Space Invaders or Asteroids in an arcade. 2 What’s your favourite video game of all time? World of Warcraft . I’m still playing it. Don’t judge me. 3 What do you think is the most underrated video game of all time? Lorelei and the Laser Eyes was a brilliant game, and I don’t hear a lot about it.

Creative force behind the classic Monkey Island games and much beyond, since 1985. RON GILBERT

4 Which of the games that you’ve created is your favourite? The games I did at Humongous Entertainment. Putt-Putt , Pajama Sam , etc. 5 What are you working on currently? Wrapping up the console ports for Death by Scrolling .

Pajama Sam

APRIL 2026

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a wide variety of environments and enemies to encounter,” says Loudon. “The stunning environment that Arjun explores is that of a lost ancient civilisation fuelled by the twisted enlightenment of an eclipse. But this is just one of the biomes our amazing team have created.” Aiding in his quest, Arjun wears a combat suit that’s packed with rather useful abilities. “Arjun’s Soltari advanced combat suit allows him to dash, melee, jump, and more,” Loudon explains. “At the start of every run you select your loadout from a mix of Soltari human weaponry and Carcosan alien weaponry.” Ah, but it isn’t that simple – there are strange forces at play, affecting your loadout – and beyond. “The eclipse corrupts the weapons, artifacts, world, and peoples’ minds,” says Loudon. “Arjun must push through the eclipse to find answers, but with every attempt it adds corruption to Carcosa. “The eclipse also changes certain biome properties. In the Blighted Marsh, for example,

GENRE: Action adventure MULTIPLAYER: No

FORMAT:

The eagerly awaited latest cinematic action experience from Finnish developers Housemarque, Saros , arrives this month.The game’s creative director, Gregory Louden, lets us in on some of what to expect. Words Amy Flower THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE

how the marsh water comes alive and burns players when the eclipse is activated. Hostiles will also shoot yellow corrupted projectiles which reduce your max armour integrity unless cleansed using your power weapon.” Accompanying the relentless gameplay is a killer soundtrack. “The dark-electronic meets drone-metal score was composed by the fantastic two-time Grammy Award-winning Sam Slater,”

A fter the success of their original IP Returnal , the people at Housemarque were keen to branch out with its follow-up. “After Returnal we knew we had created something special and award-winning, but we also knew we wanted Returnal to stand on its own,” muses Louden. “With this in mind, we decided to create a new IP which evolves our deep third-person action and mysterious storytelling.” Action is very much to the fore in Saros , which Housemarque are billing as featuring a “haunting story”. Loudon elaborates. “Set on the lost off-world colony Carcosa under an ominous eclipse, you play as Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer who will stop at nothing to find who he is looking for.” Arjun is portrayed by actor Rahul Kohli, who many will remember fondly as Ravi from the super-fun TV series iZombie . “Rahul truly brings Arjun to life in a stunning performance,” enthuses Louden. “He’s been a brilliant collaborator to tell our story and a champion for the game.” While there will be some similarities, those who want what is essentially Returnal II may need to adjust their expectations, for

DYK?

Returnal ’s Selene makes a return of sorts in Saros , with actor Jane

Perry back as new character Sheridan Bouchard.

Loudon tells us. “His past work includes collaborations on the acclaimed Chernobyl and Joker , as well as being part of the team behind the score for the cult film Mandy . “The sound of the world also becomes corrupted during eclipse,” Loudon continues. “With the music distorting with layers of drone guitars that resonate across our world.” Ultimately, Loudon says that Housemarque really hope players connect deeply with Saros . “Our goal is to create

Housemarque aim for Saros to be its own beast – as Loudon explains. “A key gameplay distinction between Saros and Returnal is permanent resources and progression making every death valuable. After every death you’ll face a changed world, but in Saros you'll be able to choose and permanently upgrade your loadout from an evolving set of weapons and suit parts to ‘come back stronger’ to overcome the challenges you face on Carcosa.” The planet of Carcosa sure sounds like a fascinating place... “It’s a shapeshifting, hostile alien planet – one that changes on every death - and offers

an emotional and powerful character study that explores the cost it takes to create a new future. We’re super proud of how Saros plays, and we can’t wait for players to experience it.”

• Saros is out Apr 30

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Returnal, Control, Doom: The Dark Ages

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fighting and having arguments to making up, and relationships from dating to getting married, and even having kids.

Miis could be further customised, including their voice, accent, and personality, while 3DS features StreetPass and Spotpass could be engaged to have visitors from other islands, and to receive souvenirs from visits and bonus items from Nintendo.

DYK? “Tomodachi” is Japanese for “friends”.

GENRE: Simulation MULTIPLAYER: No

FORMAT:

The latest! This month’s new Nintendo Switch entry in the series – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream ( Tomodachi Collection: Exciting Life in Japan) – is set to expand on the world of the Miis even more.

Get ready for Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream , the latest in Nintendo’s hit – and wonderfully bonkers - social simulation series, arriving on Switch this month. Let’s take a quick look back at the history of the series – and find out what we can expect in this exciting new entry. Words Amy Flower Beginnings LIFE IS FOR LIVING!

As controller of the in-game island, you once again get to create Miis with various tailored characteristics – from body parts to personalities - and let them get on with their lives, prompting them every so often just for fun, or to perhaps help them along their way. Yes, once they’ve moved in – up to eight in an apartment - you can help your Miis shape their personalities, and form relationships by introducing them to each other, which can lead to conversations, friendships, and sometimes even unexpected drama – it’s like having your very own gamified soap opera! The island also features all manner of shops and services where Miis can buy items like food, clothes, and décor, as well as catching up on news and even taking photos. Players can create pets, design items, and invent custom objects for the island.

The original Tomodachi Collection was a Japan only release for the Nintendo DS, which came out in June of 2009. The idea was originally arrived at by junior Nintendo employees, aiming to imitate the character creation in fortune-telling video game Tottoko Hamtaro: Tomodachi Daisakusen Dechu . While the idea of user-designed game characters was posited as far back as the 1980s by Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto, this is seen as the birth of the Mii. As one of the only DS games that featured Miis, which could be imported from the Wii console or other peoples’ handhelds, Tomodachi Collection let players interact with their very own Mii by taking on various in-game activities. From touching their thought bubbles to reveal their desires, to feeding, clothing, and teaching them short sentences via the inbuilt microphone, it was all happening in the Mii apartment building! Tomodachi hits the world! What had proved a sensation in its native Japan was let loose the world over with the arrival of Tomodachi Life on the 3DS –

GROUND ZERO In 1985, game designer/programmer David Crane, Activision cofounder and creator of Pitfall! , unleashed Little Computer People . The conceit of this “house-on-a-disk” was that it let you watch a little person that lives inside your computer – unique on each machine it ran on - go about their daily business. It’s considered to be the first video game social simulation. Our LCP was named Parker.

Customisation options continue, with the ability to change the landscape by rearranging buildings and facilities, adding scenery, and more. Time in Tomodachi Life:

initially in Japan (as Tomodachi Collection: New Life ), then following worldwide in June of 2014. Set on an island, the principles

Living the Dream echoes that of our real world, so the idea is that you drop in regularly to check on how your little friends are getting along in their island world.

of the original continued with more abilities added to increase player engagement. These included the making of friends, interpersonal relationships that ranged from

• Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is out Apr 16

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books, and trying to find some designs in there that adapt well to pixel art, because that's what we're known for. How does character selection work? You can choose two characters, and those two characters will really affect how the game is played. So, you can go more strategic, choosing a character that can fly and a character on the ground, or a melee character and a ranged character. But you can also choose characters that you prefer and recreate those classic team-ups that you saw in the comics or in the cartoons or movies from Marvel as well.

GENRE: Fighting MULTIPLAYER: Yes

FORMAT:

What are your personal favourite characters in Marvel Cosmic Invasion ?

My favourites include She-Hulk and Rocket Raccoon. She-Hulk because she's just a massive character that can throw enemies

around and chain some insane combos. Rocket Raccoon because he's an agent of chaos. Every time you throw a grenade, it's randomised, so you don't know what you're going to get. He's really quick – he can do jump attacks that can combo easily between different enemies. So, both really have something a bit more unique that I like. What sort of environments can we expect to fight in? There are a lot of different environments to explore. We decided to expand on the comic book and add a few different environments, most notably Marvel's New York City, Wakanda, Genosha, Savage Land… They’re all places on Earth, but also the story takes you to the cosmos, so you'll move on to the Blue Area of the Moon and then Klyntar, Asgard, and a bunch of different places in the cosmos. Ultimately, what was your main goal in making Marvel Cosmic Invasion ? Obviously, we wanted to build on Marvel's legacy with arcade games. And you can see that with our retro pixel art style, but we wanted to infuse it with some modern game design as well. It's a really fun game to pick up and play if you have no experience

Classic arcade-styled beat ’em up Marvel Cosmic Invasion hits in physical form this month. Created by Montreal-based brawler kingsTribute Games, producer Remi Lavoie tells us more about their latest creation… Words Bec Summer

What promptedTribute to get involved in creating a Marvel game? I think we have a lot of Marvel fans here at Tribute, myself included. I grew up watching the cartoons – Spider-Man, X-Men – and I also grew up reading some comic books, and now with the shows and all the movies. I've been a fan since as far back as I can remember.

DYK?

How was it working with Marvel? Our relationship is really good. There was a lot of collaboration between Marvel and Tribute. Their feedback was fantastic and it was just a great partnership and a great fit for a beat ’em up game. Everything was made in collaboration with Marvel. Every

Data East’s 1991 arcade release Captain America and the Avengers is regarded as the first Marvel side-scrolling beat ’em up game.

I think we have a lot of new characters, or characters that don't really get the spotlight that often, that we'd like to introduce to new

players as well.

at all. But if you are a seasoned player, it's really something that you can go deep with the strategic aspects as well. So, our goal was really to try to

character design was reviewed and reworked to make sure that it works. It stays on brand with Marvel and it also works well within the game. How would you describe the game? We bring that old-school retro feel, but modernised for today's audience. I think the beat ’em up is a genre that Marvel hasn't really touched in a long while, so bringing that experience to new players is fantastic.

How did you decide upon the initial 15 main character designs? Our main throughline for the character designs was really a

• Marvel Cosmic Invasion is out Apr 17

make the experience as accessible as we could, and to make it an experience that you can share with your friends and family, whether online or on your couch at home.

blast from the past, from the ’90s mixed with a cartoony style. Most of our inspiration comes from the comic books, really old school comic

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Xenoplayed The game’s soundtrack was crafted by noted anime composer Hiroyuki Sawano, whose credits include Attack on Titan and Mobile Suit Gundam . He was approached by one of the game’s writers, Tetsuya Takahashi, who was a big fan of the composer’s work.

GENRE: Action RPG MULTIPLAYER: Yes

FORMAT:

Xenoblade fans rejoice, for this month sees the arrival of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition , bringing all the established action along with a bunch of quality bumps to Nintendo’s red-hot latest console. Here’s a taste of what to look forward to. Words Amy Flower WELCOME to SKELL !

we welcomed autosave. That would be our preference any day! All these improvements expanded upon the base game, which saw the return of popular co operative multiplayer functions such as Global Nemesis Battles. What does the Switch 2 version deliver? While no new game content has been added to this Switch 2 upgrade – Nintendo did a pretty good job of delivering a whole swathe of it when unleashing the Switch version - there are significant quality of life improvements. Aiming to harness the additional power of the Switch 2, players can now look forward to the game running at upscaled 4K resolution on compatible televisions. The frame rate has also received a significant bump, now targeting 60fps in 4K over the original 30 at 1080p, which has the knockon effect of improving the game’s responsiveness. Graphics have also received further attention from their original Switch upgrade, with improved textures on everything

What was new on the Switch port? The original 2015 game was a Nintendo Wii U exclusive that made extensive use of that console’s gamepad. As such, the journey to the Switch – and now Switch 2 – sees gameplay tweaked accordingly, with a special menu that allows easy access to features, while other UI functions now appear on the main screen. Beyond such practical changes, when updating for the Switch the developers also grabbed the opportunity to bring enhanced visuals to the party, including textures and character models, and they look an absolute treat. Plus, four new characters joined the fray in Neilnail, Liesel, Ga Jiarg, and Al, and two new Skells – the exoskeleton mechs used to get around the planet Mira – in Hraesvelg and Ares Prime. Speaking of characters, a welcome new addition was the ability to change party members on the fly via a menu, as well as allotting EXP to characters that aren’t in the currently active party. This injection of newness tied in with additions that were made to the story, with a

narrative that expanded upon the post-credits scene of the original, featuring Lao Huang and a mysterious hooded figure. A new mechanic called Quick Recast, attached to the ‘Y’ button, sped up cooldowns for Arts. Coupled with a gauge, there’s no spamming it, but it certainly comes in handy in tight battles. Fans also rejoiced at improved tracking, which took most of the guesswork out of navigating quests, as well as an easing up of the ability to gain those precious Affinity Points. Interestingly, the BLADE levels of the original were completely removed from existence. But while that functionality was taken away,

from characters to the environments in which

they roam, as well as some fabulous new lighting effects. Those who play in handheld mode don’t miss out, with the game now targeting 60fps in 1080p, offering a significant visual upgrade on the Switch version. So, get ready to head back into 2054 and do your best to save humanity – as always, we’re counting on you!

• Xenoblade Chronicles X: f i nitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is out Apr 16 De

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THE RAZER VIPER V4 PRO STRIKES!

Razer has a reputation for greatness amongst serious gamers, and their Viper mouse is the choice of many a champion.The Razer Viper V4 Pro is now with us, and it delivers a raft of improvements over its predecessor. Words Amy Flower

Weight for it! This latest evolution of the Viper continues the mouse’s legendary ultra-lightweight design, even managing to shave another five grams off the heft of its predecessor via structural optimisation – it now weighs in at a mere 49 grams (black) and 50 grams (white). The outside It may weigh next to nothing, but the Viper V4 Pro is certainly no lightweight in the

introducing the gen-3 Focus Pro 50K optical sensor. This newest of sensors allows granular adjustments to DPI and more to suit anybody’s play style, delivering up to 99.8% resolution accuracy. With 50,000 DPI sensitivity, an impressive max speed of 930 IPS (inches per second), and a maximum acceleration of 90 G (that’s how quickly a sensor can track fast

0.204ms response time, meaning near instant precision, and low motion latency – more performance for the player! It all comes together via the latest advance in Razer’s dongle, an attractive little domed critter, connected via a supplied USB cable

and designed to stay put when placed, with improved antenna strength for added reliability, and three handy LED status indicators for connectivity status, battery life, and polling rate. Set! The key to setting up your Razer Viper V4 Pro just browser-based configuration platform, which is easily accessible online without needing to install any special software. It’s ready and waiting for on-the-fly adjustments, via an intuitive interface that provides access to every setting from DPI sensitivity and polling rates to key mappings and onboard profiles. Go! A popular tool of the trade for pro esports gamers for many years now, this latest iteration of the Viper comes to us following extensive testing amongst elite pros, including five-time League of Legends champion Lee “Faker” Sang-Hyeok. Now we can all get our hands on the mouse of champions! The Razer Viper V4 Pro Wireless Esports Gaming Mouse is available now. exactly how you want it is Razer’s nifty Synapse Web

features department, still delivering an exciting set of top-of-the-line specs. The right-handed symmetrical design introduced with the V3 remains, still perfectly suited for both claw and fingertip grip styles – and its super comfortable smooth-touch finish still impresses. Meanwhile, finger

grooves on the buttons provide excellent grip, while the two side buttons are perfectly placed for accessibility. Large 100% PTFE mouse feet glide like a breeze and maintain accuracy across many different surfaces. The scroll wheel has also been updated. The latest in Razer’s optical technology has been implemented, delivering a claimed 3.3x higher durability than old school mechanical wheels, zero missed inputs or accidental movements, and continued top grade performance throughout its life. The inside But it’s on the inside where the biggest changes have been introduced. Razer has upgraded their already impressive gen-2 Focus Pro 35K optical sensor significantly, by

movements), you’re really playing with power. Continuing the internal upgrades, Razer’s latest gen-4 optical switches – which work via light rather than metal contacts – promise a whopping 100 million click life cycle, with reassuring tactile feedback, plus zero bounce to prevent those annoying accidental double clicks. Ready! As far as connectivity goes, the Razer Viper V4 Pro has you covered, whether you prefer wired or wireless play. Gen-2 Razer Hyperspeed wireless connectivity offers up to almost double that of its predecessor at 1000Hz – a huge 180 hours – and up to more than double the V3 Pro at 8000Hz, with an impressive 45 hours. Razer’s Hyperspeed gen-2 promises a

16 APRIL 2026

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GAMING PREVIEWS

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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 SAROS RELEASE DATE: Apr 30 GENRE: Action FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Since the early 1990s, Finnish game developer Housemarque has thrilled us with all manner of classic shooters. Evolution in gaming has seen them go from simple – but fiendishly addictive - arcade fare to more advanced experiences, such as their PS5 smash hit Returnal . Saros is their latest original IP, and while it shares some similarities with and takes some inspiration from Returnal – most notably it’s another third-person shooter – it is very much its own beast. As we step into the space boots of Soltari Enforcer Arjun Devraj, we can expect all sorts of joyous bullet hell gameplay mixed with some roguelike elements. We'll also have a constant stream of weapon and suit upgrade availability with which to soldier on through repeated deaths, in our quest to find the truth behind a sinister corrupting force. Housemarque has never disappointed, so we’re mad keen to get our hands-on this latest epic this month.

THE ROGUE PRINCE OF PERSIA RELEASE DATE: Apr 10 GENRE: Platformer FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No The fast-paced roguelike adventure comes to physical, where you play as

PRAGMATA RELEASE DATE: Apr 17 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Capcom’s newest IP kicks off as astronaut Hugh Williams investigates

a prince spared by death, fighting to undo your mistake that doomed Persia. With acrobatic combat, parkour, and over 100 weapons and medallions to find while exploring ever-changing, procedurally generated paths, there’s plenty to keep even the most intrepid player occupied. Each defeat reveals new secrets, aiding your quest to save the kingdom.

a silent lunar research station following loss of contact with Earth. Injured and separated from his team, he’s rescued by a mysterious android in the guise of a young girl. Together they set about exploring the abandoned facility, combining hacking and combat skills to survive hostile AI attacks and find a way to return to Earth.

TOMODACHI LIFE: LIVING THE DREAM RELEASE DATE: Apr 16 GENRE: Social simulation FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Create your own bustling island

HIGH ON LIFE 2 RELEASE DATE: Apr 20 GENRE: Shooter FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No

Dive headlong back into the strange universe of High on Life as a wise

cracking bounty hunter whose peaceful life hits chaos when a mysterious enemy targets their sister. Team up with your chatty alien guns, grind through danger by skateboard, and battle a sinister galactic pharma empire in this loud, weird, and wildly funny sci-fi adventure sequel that’s packed with all the strangeness that you’d hope for from Squanch Games.

community, where customisable Mii characters based on friends, family, or your vivid imagination live their everyday lives. Mould their personalities, voices, homes, and quirks while helping them solve issues, form friendships, explore island shops, and more. With real-time progression and endless interactions, every visit reveals surprising new moments and memories!

XENOBLADE CHRONICLES X: DEFINITIVE EDITION – NINTENDO SWITCH 2 EDITION RELEASE DATE: Apr 16 GENRE: Action RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes

TIDES OF TOMORROW RELEASE DATE: Apr 22 GENRE: Adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Set in a flooded world that’s on the brink of collapse, this unique adventure

connects you to others through a novel online story link system. Follow the “seed” of another player, friend, or creator to experience the lasting impact of their choices – and leave your own mark for future Tidewalkers, too! Explore shifting environments, encounter rival factions, and face the deadly Plastemia disease.

The series entry that was a Wii U exclusive until hitting the Switch last year gets a cool Switch 2 upgrade. The open world RPG brings a host of upgrades on those upgrades, including further improved graphics, a higher framerate, and 4K when playing on a supporting TV. With humanity on the brink of annihilation, you’re one of a small number of survivors who can hopefully save us all, with help from giant mech Skells.

MARVEL COSMIC INVASION RELEASE DATE: Apr 17 GENRE: Fighting FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The red-hot retro-inspired Marvel beat ’em up gets physical! After Annihilus unleashes

YS MEMOIRE: REVELATIONS IN CELCETA RELEASE DATE: Apr 28 GENRE: Action RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Revisit a vital chapter in the legendary

Coming in MAY FORZA HORIZON 6 (May 19) LEGO BATMAN: LEGACY OF THE DARK KNIGHT (May 22) 007 FIRST LIGHT (May 27) the Annihilation Wave across the galaxy, heroes like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Nova, Captain America, and Phyla-Vell unite to save the universe. Packed with vivid pixel art, 15 core playable heroes, and the Cosmic Swap tag-team system, unleash creative combos while battling across iconic locations throughout the Marvel universe.

RPG series that first hit the PS Vita as Memories of Celceta back in 2013. Step into the boots of amnesiac adventurer Adol Christin as he explores the perilous Great Forest of Celceta, recovers lost memories, and battles foes using fast, party-based combat. With enhanced visuals, dynamic exploration, and an updated soundtrack, dive into a key look at the legacy of Ys .

Answers: 1. Resogun 2. Jake Gyllenhaal 3. Nintendo DS 4. Nintendo Wii 5. Remember Me 6. They talk 7. Ys: The Vanished Omens 8. Boomslang

!

18 APRIL 2026

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GAME EXAM

Available at

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5 CINEMA HIGHLIGHTS

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Apr 1

The Drama Apr 2

APRIL

You, Me & Tuscany Apr 9

What’s a movie you saw as a child that has left a lasting impression on you? Surf’s Up! It’s one of the most unique kids movies of all time. I still watch it to this day and never fail to laugh. I quote it all the time. What’s one of your all-time favourite movies, and why? Goodfellas , for sure. The cinematography, the soundtrack, the script – chef’s kiss! Sometimes I play the soundtrack on full volume to feel like Ray Liotta. What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? Succession . The writing is the utmost witty in all of TV. Jesse Armstrong kills. The cast are amazing and give the performances of a lifetime. What have you been watching lately that you’d recommend? Lately, I’ve been re-watching The Sopranos . Talk about an addictive show! I always recommend it to anyone who says “There’s nothing good to watch”. Nine times out of ten, they haven’t seen The Sopranos .

’ s ROVING REPORTER

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Apr 16

Michael Apr 16

CHARTS

4K UHD BEST-SELLERS in MARCH 2026

ZARA ZUCCOLOTTO @ JB Broadway, NSW

1 WICKED: FOR GOOD 2 BEN HUR JB-EXCLUSIVE STEELBOOK 3 ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

6 ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN JB-EXCLUSIVE STEELBOOK 7 BLACK PHONE 2 8 LAWRENCE OF ARABIA 9 F1: THE MOVIE 10 BATTLE OF BRITAIN

What’s the best thing about working at JB? The people. I’ve never been a part of a more supportive team. The environment is super energetic and fun. It’s the most dynamic job I’ve ever had.

4 BUGONIA 5 SINNERS

BLU-RAY BEST-SELLERS in MARCH 2026 1 WICKED: FOR GOOD 2 NUREMBERG

QUIZ

Northwest, and Taxi Driver ? Q3 What was James Bond’s military rank? Q4 Who hung from a cross on the Appian Way, along with his followers? Q5 Who played Buddy Holly in a 1978 biopic? Q6 “ All right, Mr DeMille, I’m ready for my close up ” is the last line from which classic movie? Q7 In Pulp Fiction, Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) makes a dangerous return trip to his apartment to

retrieve what priceless family heirloom? Q8 Who portrays the crusading newspaper editor Dutton Peabody in John Ford’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance ? Q9 In which Disney musical comedy do carousel horses magically gallop off across the countryside? Q10 What links John Huston to The Maltese Falcone and Chinatown, respectively?

6 ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER 7 BLACK PHONE 2 8 THE WALKING DEAD: DARYL DIXON - SEASON 3 9 F1: THE MOVIE 10 SISU: ROAD TO REVENGE

3 CYBERPUNK EDGE RUNNERS 4 NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON’T 5 FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDYS 2

Q1 Which Japanese classic movie is spoofed in Battle Beyond the Stars (1980) Q2 Which composer wrote the music for the f ilms Vertigo ; North by

DVD BEST-SELLERS in MARCH 2026

1 WICKED: FOR GOOD 2 NUREMBERG 3 NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON’T 4 FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDYS 2 5 BLACK PHONE 2

6 ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER 7 DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE 8 THE WALKING DEAD: DARYL DIXON - SEASON 3 9 THE BAD GUYS 2 10 SISU: ROAD TO REVENGE

MARCH 2026 (Issue 257) ANSWERS - A1. Andy Williams A2. John Ford for The Informer ; The Grapes of Wrath; How Green Was My Valley, and The Quiet Man A3. The Road Back (1937) A4. Red Dust (1932) and Mogambo (1953), both starring Clark Gable A5. Robert Shaw A6. Harlem Nights (1989) A7. In the Heat of the Night A8. Nazi war criminals A9. Clint Eastwood A10. The Life of Brian (1979)

20 APRIL 2026

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GENRE: Action comedy RUN TIME: 1h 40m

ANACONDA THE HISS-TERICAL RETURN Nearly 30 years after squeezing audiences, the cult creature feature Anaconda sheds its skin for an all-new meta revival.

Jack Black and Paul Rudd

FUN FACT

A naconda was a star-studded creature feature in 1997, with Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Luke Wilson, Eric Stoltz, and Jon Voight rounding out the cast. It proved to be something of a sleeper hit, eventually finding its audience on home video. This new Anaconda is not a remake or a reboot, but an entirely new comedy adventure about two mates who idolise that 1997 movie. Jack Black and Paul Rudd play friends who travel to the Amazon rainforest to fulfil their childhood dream of remaking Anaconda . They are joined by Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello as their hapless entourage. “We thought it would be a fun and novel way to attack IP-driven films, by making

a movie about a group of friends trying to make a low budget, IP-driven film,” says director Tom Gormican. “ Anaconda became a great vehicle to put the characters’ lives in danger, while they put their dream of making a movie into motion. And we were fans of the fun insanity of the original film.” Any movie that goes meta like

crazy, and I was excited to work with Tom Gormican and his brain, because The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent was one of my favourite films,” admits Jack Black. “And Paul Rudd was attached! I was like, ‘I want to party with these dudes!’ This was a deck full of aces.” Gormican hopes the film’s themes

The original Anaconda spawned three sequels and even tangled with Lake Placid in a crossover.

this is bound to raise concern amongst moviegoers, but there is reassurance here given Gormican and co-writer Kevin Etten’s previous, equally meta outing in the brilliant Nicolas Cage romp The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent . “The script for Anaconda was funny and

will resonate with audiences, noting “Everybody has a thing they’ve always wanted to do. And very few of us ever actually try to do it. For our heroes, it’s a childhood dream of making a movie – but the drive comes from a realisation that it’s now or never.” Glenn Cochrane

• Anaconda is out Apr 8

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Death of a Unicorn

FUN FACT

GENRE: Horror RUN TIME: 1h 50m

SAVAGE SURVIVAL 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE

in a new world order. Shifting the horror away from the infected zombie-like creatures of previous instalments, The Bone Temple chronicles the “Jimmys”, a violent, sadistic, manipulative, Satan-worshipping gang led by Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). O’Connell describes the character as “quite eccentric, in his twisted gaiety.” adding “As Jimmy sees it, evil has prevailed in the world, and he’s eulogised that through all the bad stuff in the Bible. Jimmy was obviously aware of the Bible because his dad was a vicar, but that’s all become inverted, through the new norm of the world they live in, which is marked by darkness, death, zombies, mauling people, and jungle law. It’s survival of the fittest.” With Ralph Fiennes returning as the eccentric survivalist Dr Ian Kelson, Alfie

Pending the studio green light, Danny Boyle intends to direct one final chapter, which was set up in the final moments of The Bone Temple .

18 years passed between 28 Weeks Later and the first expansion of the world created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s revolutionary 28 Days Later .

A fter all those years of silence, their gnarly post-apocalyptic story has suddenly returned with a fury. Last year they returned with 28 Years Later , delivering one of the year’s best horror

was the perfect choice to direct The Bone Temple . Alex Garland and I had long been fans of her reimagining of Candyman and recognised that Nia has serious horror chops, and a genuine love for the original 28 Days Later . She honours what fans love about the franchise

Williams as Spike, and Chi Lewis-Parry as the zombie everyone’s talking about, Sampson, the cast is stacked and the scene is set for one of the most jaw-dropping and polarising horror films in recent memory. Glenn Cochrane

movies. Now, less than a year later, the story continues with The Bone Temple , a critically acclaimed and arguably even better follow-up that pushes all sorts of envelopes. Directing the latest instalment is Nia DaCosta, whose praises Boyle sings. “Nia

while making the new film her own, taking the series into even darker, more intense areas.” Picking up precisely where 28 Years Later ended, the new movie wades into the darkest recesses of the genre, depicting a sinister, depraved, and often repulsive side of mankind

• 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is out Apr 22

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Sinners, The Long Walk, World War Z, The Hunt

22 APRIL 2026

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HANGING WITH NEIL DIAMOND, AND SONG SUNG BLUE Fun Fact: Neil Diamond’s song Song Sung Blue was inspired by the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto #21 . GENRE: Musical romance RUN TIME: 2h 13m

Talking to STACK in LA, Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson discuss making the Oscar-nominated Song Sung Blue and having a cuppa with Neil Diamond.

I f Hugh Jackman has been singing his entire adult life, then he was unprepared to meet his match in Kate Hudson. Together, they make beautiful harmony in Song Sung Blue , based on two real-life down-on-their-luck musicians whose joyous Neil Diamond tribute band proved it's never too late to find love and follow your dreams. “We really bonded as people, as actors,” Jackman, 57, says of his co-star who received a 'Best Supporting Actress' Oscar nod for her role. “But there was one day when we were sitting on the couch, and they just put a mic in front of us and recorded us – and that's when I got the chills; that’s when I knew, musically, we would blend.” Likewise Hudson knew their beautiful tear jerking duets would work perfectly on film. “The studio is a very vulnerable place because they're

picking up everything from your voice. And as artists, you don’t like certain things, but you have to try things and be really open. So, it was a great entry point for us to break open a bit and be vulnerable with each other.” The real Neil Diamond also opened his door to the Australian actor ahead of production. “You don't see a lot of commercials using Neil’s songs. He doesn't give it up easily, but he just loved this story,” says Jackman. “And so I said to him. 'Oh, I'd love to come over for a cuppa and talk about it'. This is a very Australian thing, by the way! “So, we had dinner and then the karaoke machine came out, and I was just like, 'Please,

Hugh and Kate at the LA premiere

Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman

someone video this!' And we did, and his first song was: I Dreamed a Dream . Then we sang Canada,

Falling in Love with You and Sweet Caroline . And at one point he put his arm around me and kissed the top of my head. It was just this beautiful moment.” Gill Pringle

• Song Sung Blue is out Apr 8

The 4K will be available on May 25

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Blue Moon, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Elvis

GENRE: Drama RUN TIME: 2h 5m

OSCAR GLORY! JESSIE BUCKLEY SOARS IN HAMNET JESSIE BUCKLEY

Taking home the 'Best Actress' Oscar for her performance in Hamnet was the crowning triumph for Jessie Buckley, 36, who has won the award from every movie voting body this year.

Director Chloé Zhao and Jessie Buckley

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal

B orn in Ireland, the eldest of five, her family were even flown out for the shining moment when their big sister would become the first ever Irish actress to take home the 'Best Actress' Oscar for her passionate portrayal of Agnes, aka Mrs Shakespeare. And even if her screen partner – Paul Mescal as the Bard himself - has been passed up for awards for his own role, then Buckley is the first to admit that she couldn’t have done it without him. “I love that man. I've been very lucky to work with great partners in my life, and I think he might be the best,” she says. “You know, the chemistry is just there. I knew Paul a little bit. I knew his work.

I respected him so much. But when we did our first chemistry read, what was so exciting was the possibility, there was just a crackle there and immediate trust,” says Buckley, who currently has an altogether different screen husband with Christian Bale’s Frankenstein in The Bride! . “And it's rare that you meet somebody like that, and it's rare that you meet a male co-lead like that, where you think, 'I'm going to meet you so many times throughout my life, and we're going to have growth together'.” In common with millions of readers, Buckley was enchanted by Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 Hamnet best-seller, about William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes,

and their son Hamnet dying, aged 11, from the bubonic plague. The fictionalised story explores the profound grief experienced by his parents, and the impact of this loss on their family and on Shakespeare's choice to write Hamlet . Moved to tears after reading Chloe’s script, Buckley recalls, “I was like ‘This is the woman I’ve been looking for. Agnes is untethered, free, deeply curious, like a kind of rye whiskey, mischievous, hungry, beautiful soul of a woman’. I just love her. She’s like one of those people I wanted to be my new best friend.” Gill Pringle

• Hamnet is out Apr 22

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Hamlet, Tár, Wicked Little Letters, Wuthering Heights, Emma

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Imprint continues to spoil collectors with another impressive slate of deluxe box sets, spotlighting legendary filmmakers and classic cinema. Words Glenn Cochrane

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN COLLECTION (1960-1972) Loaded with special features including new audio commentaries, interviews, and essays, The Magnificent Seven Collection rides again in a stunning limited edition hardbox. This five-disc set presents John Sturges’ iconic 1960 western on 4K UHD, alongside its three action-packed sequels on Blu-ray: Return of the Seven, Guns of the Magnificent Seven, and The Magnificent Seven Ride! A definitive presentation celebrating one of cinema’s most enduring western legacies.

DIRECTED BY… SIDNEY LUMET – VOLUME TWO (1978-1999) Continuing Imprint’s celebration of legendary filmmaker Sidney Lumet, Directed by... Sidney Lumet – Volume Two , gathers five diverse works in a limited-edition five-disc hardbox. The set includes The Wiz, Daniel, A Stranger Among Us, Critical Care, and Gloria , with the latter two making their worldwide Blu-ray debut . Special features include a new audio commentary featuring the late, great Melbourne film historian Lee Gambin, plus interviews and archival material exploring Lumet’s remarkable career.

DIRECTED BY… JOHN MACKENZIE (1980-1992) Imprint spotlights the work of British filmmaker John Mackenzie with this limited edition four-disc hardbox spanning 1980-1992. The collection includes the landmark crime classic The Long Good Friday, The Honorary Consul, The Fourth Protocol, and Ruby , presented on Blu-ray. Notably, Ruby receives its worldwide first Blu ray release . Packed with special features and new commentaries, this set celebrates a director who tackled crime, politics, and espionage with unmistakable intensity.

TALES OF THE WILD WEST: COLLECTION ONE (1956-1967) Imprint saddles up for a new series with Tales of the Wild West: Collection One (1956-1967) , a limited-edition five-disc hardbox bringing together five classic frontier adventures: Three Violent People, The Tin Star, Nevada Smith, The Professionals, and Waterhole #3 . The latter receives its worldwide first Blu-ray release . Packed with new and archival extras, this collection celebrates the rugged heroes, sweeping landscapes, and dusty showdowns that defined the golden age of the western.

• The new Imprint range is out Apr 8 for a limited time only, while stocks last.

Q & A

WITH WILLIAM BRENT BELL , DIRECTOR OF WER

For nearly two decades,William Brent Bell has been making his mark in the horror world, yet one of his most memorable films, Wer , remains criminally underseen.With the film now returning to Blu-ray and DVD, we put a few questions to the director.

approach was to ask whether those legends might have originated from something more grounded in reality. If you were to make Wer now, would you do anything differently?

a classic and still one of the most unforgettable mash-ups of horror,

How do you feel about Wer 14 years after its release?

I’m incredibly proud of Wer . We really wanted to do something different within the genre and I think we achieved that. Over time, though, it’s been really gratifying to see the movie continue to build a following and find its audience. What were some of your influences when developing the movie? District 9 was a big influence in how its narrative blended conventional coverage and real-world cameras, creating a grounded feel without the restrictions of pure found footage. Looking back, what do you think Wer does differently than other werewolf movies? Most werewolf films lean into the supernatural mythology of a man turning into a beast. Our

character, and dark humour. I’ve always loved Wolfen and The Howling . And I’m a big fan of Ginger Snaps . You’re now working on Orphans . What can you tell us about the movie? I can’t say too much about it yet, but

Director William Brent Bell

Honestly, I’m not sure I would change much. There’s a rawness to the film that I really like. If anything, I think we could have leaned a little more into a controlled, cinematic style for the main camera while still keeping the grounded realism that defines the movie. What are some of your favourite werewolf movies? An American Werewolf in London is obviously

it continues to explore Leena Klammer as a character. It leans into the twisted psychology and dark humour introduced in Orphan: First Kill but in fresh and unexpected ways. I can’t

• Wer is out Apr 8

wait for audiences to see where we take the story.

26 APRIL 2026

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