STACK #246 April 2025

GAMING PREVIEWS

visit jbhifi.com.au/stack

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 FATAL FURY: CITY OF THE WOLVES RELEASE DATE: Apr 24 GENRE: FIGHTING FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: YES When it comes to mega fighting franchises, SNK’s Fatal Fury is right up there with the likes of Street Fighter and Tekken . But for 26 years, there’s been silence… Until now! Yes, Fatal Fury is back! It’s set to continue the story from the last instalment, 1999’s Garou: Mark of the Wolves , complete with classic 2D brawling. There’s a new REV system that promises to amplify the intensity of each battle, while the game’s mechanics have been tweaked for even tighter gameplay. With two playstyles - Arcade or Smart – you’ll feel at home whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned pro. Plus, the launch edition includes the Season Pass 1, which will bring Street Fighter faves Chun Li and Ken to the party.

MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS 25 RELEASE DATE: Apr 10 GENRE: RACING FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: YES The official 2025 Supercross competition

CARE BEARS: UNLOCK THE MAGIC RELEASE DATE: Apr 24 GENRE: ARCADE FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO

Join all of your favourite cuddly friends as they set out for a whole lot of fun and adventure in

bursts onto our screens like never before. All the real-world tracks – including a selection of new ones – come home, for the latest roster of riders to let loose on. Given a huge graphics and physics overhaul, we’re promised the most realistic experience yet as the track conditions change through each race. It features a career mode, and cross-play competition, too.

this collection of classic arcade games with a Care-A-Lot twist. There are over 200 levels to explore within a dozen different minigames, where players banish storm clouds, meet funny Whiffles, and ultimately get a lovely surprise at the end of the magical road, all while filling up an in-game art book.

STEAMWORLD HEIST II RELEASE DATE: Apr 10 GENRE: STRATEGY FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO The latest smash from Swedish games powerhouse Thunderful gets the physical

POPPY PLAYTIME TRIPLE PACK RELEASE DATE: Apr 24 GENRE: SURVIVAL HORROR FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO Switch fans, you can now enter the world

treatment, as we head out on the waves to meet a water crisis head-on. The essence of life has become deadly to steambots, so as Captain Leeway you must set out and save botkind! The classic turn-based play that we know and love from the series has been further honed, in a whole new beautifully crafted world.

of Poppy Playtime like your PS5 friends, with this triple shot of terror! The first three chapters in the series are featured, wherein you’ll variously try to survive vengeful toys, evade Mommy, and navigate a rundown orphanage. All while you try to find out just what happened at Playtime Toys all those years ago, by solving puzzles and keeping alert.

CARMEN SANDIEGO: 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION RELEASE DATE: Apr 24 GENRE: ADVENTURE FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO It’s time to ask, “Where in the world?”

AMERZONE: THE EXPLORER’S LEGACY RELEASE DATE: Apr 30 GENRE: ADVENTURE FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO Originally released in 1999, this first

again as the 1980s classic celebrates 40 years of engaging play in this newly updated take. Meet faces familiar and foul as you navigate a world of espionage, with your trusty disguises and high-tech gadgets helping you to outwit and take down VILE operatives. This release also includes bonus skins, a digital art book and soundtrack, plus a map and stickers.

person fantasy graphic adventure brings Benoît Sokal’s comic strip to captivating life all over again in a whole new remake. Having heard the last wishes of a late explorer, embody a journalist seeking adventure and truth in a forgotten Latin American country. Lead the investigation in the ruins of this secretive land and unlock the mystery of the Great White Birds.

CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 RELEASE DATE: Apr 24 GENRE: RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO Travel back in time to the Belle Epoque era of France, given a dark fantasy twist. Your team’s aim is to destroy the evil Paintress, who wakes

MOTOGP 25 RELEASE DATE: Apr 30 GENRE: RACING FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: YES It’s time to get on your bike and ride once again with this year’s game of the official MotoGP

once per year to daub a number upon her monolith. This number spells a smoky death for all who are that age, and with 33 next, you don’t want to turn to dust! Turn-based RPG tactics combine with real-time mechanics for a whole new adventure experience.

championship. Step into the boots of your favourite riders as you master the bikes and tracks of the 2025 season. This year we get a deeper career mode, new racing disciplines to hone our skills with, and the choice between a full sim experience, or arcade mode. Plus, there’s full cross-play online racing!

Coming in MAY

DOOM: THE DARK AGES (May 13) PS5 | XSX ELDEN RING: NEIGHTREIGN (May 30) PS5 | XSX LOST SOUL ASIDE (May 30) PS5

Answers: 1. Neo Geo 2. Enduro Racer 3. SteamWorld Tower Defense 4. Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? 5. Infogrames 6. Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise 7. Freddy Fazbear's Pizza 8. Namco

!

52 APRIL 2025

jbhifi.com.au

GAME EXAM