STACK #251 September 2025

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 SONIC RACING: CROSSWORLDS RELEASE DATE: Sep 25 GENRE: Racing FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes In an ocean of competitors to Mario Kart , not surprisingly the moustachioed tradie’s biggest rival off the track has also proven to be his greatest racing game adversary. Yes, Sonic the Hedgehog’s kart racers have been superb, and that tradition is set to continue when we get to hit the track in CrossWorlds . A collaboration between Sonic Team and the developers behind the Initial D arcade racers, 12 drivers compete on classic SEGA themed tracks, in customised karts. But there’s a twist – the leader at the end of lap one gets to choose one of two CrossWorlds, taking all racers to unknown lands as they battle for racetrack supremacy. With all sorts of modes for solo and group play, customisation options galore, as well as promised DLC that will even see the likes of SpongeBob and Hatsune Miku visiting, this is an arcade-focussed karting game that’s shaping as one not to be missed.

HELL IS US RELEASE DATE: Sep 4 GENRE: Action Adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Step into the boots of United Nations peacekeeping soldier

GARFIELD KART 2: ALL YOU CAN DRIFT RELEASE DATE: Sep 10 GENRE: Racing FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Rev it up for some frantic feline

Rémi, as he takes on supernatural beings known as Hollow Walkers while on a quest to discover the fate of his parents. Deus Ex art director Jonathan Jacques Belletete steps up to direct this third person, semi open world action adventure, which has us battling those hordes with various melee weapons, such as swords, polearms, and axes.

formula fun action as Garfield and pals – including Odie, Nermal, Arlene, and ever-suffering owner Jon Arbuckle – hit the track, each with their own racing personality. Race through various worlds based on such classic themes as pirates, western, detective, and more, in your customised kart, using shortcuts and bonus items to further your chances of victory.

DAEMON X MACHINA: TITANIC SCION RELEASE DATE: Sep 5 GENRE: Shooter FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Strap yourselves in for more fast

BORDERLANDS 4 RELEASE DATE: Sep 12 GENRE: Shooter FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Hold onto your loot, for classic wild shooter action is heading

back our way, and its set to bring more mayhem – and open world to explore - than ever before. Nabbing secret alien treasures is the name of this particular game, which will be aided by new vehicles and ways of getting about, including a very handy grappling hook. Plus, classic two player couch co-op has made its way back for another run.

paced mega mech action as the sequel to 2019’s dark sci-fi epic Daemon X Machina bursts onto our screens. Explore a mysterious alien planet in your Arsenal mech, battling against both mechanised and organic enemies. Trek the vast open world on foot, fly through the skies, or even gallop on horseback in this wild outing from Armored Core producer Kenichiro Tsukuda.

EVERYBODY’S GOLF HOT SHOTS RELEASE DATE: Sep 5 GENRE: Sports FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes If you love a challenging round

BRATZ RHYTHM & STYLE RELEASE DATE: Sep 12 GENRE: Party FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The four OG Bratz superstars -

of golf but find the video game versions just a little too serious, then rejoice, for the Everybody’s Golf series is back – and it’s spreading its wings beyond PlayStation! Don’t let the cartoonish visuals fool you, as this is a seriously fun and challenging golf game, with easy to learn controls. Play with friends over courses around the world – and even tee off as Pac-Man!

Cloe, Yasmin, Sasha, and Jade – are back, bringing their fabulous line in fashion to the fore in a fun new video game. Travel to six cities from London to Paris, Milan to Tokyo, competing in fashion shows, dance-offs, and fitness games. But watch out for Burdine and the Tweevil Twins, who are out to steal your spotlight by outdancing and out-styling you. Like, as if!

NBA 2K26 RELEASE DATE: Sep 5 GENRE: Sports FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The MVP of basketball games is back with its latest annual

TOM CLANCY’S RAINBOW 6 SIEGE X: ELITE EDITION RELEASE DATE: Sep 18 GENRE: Shooter FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes

instalment, bringing a raft of red-hot enhancements and improvements to our onscreen courts. Whether you hit it as a player or as a manager, immersive ProPLAY technology brings the realism with all-new features. Plus, collect and compete with past and present legends for the full dream team experience in the updated MyTEAM.

Ten years on, Ubisoft’s tactical shooter just keeps on keeping on, and this release is a great way to celebrate – and the perfect jumping-on opportunity if you’re new to the game! This hot Elite Edition delivers access to Quick Match, Unranked, and Dual Front game modes with a selection of operators, access to Ranked playlists and Siege Cup, plus Instant unlock of 16 additional operators to play as.

76 SEPTEMBER 2025

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