st248

YOUR

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

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

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ISSUE 248 JUN ’25

STACK Issue 248 JUNE 2025 “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” WIN!

Nintendo Switch 2 Console + Mario Kart World Bundle

© Nintendo

DOWNLOAD CODE INCLUDED

INSIDE:

WE GO HANDS-ON WITH SWITCH 2 TOP TECH FOR TAX TIME

WIN A NEW SAMSUNG 75” THE FRAME QLED TV & SOUNDBAR!

PERKS see page 5 for details

CONTENTS

ISSUE 248 JUN

2025

GAMING 5 Take 5/Chart/Q5/Wham, bam, game exam! 6-7 Hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2 8 Switch on with these hot launch games! 12-13 Delivering a Death Stranding sequel 14 Heed the Razer Seirens' call 16 Colour x control: Xbox controller colours 18 What’s out this month? MOVIES & TV 20 Intro/Take 5/Filmmaker’s Signature/In Development/Bob J’s Film Buff Bafflers 21 Merch of the Month/Charts/This Month 30 Years Ago 22 A killer rom-com: Heart Eyes /A Halloween reunion: Natty Knocks 24 Keep it zipped: Black Bag /Timeless Love: Outlander Season 7 26 For Halyna: Rust 28 Gettin’ spitty with it: Spit 29 Mickey 17/Looking back at John Wick 30 Bound by war: The Deer Hunter 31 New to 4K 32 Reel Classics: New from Imprint 34 What’s out this month? 36 The latest anime/Board games MUSIC 38 My first album/ STACK Exchange 40 Australia’s national treasure, Jimmy Barnes, releases his 21st solo record 42 New Zealand’s Lorde, and Haim, both return with fourth albums 43 New music from Calum Hood and Benson Boone 44-46 What new music is landing in store at JB this month? 48 Vital Vinyl: INXS’ Andrew Farriss talks to STACK about Listen Like Thieves TECH FLIP MAG AND READ FROM BACK 4 Yesteryear’s tech/Editor’s choice 5 EOFY: Tax time tech tips 6-7 EOFY: Laptops 8-10 EOFY: MSI laptops 11 EOFY: Monitors 12 EOFY: Smartphones 13 EOFY: Office essentials 14 The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is ready for takeoff 16 Meet the OPPO Reno13 series 18 The super-slim Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 20 Say hello to moto AI on Motorola’s new Edge 60 Fusion 22 The new Huawei Watch Fit 4 range 24 Ultrahuman Ring Air review 26 Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones review 28 Skullcandy Method 360 earbuds with Bose sound 30 Sound gets personal with the Denon PerL Pro earbuds 32 New tech at JB this month

WELCOME

Back in 2017, Nintendo surprised the world with the release of the Switch. Was it a handheld games machine? Yes! Was it a TV-tethered home console? Yes. The hybrid console was born. Naturally, the new Switch 2, hitting this month, doesn’t reinvent the wheel – what was great about the first iteration is great about this new one. Nintendo know what they’re doing and have wisely enhanced functionality wherever possible. In handheld mode, this means improvements such as a larger screen with higher resolution plus HDR, matching larger controllers that fit adult hands better without being too big for the kids, both a larger memory and more internal storage, and an adjustable height kickstand that’s more stable than the original. When hooked to a TV, there’s more good news, with the Switch 2 capable of up to 4K resolution – look at launch game Mario Kart World and try not to be impressed! The Switch 2 has a big act to follow and, having had the chance to play with it for several hours before release, we go in-depth with it this month, from the unit itself to accessories, and the games you’ll be playing at launch. 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 Contributors Jeff Jenkins, Billy Pinnell, Bec Summer, Dan Nicholson, Stuart Coupe, Trista McConville, James O’Connor, Michael Caverzan

Social Media Manager Glenn Cochrane Production Manager Craig Patterson

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

Correspondence STACK editor@stack.com.au

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, 2025 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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What’s your earliest video gaming memory?

Playing Pitfall! on my brother’s old Atari on a CRT TV. It was the middle of summer and stinking hot, but it was so much fun.

BEST SELLERS at

JUNE

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

MAY 2025

My favourite series is The Legend of Zelda - specifically The Wind Waker on GameCube, that was my introduction to the series and it’s still my favourite – I’m beyond

1 AFL 26

’ s ROVING REPORTER

hyped to play it again on the Switch 2! But PS5 Spider-Man: Miles Morales is probably my all time favourite game.

2 DOOM: THE DARK AGES

3 MINECRAFT

What have you been playing most lately?

TYLER “CRASH” STARK @ JB South Wharf,VIC

I’m playing Horizon Forbidden West – I’m loving that it has slight The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild vibes, while still being such a unique adventure. I also play Splatoon 3 every day on my lunch break – I’m a Squidkid for life!

4 CLAIR OBSCUR EXPEDITION 33

5 ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN

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 MARIO KART 8 DELUXE

Being part of such an awesome community! I love talking to gamers about our favourite games and recommending new stuff they might enjoy, as well as getting recommendations myself. Especially when kids or people new to gaming come in for their first console - it’s so exciting to be the one who welcomes them into this world!

This is so tough! If I choose the Switch 2 do I get it early?! Even if I have to wait for it, that’s still going to be my choice – between the new games coming, the original Switch library, and the classic collections, it definitely has enough to keep me going!

7 THE PRECINCT

8 ASSASSIN’S CREED SHADOWS

GAME EXAM 1. What was the name of Hideo Kojima’s first game as director, released in 1987? 2. What’s the name of the 2022 game where you literally clean up the town of Muckingham? 3. From which farming life and social simulation series was the original Rune Factory a spinoff? 4. What’s the name of the forthcoming MMO from MindsEye creators Build a Rocket Boy? 5. Characters from which legendary JRPG series collide with those from Disney in Kingdom Hearts ? 6. From which Japanese media franchise are the Devil Summoner games a spin-off? 7. What was the subtitle of the fifth Five Nights at Freddy’s game? 8. What was the original Harvest Moon for Super Nintendo known as in its native Japan? Are you up to answering all eight of this month’s game related posers?

9 SUPER MARIO PARTY JAMBOREE

10 SPLIT FICTION

!

ANSWERS on page 18

1 What was the first game that you played? It was Galaga and I played at an arcade. I was really young at the time (I think I was six years old in Korean age), so I don’t remember much overall, but I do recall being fascinated. 2 What was the last game that you finished? The last game I completed was Monster Hunter Wilds . After playing Double Cross , World , and Rise , I continued with Wilds , which felt like a more casual direction overall with many improvements. 3 What’s your favourite video game/series of all time? There are so many games I love, and it’s difficult to pick just one. But if I had to choose, it would be Shining Force (the game that inspired me to become a game developer). The moment I saw the ending, I was holding the controller, and tears were streaming down my face. That was when I made the decision that I, too, wanted to create such an emotional game. 4 What do you think is the most underrated video game of all time? Personally, I would pick Miracle Girls Festival , a rhythm action game created by SEGA. The game is based on the concept of a girl group performing at a live concert. In traditional rhythm action games, you’re just pressing buttons in sequence to achieve a high score. But in this game, as your score increases, the audience starts singing along in unison, which creates an incredible sense of immersion. 5 What’s the game that you most wish you’d worked on? At the start of developing Khazan , I thought, “It would have been great to have participated in the development of Nioh ”, especially the challenging combat, the character build system, and the fast-paced action - all these elements harmonised so well. Shining Force

Creative director on The First Berserker: Khazan at Neople JUNHO LEE

JUNE 2025

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GAMING FEATURE

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HANDS-ON WITH THE NINTENDO SWITCH 2 It’s release month for the hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Having the opportunity for an early hands-on, here’s what we learned about this exciting new hybrid console. Words Amy Flower

than the tiny tab of the original, or even the larger flap of the later OLED model, this is a wide, foldout bar that also allows you to adjust the angle upon which the Switch 2 faces. As seen on TV When the Switch 2 is connected to a television, you can really notice the improved graphics of the new system. When output in such a way, where games support it, you can take in glorious 4K vision complete with HDR, also with up to a smooth 120Hz frame rate.

The screen itself, while not OLED, still looks very good, with the leap in resolution from 720p to 1080p this time out bringing the key improvement, as well as HDR capability for brighter whites and deeper blacks. Tabletop time! Not surprisingly, there’s little difference between tabletop mode on the Switch 2 to that of the original Switch, although the slightly

In-hand When we first encountered the original

Switch, we were surprised at how big it was. When we first encountered the Switch 2, we were surprised that it wasn’t bigger than we expected! Handhelds sure have grown in recent years. It is, however, actually quite a bit larger – with a 7.9-inch screen in place of a 6.2-inch one – and the attached Joy-Con 2 controllers have also grown to accommodate this. Those Joy-Cons 2 are now a doddle to remove, with a button each side at top rear that slides sideways to release their pleasingly solid magnetic hold. Looking at the sides that are usually hidden when attached to the screen, the SL and SR buttons are now larger, which works a treat when using them singly as controllers.

bigger screen does mean a little less squinting for some of us. The big improvement is actually on the back of the Switch 2, in the shape of the new stand. Rather

The new Mario Kart World is a wonderful showcase, as we reckon many a new Switch 2 owner will discover on launch day. Meanwhile, Zelda fans are going to love the improvements in graphical fidelity made to both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdo m via their Switch 2 updates.

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FEATURE GAMING

One mouse, two, mouse… With all the fun of getting hands-on Nintendo’s new beastie, easily the biggest surprise was how well the new Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality works. Our first experience was with the futuristic new wheelchair basketball game Drag X Drive . Naturally you need a flat surface to mouse on, and with the special included mouse attachments in place, the left Joy-Con 2 controls your left wheel, while the right Joy-Con 2 lets you steer your right wheel. Once you get the hang of steering it’s a surprisingly energetic experience, as you lunge forward, lift, and lunge back with mice in-hands, trying to grab the ball from an opponent and shoot it through the hoop. The other mouse revelation came via a demo of the forthcoming Metroid Prime 4 Beyond . Its use of the right Joy Con 2 as a controller that converts to mouse by simply tipping it side-on and popping it onto a surface is seamless, in this case allowing you to look around, then get back to business. The mouse mode will function more traditionally in games that support it, and it can also be used to potter around the Switch 2 menu screens.

Mic check The Switch 2 comes with a built-in microphone, which we got to test out by shouting loudly during one of the minigames in the updated Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV . That’s probably not the most ideal way to test the functionality, but we’re happy to report that it certainly did work! Naturally, the main purpose of this microphone is for less rowdy pursuits, such as in-game chat with others. Smile for the camera! We were able to quickly sample the new camera support via Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV . If you ever played with Kinect on the Xbox, you may find this bringing back memories, as we had our image sucked into the game for various

minigame pursuits – and for Bowser to mess with! The official camera itself is quite a neat, unobtrusive device that will happily sit next to peoples’ TVs without looking out of place.

SPECS AT A GLANCE

Going Pro We were keen to get our mitts on the new Pro Controller, and we’re happy to report that it’s as solid as ever, despite feeling a tad lighter in-hand than its predecessor. As well as featuring a new ‘C’ button for launching GameChat, and a 3.5mm audio jack, there are two extra, custom mappable buttons – ‘GL’ and ‘GR’ - on the rear, quite well placed for stabbing at with a ring or middle finger. If a more classically shaped controller is your preferred way to play, rather than attaching the two Joy-Con 2s to the puppy dog-like grip adaptor, then this will be a day one must-have accessory.

Processor: Custom NVIDIA Tegra T239 Resolution (touchscreen): 1920 x 1080p (Full HD), HDR10, VRR up to 120Hz Resolution (docked): Up to 3840 x 2160p (4K), HDR10, VRR up to 120Hz Memory: 12GB Inbuilt storage: 256GB Removable storage: microSD Express up to 2TB (not compatible with original Switch microSD) downloadable titles Speakers: Stereo Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm audio jack, 2x USB-C Battery: 5,220mAh (2-6.5 hours) Dimensions: 272 x 116 x 13.9mm (with Joy-Con 2s attached) Weight: 534g Backwards compatibility? Yes, with most Switch game cards and

Let’s go! We’d been super hyped to get to play with the Switch 2, and our expectations were met, and even exceeded in many ways. It’s a substantial update over the original Switch not only in terms of capability, but also in how solid it feels, from the console itself to the control sticks and buttons – it just feels premium. Between that, and a raft of new and updated games, things are looking rosy for Nintendo's latest hardware.

Nintendo Switch 2 is out Jun 5

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GAMING FEATURE

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Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Combining classic action RPG

gameplay with life simulation, the legendary Rune Factory series is taken in exciting directions in this all-new adventure where you fight to bring hope back to the land. Sonic X Shadow Generations

Get the best of both worlds as classic and modern Sonic collide, with two games to play – a new Shadow one, and a classic Sonic one. It’s all the action Sonic fans love, with a bonus 28-page art book! Split Fiction

There’s plenty of game action to be had from day one of the Nintendo Switch 2’s arrival.The trickiest thing is deciding what to play first! Words Amy Flower SWITCH ON WITH THESE HOT LAUNCH GAMES!

This year’s co-op smash hit comes to the Switch 2, bringing the tale of the power of friendship of two authors fighting through stories from their own imaginations to thwart a thieving publisher’s evil plans.

Street Fighter 6: Year 1-2 Fighters Edition All the biffo fun of the latest in the big daddy of all the brawlers is packed in, complete with all the

extra characters that the game’s first two years have unleashed – so that’s 26 fighters in all!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Revisit the amazing adventure

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

All the captivating adventure of the original 3DS Bravely Default returns to our screens, with

with even more life breathed into it for Switch 2. Explore the wilds of Hyrule with improved frame rates and resolution, faster loading, HDR, and

remastered high-definition graphics, two fresh minigames, a new single screen UI, and quality of life upgrades.

Zelda Notes app support. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom The sequel to Breath of the Wild also receives the upgrade treatment, as Link takes to the

Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition The futuristic sci-fi blast from the people behind The Witcher comes to Switch 2 bringing the original plus the Phantom Liberty

Mario Kart World Inarguably the key launch title for Switch 2, this is the first all new Mario Kart in 11 years and brings a raft of new features. Set in a vast interconnected world, 24 drivers – four on one Switch 2 - can compete in classic races or the new Knockout Tour, or go exploring in the new Free Roam mode.

expansion in one neat package, utilising the system’s motion and new mouse controls. Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition Agent 47 hits the Switch 2 in a package that brings all the spy thriller, sneaky-sneaky action via the best bits of Hitman 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Hitman 2 expansion pack and Hitman 3 deluxe pack.

land and skies with better resolution and frame rates, speedier load times, HDR, and Zelda Notes app support. Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut

This definitive version of SEGA’s classic crime drama takes us back to the entertainment districts of 1988 Tokyo and Osaka, with all the fighting – and cool side quests –

that the series is renowned for.

JUNE 2025

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GAMING FEATURE

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DELIVERING A DEATH STRANDING SEQUEL

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach , the much-anticipated sequel to Hideo Kojima’s genre-defying 2019 smash, is with us this month.The man himself speaks of bringing the new game into the world. Words Sachie Kobari

We weren’t initially sure if players would use the SSS, but we found that many players enjoyed the feature. Even now, five years after the game’s release, there are players that are still devoted to building highways, and that was a pleasant surprise. When developing the sequel, we came up with various ways to accommodate players who are passionate about building infrastructure like highways, and as part of that, we added the ability to build monorails. One system the team debated over was the ‘likes’ mechanic. Likes in the game don’t have a physical impact – they can’t be converted to currency, nor do they make you stronger. Yet it feels good when you receive a like from another player as a token of appreciation. We anticipated some backlash when we implemented the feature in Death Stranding , but instead, players seemed to like the mechanic. When working on Death Stranding Director’s Cut , we reviewed the likes data

What were your goals when creating the sequel to Death Stranding ? Were there any major changes or enhancements you were looking to implement? As we made the jump from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, most of the changes were focused on game design and story. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was designed with a similar philosophy to the first two Metal Gear Solid games. Players familiarised themselves with the ‘delivery game’ genre with the first game, and the sequel builds on that and provides players with more choice and freedom, particularly around combat - you can go in guns blazing, or you can choose not to use weapons at all. We also made cars and motorcycles more accessible. Did the way players utilised the Social Strand System (SSS) surprise you in the first game? Did that have any impact on the development of Death Stranding 2 ?

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FEATURE GAMING

Along with Mexico, Australia is the primary location for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach . Kojima explains… Sam’s journey of connecting the Americas from east to west was inspired by the American frontier. With the UCA established, we wanted the sequel to take place in a location that shared a similar geography with the Americas - stretches from east to west and borders the sea in the north and south. Eurasia is too large, and Africa didn’t really fit the bill either. Australia checked all the boxes, but the next issue we faced was how to connect the North American continent with Australia. After a lot of discussion, we decided to implement the ‘plate gate’ to connect the two continents. AUSTRALIA YOU’RE STRANDING IN IT!

and heatmaps to rework the feature based on our findings. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach further builds on that, so we have a better understanding of player behaviour.

internet. At the same time, I saw more people starting to disregard in-person connections and interactions, and that went against my

belief around human communication. Only by venturing out can you meet people by chance or stumble upon unexpected places. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was already in the works before COVID, but we revisited the overall concept of the game after COVID. The predecessor was

Mad Max series director George Miller lends his appearance to BY GEORGE!

The core themes of the games shifted from ‘connecting people’ to ‘should we have connected?’ Was this due to your views on social media evolving over time? Death Stranding was in development before COVID hit, and I felt like there was a global divide happening around then, especially following talks of Brexit. The theme of the game reflected my notion at that point in time, that humanity needed to connect and unite to avoid disaster. COVID happened three

ship captain Tarman in-game, while he’s voiced by another Aussie, popstar/actor Marty Rhone.

inspired by the fear of social fragmentation and isolation, but after experiencing COVID, I started ruminating over the dangers of being ‘too connected.’ I left a lot of clues in the game, like the stick and rope theory, so I think players will connect the dots in the end. You’ll encounter characters that

will speak my thoughts in the game, too. What does it mean to be connected? Should we have connected? Play the game to find out!

months after the game’s launch, and the world ended up getting fractured, like the game. However, we survived thanks to the

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is out Jun 26

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Dredge, Cyberpunk 2077

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GAMING FEATURE

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It may be the smaller sibling, but the Razer Seiren V3 Mini still packs an impressive array of features into its ultracompact body. The size really does strike you as you unpack the four-part device. There’s a solid base, a stalk, and the mic itself, as well as the thoughtful addition of a colour matched USB-C cable. Once assembled and plugged in, it doesn’t take long until the Seiren V3 Mini is ready to rock, with Razer’s handy Synapse software allowing easy access to advanced settings such as sample rate and stream mixing. It really is a stylish little number, which can easily be tilted towards you or away, and with a very handy tap top pause functionality – just give the top a quick tap and it toggles between listening and not, with a handy LED indicator that's white for on and red for off. On the technical side, it packs a 14mm condenser mic with a supercardioid pickup pattern, which promises greater voice isolation – more you, less world around you, such as mouse clicks and typing clacks. THE SEIREN V3 MINI

Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or using it for chat, a quality PC microphone is an important device to have – why bother if you’re not coming through loud and clear? Razer offer two different Seiren V3 models, so one is certain to fit your needs - and budget. Words Amy Flower HEED THE SEIRENS’ CALL

This is the big daddy – or, of course, mummy should you prefer – of the range, offering a raft of high-end features for mic users at any level, from hobbyist to professional streamer. Its design pulls off the feat of being retro classic looking while also modern, featuring just three parts once unboxed – a base, the main unit, and a colour-coded USB-C cable. The mic sits in an adjustable, shock THE SEIREN V3

as standard (assignable to any colour that you wish) – there’s no getting confused as to where you’re at here. The tap functionality can also be assigned multiple functions and is a doddle to use. A very cool RGB feature is being able to use it as a gain monitor – green good, red bad!

PICK A COLOUR, ANY COLOUR!

INTO YOUR ARM

With three colours to choose from – classic black, white, and quartz (pink) - there’s sure to be a Razer Seiren V3 to suit your setup.

The clever Razer Synapse software allows all manner of advanced adjustments, from assigning the physical knob on the front of the unit for mic or headphone volume (there’s a handy 3.5mm jack on the unit’s back), to selecting different light patterns to display (or no light at all), with numerous microphone, stream mixer, and lighting settings to tweak as well.

Both Seiren V3 microphones feature a 5/8-inch thread mount, so you can use them with most third-party mic stands or arms.

absorbing cradle so that you can get it just where you want it, at which

time you can tighten two wheels to make sure that it stays put. The technical stats impress, with a supercardioid mic featuring

a 16mm condenser capsule for top vocal clarity. The most noticeable feature of the Seiren V3 once plugged in is its vivid RGB lighting, with the entire microphone grille illuminated. Need to mute? Tap the top, and the light turns red

The Razer Seiren V3 and Sieren V3 Mini are available now.

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GAMING FEATURE

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Your standard Carbon Black or Robot White Xbox controllers do the job brilliantly, but if you’re looking to brighten up your gaming setup, then why not look at some of the amazing colour options that Xbox offer? COLOUR X CONTROL!

SPECIAL EDITIONS Available for a limited time, these Xbox controllers add something that extra bit special to the colour mix.

Pulse Cipher

Nocturnal Vapor

Astral Purple

Doom: The Dark Ages

Electric Volt

Pulse Red

Shock Blue

Deep Pink

Velocity Green

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Available at

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 DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH RELEASE DATE: Jun 26 GENRE: ACTION ADVENTURE FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO Finally, it’s the eagerly awaited sequel to Hideo Kojima’s epic that almost defied description – action, adventure, walking simulation, bubble babies – it had the lot! The main original cast members make a return, including Norman Reedus as Sam, along with newcomer Elle Fanning. Story-wise, we're promised a journey upon which we’ll save humanity from extinction, which Kojima claims was partly inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. Billed as “an inspiring mission of human connection”, we’ve been told to expect vast open world environments to explore, bringing more variation and secrets to uncover, different strategies to explore, and, of course, the continuation of the captivating original story.

ARCHITECT LIFE: A HOUSE DESIGN SIMULATOR RELEASE DATE: Jun 5 GENRE: SIMULATION FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO It's increasingly harder nowadays to

RAIDOU REMASTERED: THE MYSTERY OF THE SOULLESS ARMY RELEASE DATE: Jun 19 GENRE: ACTION RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO

achieve having your dream home, but now you can at least make a simulation of it. From 3D plan modelling right through to onsite decision making, you run your own architectural firm, overseeing the design and construction of all its contemporary home projects. Once completed, hit the first-person mode so that you can admire your handiwork! RUNE FACTORY: GUARDIANS OF AZUMA RELEASE DATE: Jun 5 GENRE: ACTION RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO Prepare for an all-new entry in the storied Rune Factory series, which takes it in a bold new direction. Set in the never-before-seen country of Azuma, as one of two selectable protagonists, players assume the Earth Dancer powers and fight against the spreading Blight, while tending farms in this captivating adventure. Fight using sacred treasures and restore the people - and gods - to their former glory.

In recent times we’ve been lucky enough to play some amazing remasters, and this new take on Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army promises to be one to covet. The classic detective tale – where a young heiress has an odd request, seeking her own death – is set to bring us revamped visuals, quality of life updates, new voiceovers, and an improved battle system. FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S: INTO THE PIT RELEASE DATE: Jun 20 GENRE: SURVIVAL HORROR FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO How do you make the Five Nights at Freddy’s series even creepier? You give it a physical presence! Yes, now you can pop the latest in the horror anthology proudly on your shelf - and enjoy the game’s soundtrack via a bonus download code, too. As for the story, a dive into the ball pit of a certain rundown pizzeria has unexpected costs for young Oswald, who gets his wish for a life less boring…

MINDSEYE RELEASE DATE: Jun 10 GENRE: ACTION ADVENTURE FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO Welcome to the desert city of Redrock, where thrilling action adventuring

HARVEST MOON: THE LOST VALLEY + SKYTREE VILLAGE RELEASE DATE: Jun 26 GENRE: SIMULATION FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO

awaits as you step into the shoes of Jacob Diaz. He’s a former elite soldier who’s equipped with the MindsEye, a neural implant that’s haunting him with fragmented visions of a past covert mission. In a world where AI and high-tech experimentation is rife, you must fight to uncover the truth, via slick combat on foot, in-car, and in the air.

The farm simulation adventure series that kicked off in 2014 returns, with the first two games for the 3DS updated for the Nintendo Switch in this swish double pack. Bring back the seasons from a permanent winter in The Lost Valley , and revive the Skytree and bring life back for locals in Skytree Village . Want even swisher? The Collector’s Edition adds a CD, poster, stickers, and dioramas to stick them on.

KINGDOM HEARTS: ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE RELEASE DATE: Jun 13 GENRE: ACTION RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: NO If you’ve not experienced Kingdom

TAMAGOTCHI PLAZA RELEASE DATE: Jun 27 GENRE: SIMULATION FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: YES Back in 2005, shopping simulator Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop

opened for the Nintendo DS. Now, 20 years and some sequels later, it’s back! This one’s set in Tamahiko Town on Tamagotchi Planet, where you must help the city and its 100 unique Tamagotchi win a bid to host a festival by helping 12 types of shop thrive. From eyewear to a dentist, grow the businesses, solo, or with an offline partner.

Hearts , the classic series that took Final Fantasy characters and banged them together with some of the most beloved Disney icons of all time, then here’s your chance to get right up to date via one neat little package. From Kingdom Hearts Final Mix all the way through to Kingdom Hearts 3 , relive all ten magical adventures of Sora, Donald, Goofy, and pals.

Coming in JULY DONKEY KONG BANANZA (Jul 17) SWITCH 2 TONY HAWK’S PRO SKATER 3 + 4 (Jul 11) PS5 | XSX | SWITCH | PS4 SHADOW LABYRINTH (Jul 18) SWITCH

Answers: 1. Metal Gear 2. PowerWash Simulator 3. Story of Seasons 4. Everywhere 5. Final Fantasy 6. Shin Megami Tensei 7. Sister Location 8. Farm Story

!

18 JUNE 2025

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GAME EXAM

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BONG JOON HO

Although he made waves with Memories of Murder , The Host , and Snowpiercer , it was the Oscar-sweeping success of Parasite that catapulted Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho to international stardom. Known for his genre bending style and visual artistry, his latest film, Mickey 17 , continues to showcase his brilliance. Here are three iconic trademarks. Camera angles to reflect social classes As demonstrated in most of his work, he uses camera angles to subtly reflect social hierarchies, often shooting the wealthy from elevated perspectives and the poor from below or underground. This visual contrast reinforces class divisions, making the separation almost tangible for viewers. Dark comedy/satire He weaves dark satire into his films to expose societal flaws with scathing humour. Through exaggerated situations and ironic twists, he critiques issues of capitalism, inequality, and institutional failure, making heavy themes both accessible and unsettling for his audience. Layered visual storytelling One of Bong Joon Ho’s standout narrative techniques is capturing multiple story threads within a single frame. Through depth, background action, and precise character positioning, he conveys layered storytelling - like in Parasite , where the wealthy family enjoys a garden party while the underprivileged family hides on the margins.

JUNE

What’s a movie you saw as a child that has left a lasting impression on you? I can’t name one, so here are three. The Dark Crystal, Jaws, and An American Werewolf in London . Was I too young to watch them? Yes! I still can’t swim in the ocean, and I am also still scared of werewolves. What’s one of your all-time favourite films, and why? Jurassic Park . I was 12 when it came out and I just loved all of it. Even the soundtrack, I just loved. I saw it three times at the cinemas and have, of course, introduced it to my kids. What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? Friends . It’s my go-to when I am sad. I was obsessed with it as a teenager and bought all of the tapes (yes, VHS) as they came out. I was heartbroken when Matthew Perry died. What have you been watching lately that you’d recommend? Dexter . I love that we are on the bad guy’s side for a change and that we want him to literally get away with murder. People hate the ending of the series, but I really liked it.

’ s ROVING REPORTER

JEMMA STEWART @ JB Tea Tree Plaza, SA

FUN FACT

What’s the best thing about working at JB? The people. I have worked with a lot of people over the years and they have all been amazing. JB has also been a very supportive workplace.

Comedy legend John Hughes ( The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles ) conceived and wrote the original story for Dumb & Dumber

and requested his name be removed from the writing credits.

QUIZ

Q7 Which Ridley Scott movie centres on a military operation in Somalia? Q8 Which movie director is the brother of Nicolas Cage’s father? Q9 “Joker” Davis and “Gomer Pyle” are two characters in which 1987 anti-war movie? Q10 (Phone conversation) “Who are you talking to?”“Nobody, ‘cos there’s a dead man on the end of this phone.” Dialogue from what movie, and which actor uttered the last line?

Doris Day’s character go to see a Doris Day movie? Q3 Name the western in which four sets of brothers play four sets of brothers? Q4 In what film did the character Dr Hannibal Lecter first appear? Q5 Which renowned film director played Charlie the meter reader in a 1956 sci-fi movie? Q6 Rex Harrison, Eddie Murphy, and Robert Downey Jr. have all played which fictional character onscreen?

The 2022 hit Sisu is getting a sequel, tentatively scheduled for release this November. The original film is a brutal, revenge-driven story set in 1940s Finland, where a skilled gold prospector seeks IN DEVELOPMENT

Q1 Name the Hollywood actress who delivered the classic line “ Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night ”, and in which movie? Q2 In which film does

vengeance on Nazis who steal his treasure. While plot details for the sequel remain scarce, director Jalmari Helander is returning, and American actors Stephen Lang ( Avatar ) and Richard Brake ( Barbarian ) are joining the cast. Sony Pictures will release the film globally.

MAY 2025 (Issue 247) ANSWERS - A1. Elmo Lincoln in the 1918 silent movie Tarzan of the Apes A2. Alexander Skarsgard in The Legend of Tarzan (2016) A3. Sea of Love A4. Foreign Correspondent (1940) A5. The Three Stooges A6. Kiss of Death (1947) A7. Colonel Kilgore (Robert Duvall in Apocalypse Now - 1979) A8. Pale Rider (1985) A9. Rob Roy A10. Robert Redford in War Hunt .

20 JUNE 2025

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THIS MONTH at

EXTRAS

STACK SOCIAL

Join us on social media and stay updated with the latest news, reviews, and monthly competitions. See exclusive unboxing videos, the newest movie trailers, gameplay videos, and red carpet pics from film premieres. Make sure you get involved and follow us on: STACK Magazine stackmagazine @stackmag @STACKMag STACKPresents What you've been loving on socials this month: As cringe as they are, sometimes dad jokes are just too hard to resist. Case in point: our recent Australian bee vs. U.S. bee meme. We’re not sure whether to be extremely proud of your responses... or just plain disappointed!

Lilo & Stitch - Angel Light

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Lilo & Stitch - Luau Stitch Pop! Vinyl

Lilo & Stitch - Angel Beanie

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Superman - Logo Beanie

Jurassic Park Beanie

Apollo 13 Apollo 13 premiered 30 years ago on June 30, 1995. Directed by Ron Howard, the film tells the gripping true story of the ill-fated 1970 Apollo 13 mission, with Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon delivering standout performances. A master class in filmmaking, it balances the humanity of the story with breathtaking science fiction. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning two, and features producer Brian Grazer along with actors Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, and Kathleen Quinlan completing the stellar ensemble.

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Joke of the day: Jack Black doesn’t make many scary movies, but when he does he gives you Goosebumps . A happy birthday to JOHN GOODMAN who turns 73 on June 20 Born in Missouri, the actor began in TV commercials before landing roles in C.H.U.D. and Revenge of the Nerds . He rose to fame as Dan Conner on Roseanne and became a beloved film star, frequently collaborating with the Coen brothers in The Big Lebowski, Barton Fink, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? STACK ’s fave celebrity quote: “Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!” - French Knight ( Monty Python’s Holy Grail )

DVD BEST-SELLERS in MAY 2025

BLU-RAY BEST-SELLERS in MAY 2025

4K UHD BEST-SELLERS in MAY 2025

1 DIRTY HARRY 2 THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES 3 PALE RIDER 4 ANORA 5 THE SUBSTANCE 6 SEVEN SAMURAI LIMITED EDITION 7 DRIVE (2011) 8 JOHN WICK JB EXCLUSIVE STEELBOOK 9 THE BRUTALIST 10 GLADIATOR II

1 DUNE PROPHECY: SEASON 1 2 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 3 CONCLAVE 4 ANORA 5 IN THE LOST LANDS

1 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 2 CONCLAVE 3 PADDINGTON IN PERU 4 WICKED 5 GLADIATOR II 6 IN THE LOST LANDS 7 THE BRUTALIST 8 DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA 9 DUNE PROPHECY: SEASON 1 10 ANORA

6 NOSFERATU (2024) 7 SEVEN SAMURAI 8 WICKED 9 GLADIATOR II 10 THE BRUTALIST

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MOVIE FEATURE

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HEART EYES : A KILLER ROM-COM Halloween meets Sleepless in Seattle in Heart Eyes , the bonkers new valentine slasher movie from the director of Werewolves Within . GENRE: Horror romance RUN TIME: 1h 37m

“I had two very specific movies in mind,” director Josh Ruben tells STACK . “ Friday the 13th Part 6 and Nora Ephron”, the latter being the director of classic rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail . And the great challenge was how the hell could I legitimately do a little bit of both?” The movie is a formulaic slasher - in the best possible way - about a masked killer who returns every Valentine’s Day to target unsuspecting couples. But when the killer mistakenly assumes two strangers who’ve just met are a couple, their night quickly descends into a reign of terror. “The rom-coms from the era

cinematography. And the real success of Heart Eyes , if the franchise were to continue, is that

it should give you the feels that any of those movies did. “You should feel like you’ve been swept up by Dylan Mulroney, or charmed by Tom Hanks, but also as terrified and grossed-out as anything Wes Craven or John Carpenter ever did in their gnarliest heyday.” In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of classic, practical effects

Director Josh Ruben

“In the script it will say, ‘Adeline is crushed in a wine press,’ and then I will take that and go ‘OK, what’s going to make the best version of crushed in a wine press?’. Well, I want to see the eyeball come out and I want to really extend the dread and the terror of what it would feel like to be in there as the walls are closing in.” Glenn Cochrane

FUN FACT

The writers of Heart Eyes also wrote Happy Death Day 1 & 2 , Freaky , Scouts Guide to the Apocalypse and the Paranormal Activity sequels.

when I grew up were really cinematic and deeply moving. Pretty Woman , the way it looks, the way it moves. My Best Friend’s Wedding, Sleepless in Seattle , these movies have flawed characters and beautiful

driven slasher films, with titles like X, Thanksgiving, and Clown in a Cornfield proving that real fake blood beats CGI splatter every time. Heart Eyes fully embraces this approach, and Ruben shares the ethos behind the film’s gruesome kills.

• Heart Eyes is out Jun 4

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Thanksgiving, Clown in a Cornfield, The Monkey

GENRE: Horror RUN TIME: 1h 34m NATTY KNOCKS A HALLOWEEN REUNION Danielle Harris has been dubbed 'horror’s reigning Queen of Scream', and her latest role in the new slasher Natty Knocks proves why.

FUN FACT

• Natty Knocks is out Jun 4

Natty Knocks was also produced by former child

star Jason James Richter - who happens to be Dwight H. Little’s stepson - and the project marks a reunion for him and Harris as well, as they appeared together in Free Willy back in 1993.

(Below) Bill Moseley, Robert Englund, and Dwight H. Little

Danielle Harris

”B ill heard me scream and he came up to me and said ‘That is the most amazing scream that I have ever heard,’” she explains to STACK during a recent catch-up. She’s referring to fellow horror icon Bill Moseley – star of cult classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 and The Devil’s Rejects – who co stars in Natty Knocks alongside other notable genre players Robert Englund and Jason James Richter. Harris made her movie debut as Jamie Lloyd in the 1988 film

Dwight H. Little has been a consummate namaste in the film industry for decades, having Marked for Death (1990), Rapid Fire (1992), Free Willy 2 (1995), Murder at 1600 (1997) and Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid (2004). also directed films such as

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers , and in a full-circle moment, she reunites with the same director, Dwight H. Little, for this latest shocker, which also happens to take place on Halloween. “He called me and said ‘I need a favour,’” she says, amused. “He said ‘I’m financing this movie myself and I need you to do it’. And I had been wanting to work with him again for a really long time, and he’s exactly the same, and lovely.” The movie concerns the spirit of a

former starlet - lynched by resentful local wives who accused her of witchcraft - which is awakened by a group of teenagers on Halloween eve. “I’m so proud of this movie and I really am so excited to have everybody see it,” Harris says, seizing the opportunity to remind horror enthusiasts why they need to check it out. “I hope everybody enjoys the reunion, I mean God, you’ve got Robert Englund and myself and Bill Moseley in it. You kind of can’t go wrong with that dynamic”. Glenn Cochrane

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Heart Eyes, Thanksgiving, In a Violent Nature

22 JUNE 2025

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MOVIE & TV FEATURE

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GENRE: Thriller RUN TIME: 1h 33m

KEEP IT ZIPPED! Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag is the antithesis of most spy movies, offering a sleek, cerebral take on the traditional spy genre - with a twist of marital intrigue.

A gripping tale of passion, deception, and betrayal, Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett play our main protagonists, George and Kathryn Woodhouse, a married couple who are also elite British intelligence agents. The plot thickens when George is assigned to uncover a mole within their agency, and one of the prime suspects is none other than his wife. Marking Blanchett’s third go-round with Soderbergh, she was delighted by David Koepp’s script. “David knows how to make great, propulsive narrative dramas that are also really fun,” says Australia’s two-time Oscar winner. “He understands how to play with audience expectations in a delicious way, and then he delivers something even more satisfying than what you were expecting. “ Black Bag has a truly satisfying thriller aspect. But it doesn’t use any tricks or withhold information to get your attention. The audience

learns things quickly and in unexpected ways. It’s also a psychological study that will make you want to fall into their world,” she adds. The idea for Black Bag first occurred to

Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett

everything, how do you tell the truth about anything?’” Rather than relying on high-octane action sequences, Black Bag opts for a more subdued, tension-filled approach. The narrative unfolds primarily through sharp dialogue and psychological

Koepp during research for the first chapter of the Mission: Impossible franchise. While interviewing several intelligence operatives, he found himself fascinated by their personal lives. “All the spycraft stuff was very cool, but I learned more than I ever expected about the people,” he recalls. “One woman told me that her job made it impossible for her to sustain a relationship. A line in the movie was inspired by my conversations with her: ‘When you can lie about

Director Steven Soderbergh

gamesmanship.

Critics have praised the

palpable chemistry between Fassbender and Blanchett. Their

performances anchor the story, making the audience

question loyalties and truths at every turn. Gill Pringle

• Black Bag is out Jun 18

OTHER FILMS BY STEPHEN SODERBERGH

Oceans Eleven (2001) , Traffic, Solaris, Magic Mike

GENRE: TV drama RUN TIME: Various

TIMELESS LOVE: OUTLANDER SEASON 7 After spending more than a decade together, Outlander ’s time-traveling lovers, Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan, are admittedly a little sad to reach the end of the road. A s Outlander ’s Claire and Jamie Fraser, the screen couple have DYK?

really knowing someone and allowing someone to flourish and grow alongside you,” adds the Irish actress, who is looking forward to perhaps doing some roles in her native tongue. “I think, if anything, I've found my Irish accent again, because I'd spent 13 years in America before I got this show, and before that, I'd been in France for a few years. So, my family used to slag me off that I'd become American. And now I'm very much back to being Irish. But it's funny, I feel like I'm very much an Irish person who's maybe slightly an honorary Scot at this point. Do I get that?” she asks Heughan. “You are absolutely an honorary Scot!” agrees her co-star. Gill Pringle

Fans can get excited for the upcoming prequel series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood ,

spent two centuries traveling through time across Scotland, France and the U.S. in the beloved adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's novel of the same name. But all good things must come to an end, having now wrapped production on Season 8, the final season of the beloved show - not scheduled to air until later this year. “It has been a huge part of our lives, and I think we're beginning to feel the repercussions of saying goodbye to these characters, but there's so much to look forward to,” says Heughan, who relished returning to his Scottish home for the series. For Balfe, Season 7 is possibly the most exciting. “There are many different points of threat in Season 7.

destined for release next year. This love story tells the tales of how the parents of Jamie Fraser came together in 18th

Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan

century Scotland and how Claire Beauchamp’s parents met during World War I in England.

Anytime the Frasers are separated, there's always danger. I think the challenges they face as a couple are some of the greatest they've ever had to overcome personally,” she says. “What I love about this relationship is how we've been able to show how a couple and a marriage survives and thrives and it deepens and love goes from those sort of heady first notes of passion and excitement to then something really deep and the understanding and beauty of

• Outlander: Season 7 is out Jun 18

NEW TO OUTLANDER?

Catch up with the Outlander Seasons 1-6 box set on Blu-ray or DVD.

24 JUNE 2025

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