st248

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 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

jbhifi.com.au

GAME EXAM