STACK #257 March 2026

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

POKÉMON POKOPIA RELEASE DATE: Mar 5 GENRE: Life simulation FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes This is something a little different for Pokémon fans – a cosy life simulation! Players take on the role of a Ditto disguised as a human,

ROLLER COASTER TYCOON 3: COMPLETE EDITION RELEASE DATE: Mar 6 GENRE: Simulation FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Ever wanted to build the theme park

FATAL FRAME II: CRIMSON BUTTER FLY REMAKE RELEASE DATE: Mar 13 GENRE: Survival horror FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No It’s the return of the legendary cult Capcom survival horror outing where your weapon of choice is a camera. In Australia, we’ve known it as Project Zero , and this full remake of the 2003 second outing, Crimson Butterfly – regarded as one of the scariest horror games ever - is set to chill us to the bone all over again. It’s been reimagined with overhauled visuals, audio, controls, and gameplay systems, and with today’s tech at play it’s sure to up the scares even more. The story? It follows twin sisters Mio and Mayu Amakura, who wander into an abandoned village haunted by vengeful spirits after Mayu is lured away by a crimson butterfly. Armed with the series’ signature weapon, the Camera Obscura, players battle ghosts by capturing and sealing them through the lens. Plus, a new “Holding Hands with Mayu” feature is set to strengthen the emotional core of an already heart-stopping game, by highlighting the sisters’ bond. Gulp!

of your dreams, but been stymied by the whole money side of things? Well, why not build it with the return of this classic? It’s cheaper, and a whole lot safer! Manage finances, staff, and services across dozens of scenarios, ride your own coasters in first person, and expand the fun with the included Soaked! waterpark and Wild! animal habitat expansion packs.

befriending Pokémon and making a desolate land flourish using unique moves and abilities. Build a thriving town, craft items, grow crops, create habitats, and explore a world with real-time weather and day/night cycles as you customise your ever expanding home.

JOHN CARPENTER’S TOXIC COMMANDO RELEASE DATE: Mar 12 GENRE: Shooter FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Horror maestro John Carpenter lends his brain to this over-the

MONSTER HUNTER STORIES 3: TWISTED REFLECTION RELEASE DATE: Mar 13 GENRE: RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No The latest Monster Hunter outing sees

top multiplayer FPS, combining ‘80s action horror vibes, wild weapons, co-op chaos, class-based combat, upgrades, and apocalyptic battles to save the planet against impossible odds. Why? Well, a botched experiment has unleashed the Sludge God, mutating the world and raising undead horrors. It’s time for the Toxic Commandos!

Azuria and Vermeil facing annihilation as a crystal blight spreads, awakening two legendary Skyscale Rathalos. As Azuria’s heir and lone Rathalos Rider, players team with Princess Eleanor and her Monstie to stop the pending catastrophe. Raising Monsties, mastering strategic turn-based battles, and exploring a beautiful, seamless 3D world await the intrepid.

WWE 2K26 RELEASE DATE: Mar 13 GENRE: Sports FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Get ready wrestling fans, for WWE 2K26 slams down complete with cover star CM Punk. He features in-game

CRIMSON DESERT RELEASE DATE: Mar 20 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Grab your trusty sword and head into a medieval action-adventure open world fantasy as Kliff, a

mercenary leader who’s burdened by painful memories of his past as he struggles for survival in the harsh lands of Pywel. There’s an impending catastrophe, and it’s up to you and your Greymane comrades to engage in fierce battles to save the land, slashing, parrying, and blocking to victory.

as the focus of the all-new 2K Showcase, “Punked”, which is narrated by the man himself. The largest roster ever features, with over 400 playable Superstars, while gameplay is enhanced with four new match types, and major upgrades hit MyGM, MyRISE, Universe, MyFACTION, and The Island.

GHOST MASTER RESURRECTION RELEASE DATE: Mar 20 GENRE: Strategy FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No

NEOPETS MEGA MINI GAMES COLLECTION RELEASE DATE: Mar 26 GENRE: Family FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes

The cult classic puzzle-strategy game where your job is to terrify humans is revived! Summon spectres, solve

Dive into a collection of 25 classic Neopets favourites plus a brand-new game, fully

polished for console and ready for fun! Explore a new map of Neopia through story and arcade modes, enjoy local co-op, and earn online Neopets rewards via Neopass, delivering cosy, family friendly fun for all ages. Plus, this exclusive physical edition includes a double-sided poster, stickers, art cards, and more.

fiendish puzzles, and manage supernatural resources across eerie locations in this faithful remake that blends classic gameplay with new characters, modern visuals, refined mechanics, humour, and fresh modes. It also includes four batches of DLC to keep the ghoulish fun happening!

Answers: 1. Camera Obscura 2. PlayStation 2 3. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson 4. Black Desert Online 5. MS-DOS 6. Sonic Riders 7. Super Mario 64 8. Max Caulfield

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18 MARCH 2026

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