Player Attack

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode is a bit excited about games coming to new platforms. Panic Button is a name you might not recognise, but you'll certainly know their games. This is the studio responsible for bringing DOOM 2016 to Nintendo Switch, and their latest project is out now - the incredible, ambitious Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus. While at E3 last month, we caught up with Studio Head Adam Creighton, for a two-part chat all about the challenges of bringing Terror Billy to the hybrid console, and find out what the developer is working on next. Then, Nate and the 2 Hour Team try out a stylish match of kill or be killed, in Victorian "stealth-em-up" Murderous Pursuits. If you loved the multiplayer elements of Dishonored, BioShock, Hitman or Assassin's Creed, this is a four-player game that's worth your time. (If you loved 2006 title The Ship, stop reading now and go grab this one on Steam. Seriously. It's a spiritual successor, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.) Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode is still recovering from the sensory overload that is E3. We're back from LA and boy, do we have some stories to tell you about this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo! There's a whole pile of interviews to share with you, some hands-on experience with some amazing new games, and an awful lot of hype about what's on the upcoming release schedule. Before we get to all that though, let's take a moment to look back at #E32018, by recapping some of our favourite titles in trailer form! These 10 games are in no particular order, but they were all highlights of those few days in LA. (Definitely not a highlight: Jessica's sunburn, earned by standing outside for less than an hour, waiting to see what Xbox had to offer.) Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode has taken the procedurally-generated train going anywhere. We dive right in to danger, darkness and ...dwarves, which are an interesting addition to the sci-fi FPS genre. The game is called Deep Rock Galactic, and as well as the good guys with big beards, there are plenty of procedurally-generated caves, hordes of monsters and plenty of treasure to discover. Nate and the Two Hour Team transform into the Heroes of Hammerwatch, which is quite a different procedurally-generated experience. It's a rogue-lite action adventure with persistent progression, and you can play by yourself or with up to three mates. The question asked by the team, though: Is it worth your money? And we embrace our trainspotter status, spending some quality time with the best transport managers on the market - some of which you can even play while travelling! Whether you're into planes, trains, automobiles or the behind-the-scenes management that keeps everything running smoothly, we've got you covered. Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode is something a bit special for us - after facing an all-new ice age in Frostpunk, we sit down for a two-part chat with David Cage, the controversial figure behind Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls and now, Detroit: Become Human. When developing a game, a good place to start is to think about two of your favourite genres, and then work out just how to smoosh them together into a single project. We're guessing that's what 11 bit studios did, combining a city-builder and a survival strategy and turning them into Frostpunk. We've spent some time with this somewhat chilly experience, and have thawed things out just long enough to bring you our latest review. David Cage is a polarising figure in the world of video games. Some love his creativity and applaud what his games try to do, while others are critical of the fact the same games never -quite- achieve their lofty goals. Detroit: Become Human is the latest release out of his studio Quantic Dream, and it's set the bar sky-high yet again. In this two-part interview, Jonny catches up with the French developer to chat about what to expect when we step into the android shoes of Connor, Kara and Markus, why working with the PS4 was a challenge, and how he's getting closer to realising his dreams. Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode finds reviews in the strangest places: Full of monsters, hiding in pits, and taking on demi-gods. Even if you've never tried any of the Monster Hunter games, the latest - Monster Hunter: World - really is a pretty decent place to start. Choose to play solo, team up with friends, or simply jump in and out of other people's fights (helping them, of course), and you'll finally see what all the fuss is about. Nate and the 2 Hour Team take on cartoon action strategy Pit People, from the creators of Castle Crashers and BattleBlock Theater. It's a bit weird, very funny, and great fun to play - but is it worth the purchase price on Steam, or will they send it back before their two hours is up? We've been waiting a long time for Kratos to make it to the PS4, and he's finally here - bringing son Atreus along for the (longboat) ride. Angelo has spent some quality time with everybody's favourite deity (now with a rather fetching beard), to see how the leap from Greek to Norse mythology has treated him - and how parenthood has changed his life. Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode is off to the movies! (...with a quick treasure-hunting voyage along the way.) The new Tomb Raider adaptation has officially hit cinemas, with Alicia Vikander stepping into the combat boots of Lara Croft. The film draws on both of the recent games from Crystal Dynamics, but this isn't just a carbon copy adventure that we've all played before. It won't please everybody, but if you're a fan of the games - or of some light action in a stunning jungle setting, it's probably worth checking out. Of course, Tomb Raider is the latest in a long line of video game movie tie-ins - we've seen a whole lot of them over the years and the genre has a pretty dismal reputation. They're not all rubbish, though - some are even pretty good! We take a look back at some of the best (and the worst) of the games that have made the jump to the silver screen. If you're not into moving pictures, we've still got you covered with some swashbuckling adventures upon the Sea of Thieves. Whether or not it lives up to the hype is yet to be determined, but everyone seems to agree it's something a bit special from the veterans at Rare. Check out our review, grab a couple of mates and head out in search of booty! Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode jumps from a plane, visits another planet, and ends up in your pocket. The "last man standing" concept has been around forever, we've seen books and movies using the phrase, and it's quickly become the Next Big Thing in video games. We take some time to answer the big question: What actually *is* a Battle Royale? Angels Fall First is less about heavenly bodies, and more about team-oriented tactical gameplay. Is it worth your money? Nate and the 2 Hour Team have settled in with it for a while to find out. If you love board games, but hate having to clear the space on the table (and in your calendar) to play, Jessica has some suggestions of great board games you can play on your smartphone. There's something for everyone, from Carcassonne and Ticket To Ride, to the classic Scotland Yard and inevitable Scrabble. Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode covers life, death, and some art in between. Dumb Ways to Die might have started out as a simple public information campaign that reinforced the importance of being careful around trains, but it quickly blossomed into much more than that. NotMatt caught up with Leah Waymark, the CEO of Dumb, to find out what's happened in the years since the delightful characters first popped up on our screens. (Spoiler: They're headed to VR!) If you prefer your gaming experiences to be a little more heart-wrenchingly emotional, why not take a look at Life Is Strange? The episodic prequel - Before the Storm - has just wrapped up, meaning you can sit down and play through the whole lot (if you're made of strong enough stuff). Our review touches on what's changed in the latest updates, what's stayed the same, and why you should probably keep some tissues handy. Cheer up! We took a few moments away from the blaring speakers and bright lights of PAX AUS to chat to one of the creative minds lurking within Artist Alley. Katrina Young (KatArt Illustrations) and the Pop Culture Painters crafted some beautiful artworks over the course of the expo, and then auctioned them off for charity. Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode is all about strategy, in one form or another. Total War: ARENA is now in Open Beta, and it marks a new era for long-time developers The Creative Assembly. On one hand, it has everything you want from a multiplayer historical RTS - 10v10 gameplay, iconic leaders and some classic units. On the other, though... it's the first with new publisher Wargaming, and the first free-to-play title in the series. To find out more about what to expect from both sides of the fence, we caught up with Joshua Williams from The Creative Assembly and Al King (Wargaming's Global Brand Director), and flexed our strategic muscles in this two-part interview. But if all that historical stuff is getting too slow for you, grab some mates for a few quick rounds of Stick Fight: The Game. Nate and the 2 Hour Team have done exactly that, as they try to work out whether this fast and frenetic party game is worth your hard earned cash. Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode is a little nostalgic, but looks towards the future. Angelo takes off his rose-tinted glasses as he spends some time with the PS4 remake of Shadow of the Colossus. Is it as good as we remember it? Is it as good as we want it to be? But it's not all about memory lane, as we pop back to PAX AUS to take a look at three of the killer indie games on show. Angelo chats to Al about Eatvolve, an "eat-em-up" that proves the idea that "cute" can also mean "grotesque", in a game that asks you to consume just about everything in sight in order to gain new skills. Meredith from Ultimerse catches up with Feisty to put on the VR goggles of a rookie firefighter and explore the somewhat-flammable world of Paperville Panic. ...and Timmy makes his Player Attack debut* as he finds out more about Spin Rhythm, an intriguingly catchy game you can play with a DJ turntable. Plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! * This is actually Timmy's second time in front of the camera! His first was in our very, very first episode - as GamePron - all the way back in 2010. (We're not quite sure why it took him so long to come back, either.)

Player Attack is back for 2018! Season 6 of Australia's independent video game tv series will continue to bring you all the latest in gaming news, plus interviews, reviews and features from the world of video games. This week's episode is kind of all over the place, even by our standards. If you loved playing old school twitch-based shooter Heretic back in the day, have we got a treat for you. Angelo caught up with the team from Indefatigable to find out a bit more about Amid Evil - a brand new Unreal Engine FPS that plays like an homage to the genre, due to hit early access any day now. Nate and the crew from 2 Hour Steam are back, and this week they're settling in to find out whether Osiris: New Dawn is worth your hard-earned pennies. It's been in early access for nearly 18 months now, but is this open-world sci-fi survival game really any closer to release? ...and then, for something completely different, Jessica would like to take a moment to tell you all about the game she played most over summer. It's not necessarily one of the big-name blockbusters, and it's certainly copped a lot of flak for some fairly uninspired gameplay mechanics, but she loves Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp so very much, and she just had to tell someone about it! ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we've gotta go fast. Nate and his friends have spent spent two hours with The Escapists 2, trying to figure out a few things. Are they any good at breaking out of prison? Can they work together as a team? Is the game worth your money? (Spoiler: No, not really, and yes!) Angelo sits down with local Adelaide developer Carmine Fantarella in the latest Player A-Chat, to discuss his brand new project - Icebox: SpeedGunner. We've been following the game for a while now, and it's lovely to see it finally available to an adoring public. You can grab it right now on Steam! And Jessica has paid a visit to Slayaway Camp, perhaps the most adorable game to ever feature a serial killer preying on a bunch of teenagers. With its clunky voxel art-style, obvious and abiding love of 80 schlock horror films, and challenging but-not-too-difficult-gameplay, this one is worth a look for puzzle fans. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, it's a fight to the death. 2017 might just go down in history as the year of the last-man-standing games. There's an ongoing debate over who was first, who deserves the most accolades, and whether everybody should just read more Japanese best-sellers... but today, we checked out two of the biggest names. Nate and three of his friends spend some time wandering around PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, in this week's instalment of Two Hour Steam. All four are dropped onto an island, with a warzone that keeps shrinking. Will they choose to refund their money, or hang onto this one in the hope of more chicken dinners? Jessica (with a little help from Mythor) prefers the stylised cartoon graphics of Epic Games' latest, Fortnite. The team's just released the Battle Royale expansion for the game, which adds a very familiar play mode to the already-awesome survival experience. Is it a blatant rip-off though, or does it add enough new stuff to the genre? And if all this Lord of the Flies stuff isn't for you, then come along with us as we revisit Hybrid World Adelaide - a futurist festival held in Adelaide earlier this month. Kids were invited to rebuild iconic locations in a Minecraft masterclass with Wyld, and other students faced off in the world's first LAN League of Legends tournament for high schools. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're thinking of the children. Firstly - obviously - in our review of brand new "parenting simulator" Think of the Children, out now through Surprise Attack Games. It's the sort of fast-paced, frenetic action we last saw in Overcooked - but is it as good? Isn't it kind of creepy to be, basically, killing kids? Janet Gaeta (formerly Janet Carr) is also thinking of the children. She's one of the creative directors working on new technology festival Hybrid World Adelaide, which hits the Tonsley Innovation Precinct (the old Mitsubishi site) October 4-8. The event features a world-first League of Legends LAN competition for high school students, a chance to literally build the future in Minecraft, and opportunities for people to learn how to code or fly their own drone. If you can't get there, don't fret - Angelo has a lengthy interview with Janet as part of Player A-Chat, and we've got a decent chunk of it right here for your viewing pleasure. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're solving mysteries and learning about casting. Just a few years ago, Alex Hughes knew nothing about eSports casting - and now, he's one of the most sought-after Smite commentators in the world! We caught up with HughZ while he was in Adelaide recently and found out not only how he got started casting, but also why he thinks Hi-Rez has made a game just for him. For something completely different, Jessica has returned from a sightseeing mission to the mysterious location that is Rusty Lake. This surreal setting is home to nine games in the Cube Escape series, plus two standalone premium offerings, Rusty Lake: Roots and Rusty Lake Hotel. A little bit point-and-click, a little bit Twin Peaks, you'll find out why this is our new favourite holiday destination. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're bouncing off the walls. Angelo sits down with Steve Heller from Surprise Attack and Pixels for Breakfast about his many-faceted 10 year career. We look back at the history of video game classification - can you imagine a time where anyone could play any game they wanted? Won't somebody think of the children! ...and we take a few moments to jump into the sublimely ridiculous West of Loathing, just in case you'd been missing a stick-figure RPG with cowboys. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're chatting to all sorts of fascinating people. Want to know about retro video games? How to start collecting? Where to find the coolest stuff? Who to talk to about the best old-school treats? Retrospekt should be able to help you - we caught up with Marcus at AVCon and picked his brain about what the team's been up to recently (mad respekt!). Also at AVCon, Angelo found Jen Taylor wandering the halls - while she's an accomplished stage actor (who visited Australia years ago to rehearse a play, no less), most people would know this lady as the voice of Princess Peach, Toad, or maybe your favourite blue AI: Cortana! Bringing things back home again, the latest episode of Player A-Chat features Adelaide developer Philip Mayes. He draws back the curtain on the local industry, revealing that South Australia might not be the deadzone many people seem to believe it is! ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're finding out which Australians play video games, what they're playing, and why they're playing. Digital Australia 2018 is the seventh study in a series of national research in Australia and New Zealand, conducted by Jeffrey Brand and his team at Bond University. We caught up with Professor Brand and turned the tables for a moment, asking *him* the big questions about what this year's report says about Aussies. The report is fascinating reading, jam-packed with surprising statistics. - the average age of the Australian gamer is now 34 - 97% of homes with children have computer games - 80% of game households have more than one device for playing games - 92% of players play with other people - 50% of children have used games in their school curriculum - 34% of adults have used games for work - 84% of players say games help improve thinking skills - 77% of people who play games in Australia are aged 18 years or older - 46% of video game players are female - 43% of Australians aged 65 and over play video games! Would you like to know more? The full #DA18 report is available from the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association - for free! http://www.igea.net/ ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're chatting with some locals. AVCon is Adelaide's Anime and Video Game Festival, and one of the absolute highlights each year is checking out the wide variety of titles that make up The Indie Games Room. It's a curated collection of independently-developed games from Australia and New Zealand, and it's been a part of AVCon since 2008. This year, we dropped in to chat with IGR coordinator Brad Barrett, and caught up with some of the local developers showing off their latest projects. Of course, there were more than 50 games on show this year and we were only able to highlight a handful - for a full list, head to theindiegamesroom.com ! Featured games: Bloodbeard's Revenge - https://www.facebook.com/bloodbeardsrevenge/ Think of the Children - http://www.thinkofthechildrengame.com/ Intergalactic Space Princess - http://www.spaceprincess.net/ Monadnock - https://monadnock.machinespirit.net/ ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're off to AVCon to meet interesting people! AVCon is Adelaide's Anime and Video Games Festival, an annual gathering that brings the South Australian community together to celebrate what makes them happy. Each year, an assortment of guests are also invited, drawn from across the realms of pop culture - and it's difficult to tell who has more fun, the attendees or the VIPs! This year, we caught up with special AVCon guest Steve Downes - you might not recognise his face, but the moment he opens his voice, you'll know exactly who he is. A Los Angeles disc jockey for the better part of 40 years, he says his career suddenly skyrocketed (literally) when he was hand-picked for the role of Spartan John-117... that is, Master Chief, from the Halo series. We also spent some time with one of the other guests in town for AVCon - Chris Pope, known to his fans as the Space Pope. His childhood dream was to become a game developer at Sierra, working on games like Space Quest. Fast-forward a few years, and even though Sierra is long gone, the Space Pope has teamed up with two of the original developers to create Space Venture - a spiritual successor to the series. Did we mention he also held a world record for playing Pac-Man? This is a man of many talents! ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're looking at the past. You might remember a few weeks ago, we made a big deal about how Australian free-to-air community television was being shut down, taking a chunk of excellent, home-grown content with it. Well... that didn't happen. Literally four days before the transmitters were turned off, community stations including C44 in Adelaide and C31 Melbourne and Geelong were given a reprieve - a six month extension on their license - and an extra half a year on air. To celebrate this great news, we've decided to take a look back at some of the bits of Player Attack that never made it to community television, before we step forward again into the future. If nothing else, you can see how far we've come since our first episode, nearly five years ago. http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're getting a little bit competitive. Hi-Rez Studios took its Mid Year finals to Adelaide's Cybergamer studios - and we were there to check out all the action. Featuring two of the developer's best games - third-person MOBA Smite and free-to-play hero shooter Paladins - it was a weekend of high-energy esports in the brand new venue. We caught up with members of both Legacy and the LG Dire Wolves - the two Smite teams going head-to-head to determine the Split 2 champions. One of these teams walked out of the event with a fair chunk of the $25,000 prize pool, while the other has a glint in their eyes, looking for revenge. On the Paladins side of the fence, the stakes were even higher - the winner of Sunday's event would be sent to Spain, to represent the region at Dreamhack Valencia! Kanga Esports faced off against newcomer Kings - and we spoke to both teams to find out what was going on. (Want to know more about Smite or Paladins? Stephen Cooper, the head tournament admin from Hi-Rez was also on hand to fill us in on both games, as well as caster HughZ.) But wait! There's more! Angelo sits down with Adelaide developer Chris Johnson to chat about what he's been doing lately. Spoiler: He's been working hard on The Slaughterhouse, a mod for Hacknet that focusses on the numerous ethical issues surrounding an abbatoir. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're headed out to the far reaches of the galaxy. First up, it's survival time as Jessica explores Oxygen Not Included, a new experience from Don't Starve developer Klei. The game is packed with adorable features and creatures, and some unique interstellar residents, but - you guessed it - easy to pick up, fiendishly difficult to master. You can forget everything you think you know about driving a spaceship. Turns out that it's not at all like flying a plane, and a lot more like piloting a giant, floating submarine. At least, that's the approach Flat Earth Games is taking, with the upcoming release of Objects In Space - a game that also encourages you to build your own cockpit. And as if all that wasn't enough, in the latest clip from Angelo's Player A-Chat series, we sat down with local Adelaide games writer James O'Connor to chat about freelance writing, kids' magazines, video game academia, and the thesis he wrote about player-driven narratives in GTA IV. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're looking back at the juggernaut that was E3 2017. Whether you were lucky enough to be in Los Angeles for the sensory overload that is the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or if you simply watched all the hype from home, you'd know that this year was - undeniably - huge. We watched all the big pre-show press conferences, took pages and pages of notes, and have picked out our favourite trailers from the big screen. There are highlights here from Microsoft, Bethesda, Ubisoft, Sony and Nintendo - and even EA (even though yes, we know they weren't actually *at* E3 this year). Find out just what Mario's up to these days (working alongside Rabbids and exploring the big city), spend some time with Spidey, and take some time to revisit some old favourites. There's the reveal of the Xbox One X (no more Project Scorpio!), a bunch of games headed to Nintendo Switch, and a good look at what's happening in a galaxy far, far away. BioWare shows off their newest experience, Xbox gets a bit racy, and we meet a lovable orc named Brûz. http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're not even supposed to be here today. If you haven't seen Clerks, you're missing out on one of this generation's most influential films. Shot for less than $30,000 and making more than $3 million in theatres, Clerks catapulted director Kevin Smith into the public eye. Happily, he dragged a few of his friends up with him - and Jonny Robot caught up with Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Veronica (Marilyn Ghigliotti) for a two-part chat about filmmaking, indie cinema, and the importance of following your dreams. The number 37 is not mentioned anywhere in the interview, except for this sentence. Indie smash Hacknet has been described as a hacking simulator so authentic that it cannot be played in an airport, and the first expansion set - Hacknet Labyrinths - was released just a few months ago. Adelaide developer Matt Trobbiani drops in to talk to Angelo in the latest episode of Player A-Chat. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're talking to some amazing people. With all the recent hype about Wonder Woman, we wanted to take a moment to look at her comic roots. And who better to reminisce with than artist Nicola Scott and author Greg Rucka, the dynamic duo who recently worked together on DC's Wonder Woman Year One series! The pair also collaborated on creator-owned series Black Magick, which is about homicide detective Rowan Black, who also happens to be a witch (don't worry, no pointy hats, magic wands or black cats in sight). Jonny Robot finds out more about both of these amazing projects, and finds out a bit more about what's up next for this winning combination. If that wasn't enough interview goodness for you, Angelo is also here with a taste of his brand new project. Player A-Chat is a longer-form video series we're posting directly to YouTube, where Angelo talks to members of the Australian gaming community. In this first one, Guy "Yug" Blomberg is in the spotlight. He's the newly appointed Global PAX Content Editor at ReedPOP, and we tracked him down at Oz Comic-Con Adelaide for a bit of a chat. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're hanging out with some of the biggest idiots in the galaxy. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 is out now in cinemas just about everywhere, and Jonny Robot wants you to know what he thought about it. Simply put: If you liked the original, you'll like this one... but is that really ~enough~ these days? Amy also watched the movie, but she's dropped by to share her thoughts on the new video game that's out now - the first episode of Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series! It's exactly what you'd expect from this pop culture mash-up. Modern point-and-click adventuring, classic animation and some killer voice acting (including Scott Porter as Star-Lord!). For something a little different, we figured it was about time to refresh our collective memories about South Park: The Fractured But Whole, which got us pretty excited at E3 2016. Now, nearly 12 months later, the game's still not here and we have no idea when it will be. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're overwhelmed by amazing characters! Whether you know her best as the voice of Sarah Kerrigan in StarCraft II, the face of Kilian Qatar in Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars, or perhaps as cylon Number Six in Battlestar Galactica, Tricia Helfer should be familiar to anyone with an interest in sci-fi, cyborgs, or bad-ass bitches. She's played some incredible women over the past decade and a bit, and is now starring in Lucifer (as the exiled wife of God, no less). Tricia was in town recently for Oz Comic-Con, and was more than happy to chat with Jonny Robot in this two-part interview about her impressive career (did you know she's part cyborg?). For something completely different, if you miss the glory days of the character platformer, Angelo has some good news for you. Yooka-Laylee is out now from new studio Playtonic Games (featuring former key personnel from classic developer Rare), and it looks like it can fill the gap. Described as a spiritual successor to Banjo-Kazooie, this one might not bring much new to the table, but hey - if it ain't broke, don't fix it! ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're chatting to people at Oz Comic-Con Adelaide! The national event has been running across the country for five years now, and has grown from some humble beginnings to stand proud as one of the highlights of the Australian gaming calendar. Angelo catches up with event co-founder Rand Ratinac to find out what prompted the creation of this celebration of pop culture. One of this year's guests is the inimitable, irrepressible Charles Martinet. You might not recognise his face, but you'll certainly know his work - particularly if you're a Nintendo fan. This silver-haired Californian is the voice of Mario, and he was more than happy to chat to Jessica in our two-part special about spending the past two decades voicing the world's favourite plumber. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we're all over the place. We head out on an adventure with Rare, sailing the Sea of Thieves to figure out what's best about being a pirate. It's a new Shared World Action Game (that is, a SWAG) that's set for release a little later this year. Whether you want to explore the seven seas, buckle your swash, or simply head down the pub, it's all at your fingertips. Last year, Wargaming brought an important piece of Australian military history back home. The AC1 Sentinel tank is the only tank to be built Down Under, during WWII - and now there's a beautiful example of one living in Cairns. We chatted to Tanitha from Wargaming to work out just how - and why - they managed this mammoth task! Jonny pulls on his fightin' pants as he reminisces about Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu (tm), first released on the Nintendo 64 back in 1990. It was a simpler time, a happier time, and a time where you could gain power-ups simply by kickin' them out of frogs. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we go exploring. Angelo chats to the team behind upcoming Australian mobile sensation Buy Somewhere. It's a bit like Pokemon Go meets Monopoly, and we're a little bit intrigued. If you're a fan of games like Dark Souls and Lords of the Fallen, new game The Surge puts a new spin on the genre. No more fantasy and monsters - this time, it's science fiction and robots, as you fight your way through a dystopian future wearing a giant exoskeleton. Alienware celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, so we thought it would be a good time to catch up with Joe Olmsted to find out what the future holds for the hardware company. (Spoiler: Lots of VR and super-slick laptops!) ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we turn it up to 11. Mick Gordon is the Australian-based musician behind the incredible soundtrack for DOOM, released last year. We've been big fans for a while now, and finally pinned him down for a chat. In this special two-part interview, we delve behind the scenes of DOOM and Wolfenstein, look to the future (Prey!), and try to figure out what makes this Energizer Bunny tick. Horizon Zero Dawn is a gorgeous, glorious action RPG from the creators of the Killzone series. We're not sure why everyone seems so surprised that it's so very, very good - drop a strong, female protagonist into one of the most beautiful worlds we've seen on the PS4, and then throw in some robot dinosaurs... Amy's in love. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we get Switched On with the new hybrid console from Nintendo. We've gone hands on with the hardware and are here to tell you all about it - the good, the bad, *and* the ugly (sorry!). It's smaller than you expect, better than you expect... but it's not quite as wonderful as you might hope. If you're not sure what games to get for your brand new console (other than Breath of the Wild, of course), we've got some suggestions there too - including the one game we've picked as the Must-Have title for Switch. No, it's not Zelda! Want to know how Nintendo got to where it is now? Angelo delves into the history books and finds that a hybrid handheld / portable / living room console really isn't that unexpected. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week on Player Attack, we take a moment away from the Nintendo hype to look at a few of the other big games out at the moment. Horizon: Zero Dawn is out right now for PS4 and we couldn't be happier. It's a brand new experience from Guerrilla Games (the team that brought you Killzone), with an inspiring athletic heroine, some of the most gorgeous scenery we've seen in a long time, and - of course - a spattering of robot dinosaurs. We caught up with Hermen Hulst from Guerrilla to find out more about what's going on. RTS games on console have had a rough time of it. The traditional controls don't necessarily translate all that well to anything other than mouse and keyboard, but Angelo found that Halo Wars 2 has come up with some interesting ways around the problem. The new one from Microsoft also features a clever new Blitz mode, described as "Halo Wars meets Hearthstone". Ubisoft believes that everybody falls into one of three camps: Knights, Vikings or Samurai - and you have the ability to figure out which one you are in new game For Honor. It's available right now for PC, PS4 and Xbox One, but if you'd like to know more, check out Jonny Robot's chat with developer Gaelec Simard. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

Mass Effect Andromeda,BioWare,Fabrice Condominas,Jessica Citizen,Jonny Robot,Angelo Valdivia,Pathfinder,EA,Commander Shepard Welcome to Player Attack for 2017! We're starting the year off with an interstellar bang - an entire episode dedicated to Mass Effect Andromeda. It's been five years since BioWare has taken us into space, and that time has been well-spent crafting an amazing, immersive galaxy just waiting to be explored. Jessica had the chance to go hands-on with the game, stepping into the shoes of both Scott and Sara Ryder and interacting with a whole bunch of alien beings. We also chatted to Fabrice Condominas from BioWare about what's in store for the Pathfinder when the game launches for Xbox One, PS4 and Windows PC from March 21. He tells us what he's most proud of, explains why it's taken so long for the game to get here, and gives an insight into a few ideas that were tried and discarded along the way (Mass Effect flight simulator, anyone?) And we can hardly even remember what life was like before we met Commander Shepard and visited our favourite store on the Citadel, but Jonny and Angelo take a stroll down Memory Lane, reminiscing about what made the first three games so great, nearly 10 years ago. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode looks at PC, Xbox and everything in between, fresh from PAX AUS 2016. We chat to Xbox Live's Major Nelson, about how he became one of the most recognisable figures in the games industry, what's involved in his job at Xbox, and what he loves best about Australia. He wouldn't tell us how it compares to Forza Horizon 3. Frank Azor, co-founder of Alienware drops by to celebrate the hardware company's 20th anniversary. They've come a long way since it was just three guys in an office - and Frank tells us all about what's happened in 2016 (including the world's smallest gaming laptop), as well as what he's most looking forward to in 2017. Angelo Valdivia goes head-to-head with some of the region's cleverest game developers, with a look at the winners of the Australian Indie Showcase - Objects in Space, Paradigm, The Adventure Pals, The Eyes of Ara, Wildfire and Mini Metro. These games should be on your must-play list, and they're all made right here in Australia (and New Zealand!). ...plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode features tanks, space, and a three-foot rabbity thing. Angelo Valdivia says "Screw it, let's go to space!" and brings us a brand new review of Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. It's Infinity Ward's turn to play with the blockbuster series, and the studio's taken things in a slightly different direction. In the final Videogame Shoebox of 2016, Mike Notridge rediscovers one of his favourites for MS-DOS: Sam & Max Hit The Road, originally released in 1993. It's a LucasArts classic from the glory days of point-and-click adventure games, and well worth a second look. And we chat about the current state of eSports in Australia, with Team Efficiency, Wargaming and ESL Australia all having a say about a big 2016 (and the even bigger 2017 on the horizon). ...plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode features a couple of sequels and one very big boat. It's been a little while between drinks for Respawn Entertainment, but the studio's back with the brand new FPS, Titanfall 2. Want to know what we thought about it? You'll need to check out Angelo's review! While at PAX Australia 2016, Jessica Citizen caught up with Sebastien Mitton, Art Director on Dishonored 2. This new interview covers returning character Corvo Attano, new protagonist Emily Caldwin, and - of course - the stunning new location of Karnaca. Wargaming has already delivered some great Aussie content this year, but now World of Warships is getting in on the action. We've got all the details on HMAS Perth, a brand new vessel added to the game this month. She's a beauty! ...plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode features hacking, building and ...vegetable throwing? Jessica Citizen catches up with Ubisoft's Jonathan Morin to chat about Watch_Dogs 2. This new standalone sequel is set in San Francisco, and the Bay Area is as much a character as new protagonist, Marcus Holloway. We check out the latest Radeon RX graphics cards from AMD - if you're looking for an easy way to upgrade your computer, this could be the answer! And Mike Notridge delves into his Videogame Shoebox again and dusts off an old copy of Super Mario Bros 2, which has one of the more interesting back-stories of any Nintendo game. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode is addictive, plays well and sounds amazing. Firaxis are the masters of the just-one-more-turn school of gameplay, and brand new Civilization VI is no exception. People are already calling it the best Civ ever - Jonny caught up with Lead Designer Ed Beach to find out what makes this one so special, and how the studio might have learned from its mistakes. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is another big sequel out this year. Angelo spent some time wandering around the recent beta weekend and shares his thoughts on Infinity Ward's latest shooter. Is it really just more of the same - in space - or does it bring something new to the blockbuster franchise? Gaming headsets always seem to have a certain look to them... a look you wouldn't necessarily want to wear on the train, no matter how good they sound. This could be about to change! The LucidSound LS30 wireless gaming headset not only sounds great, but looks pretty stylish - Jessica wouldn't mind wearing them out of the house in this new hardware review! ...plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode features cards, castles and chainsaws - a little something for everyone! Jonny catches up with Matt from CD Projekt RED to talk about upcoming digital card game Gwent. It seems that in the sweeping, open world of The Witcher 3, a significant number of people just wanted to sit around in taverns, playing cards - so the studio spun it out into its own game! Mike jumps back in time with his latest Videogame Shoebox, looking at Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, which first hit the original PlayStation back in 1997. The game's non-linear level design has helped create an entirely new genre of RPGs - but how well does it hold up 20 years later? And on the review side of things, Angelo has spent some time with Gears of War 4. It's 25 years since the Locust invasion, but things aren't exactly peaceful. The new game pits Marcus's son JD Fenix against against a horrific new enemy - The Swarm - in a tale of rescue and revenge, out now for Xbox One and Windows PC! ...plus, of course, we have all the latest gaming news as well - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode sees us finding out what's in store when PlayStation VR arrives this month. We chat to Sefton Hill from Rocksteady Studios about Batman: Arkham VR, which is an all-new take on the Batman series. Instead of the classic action we've seen from previous games in the Arkham series, Rocksteady's letting Batman live up to his title as the World's Greatest Detective. Jonny catches up with Greg Koreman from Impulse Gear, the studio behind brand new PSVR exclusive first-person shooter Farpoint. This one is designed to work with the PSVR Aim Controller to really put you inside the game, which is set on a hostile alien world. Frankly, it looks pretty terrifying! And if you're not into VR, we have a mobile review for you too: We played Red Dwarf XI: The Game, so you don't have to. Yes yes, we know, the words "Red Dwarf" and "Video Game" got us pretty excited too, but ...no. Stay away from this one, okay? ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode sees Mike put the pedal to the metal with our review of Forza Horizon 3. Microsoft has brought the open-world racer Down Under for the first time - here's hoping it's as good as it looks! Jonny chats to Bill Harms about the upcoming release of Mafia III - what does the Lead Writer from developer Hangar 13 have to say about the game? And we catch up with The Coalition to talk all things Gears of War 4. It's been 25 years since the events of Gears of War 3, and now a new studio's picked up the reins - and the chainsaws! ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode sees headed to greener pastures as we chat to Giants about Farming Simulator 17, which is set to include pig farming for the first time, as well as a bunch of other upgrades and advances in farming technology. It might sound like a weird concept for a game, but this is one that has a hardcore set of fans. Jonny Robot pops out to the cinema to check out new Korean zombie film Train to Busan - it's a little bit like Snowpiercer meets World War Z, with a healthy dose of Asian action thrown in as well. Winning awards all over the place, this is one to watch. And, while it's been kept rather quiet, Microsoft's new one - ReCore - is out now for Windows PC and Xbox One (the first Play Anywhere title) and we found out a bit more about what's going on in this futuristic action experience. Who is Joule? What are those robots? Where can I get a mechanical ape? ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode sees Jonny chatting with French studio Dontnod about their new project, Vampyr. It's something very different to Remember Me and Life is Strange, a much darker experience that is full of moral and ethical dilemmas. Definitely one to keep an eye on! Mike dives back into his Videogame Shoebox and comes up with a copy of The Legend Of Zelda - Link's Awakening. It's the fourth Legend of Zelda game, and the first on a handheld - how does this 1993 classic hold up? And speaking of classics, we caught up with Crystal Dynamics to celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of gaming's leading ladies - Lara Croft, the Tomb Raider. Take a look at how much things have changed since her earliest adventures... and how much other things have stayed the same. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode puts the pedal to the metal with a special all-racing lineup. The carnival motorsport action heads Down Under in Forza Horizon 3, out real soon now from Turn 10 Games and Microsoft. We chat to Jon Knoles, Design Director on the game, to find out whether or not we'll be driving on the proper side of the road. If you'd prefer PS4 exclusive racing, Gran Turismo Sport marks the beginning of a new era at Polyphony Digital. It's just been delayed to 2017, but we have all the details for you here and now, to make sure you're appropriately excited. It's been available on PC for a while now, but Italian-developed racing simulator Assetto Corsa has just hit consoles. This is not one for the casual driver - it's some of the most realistic, unforgiving racing you can get your hands on... and we love it. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode sees us heading to the stars, as we visit 18 quintillion planets in our review of No Man's Sky. It might not be what we expected - and it's definitely not for everyone - but we really liked its take on interstellar survival. Mike jumps into the augmented future of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. It's two years after the events of Human Revolution, and while Adam Jensen never asked for this, he's slowly accepting his new role. The game's out now for PC, PS4 and Xbox One, thanks to Eidos Montreal and Square Enix! And we get our bureaucracy on with a look at Prison Architect, a game that puts you in control of the design, construction and management of a jail. It's been out on PC for a while, but has just landed on console - how well does this strategy carry over? ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode sees us exploring the ultimate in fan service - LEGO Dimensions is adding about a million new characters, worlds and features in Year 2, and we chatted to TT Games about what's new wnd why you should be excited about it. For something a bit different, Jonny gets his sport on as he catches up with EA Sports to talk Madden NFL 17! It's out this month, and the team believes it's the best NFL game yet. And - in case all this modern stuff was gettin' you down - Mike dives all the way to the bottom of his Videogame Shoebox to dig up the first game he ever played: Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle, on the older-than-old-school Atari 2600. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode sees us meet the man behind the machine - Carl Ledbetter, head of Industrial Design at Xbox. We chat about the Xbox One S, those great new coloured controllers, and find out a bit about Project Scorpio! Jonny catches up with Joe Nickolls from Capcom Vancouver to find out all about Dead Rising 4: Frank is back, it's Christmas, and Willamette is full of zombies again. And Telltale Games has just released the first episode of their brand new Batman series. We spoke to Richard Iggo about working with DC Comics, playing as both Bruce and Bats, and found out how your choices can impact on all of Gotham City. ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com

This week's episode sees us playing Tetris with a twist - Tricky Towers is an indie game out of the Netherlands, out now for PS4 and Windows PC. It's a classic gaming stalwart with a brand new physics engine - equal parts cuddly cute and devilishly difficult. Mike gets absolutely legless as he dives into his Videogame Shoebox... that's right, it's time for the original Rayman, which came out in 1995 and featured a character with no arms, no legs, no neck, and yet has the ability to run, jump and even glide! And from one retro platformer to another retro-inspired one: Angelo spends some time with Yooka-Laylee - the Toybox Mode has just been made available to Kickstarter backers, so let's see if it's any good! ...plus, of course, we have all the latest in gaming news - this is Player Attack! http://www.playerattack.com