Checkpoint Gaming
@checkpointau.bsky.social
Join us every Saturday 2PM on JOY94.9 for all the latest news, reviews & more in the gaming world! Broadcasting nationwide on the Community Radio Network.
Find out more from us here: https://checkpointgaming.net/ or
linktr.ee/checkpointau
Find out more from us here: https://checkpointgaming.net/ or
linktr.ee/checkpointau
The future of Freeplay, Australia's longest-running indie games festival, is looking grim after it was unable to obtain additional funding via Creative Victoria. @free-play.bsky.social
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Australia's longest running indie games festival's future is in doubt
The Freeplay independent games festival has not received organisational funding from Creative Victoria, putting its future in doubt.
checkpointgaming.net
January 21, 2026 at 6:41 AM
The future of Freeplay, Australia's longest-running indie games festival, is looking grim after it was unable to obtain additional funding via Creative Victoria. @free-play.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
Life is Strange: Reunion got officially unveiled overnight, showing a return to Max Caulfield and Chloe Price amidst a fiery crisis at Caledon University.
Following an early look at the game, we're tepidly awaiting its release.
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Following an early look at the game, we're tepidly awaiting its release.
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Life is Strange Reunion Preview - Here we go again
Life is Strange Reunion is the newly unveiled chapter in the longrunning narrative series, closing the chapter on Max and Chloe.
checkpointgaming.net
January 20, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Life is Strange: Reunion got officially unveiled overnight, showing a return to Max Caulfield and Chloe Price amidst a fiery crisis at Caledon University.
Following an early look at the game, we're tepidly awaiting its release.
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Following an early look at the game, we're tepidly awaiting its release.
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Bungie's Marathon now has a new release date, as well as a stacked voice cast which includes some award-winning voice actors from Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. @marathonthegame.bungie.net @bungie.net
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checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
Marathon reveals new release date and star-studded voice cast
Bungie's Marathon is now confirmed to release on March 5th 2026. Its English voice cast has also been announced, featuring many big names.
checkpointgaming.net
January 20, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Bungie's Marathon now has a new release date, as well as a stacked voice cast which includes some award-winning voice actors from Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. @marathonthegame.bungie.net @bungie.net
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checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
EARLY ACCESS PREVIEW: Lunars
"While it suffers from a serious identity crisis and inconsistent art and thematic design, its minigames are engaging enough to deliver genuine laughs and memorable moments with friends."
@lunarspartygame.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
"While it suffers from a serious identity crisis and inconsistent art and thematic design, its minigames are engaging enough to deliver genuine laughs and memorable moments with friends."
@lunarspartygame.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Lunars Early Access Preview - Blitzing through the party genre
Lunars is a party game by Anubis Games, where you and your friends play as one of the 12 Chinese Zodiacs competing in various minigames.
checkpointgaming.net
January 20, 2026 at 6:03 AM
EARLY ACCESS PREVIEW: Lunars
"While it suffers from a serious identity crisis and inconsistent art and thematic design, its minigames are engaging enough to deliver genuine laughs and memorable moments with friends."
@lunarspartygame.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
"While it suffers from a serious identity crisis and inconsistent art and thematic design, its minigames are engaging enough to deliver genuine laughs and memorable moments with friends."
@lunarspartygame.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
REVIEW: MIO: Memories in Orbit
"With a backdrop of gorgeous art, standout music and thoughtful world design, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a phenomenal example of just how good Metroidvanias can be."
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"With a backdrop of gorgeous art, standout music and thoughtful world design, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a phenomenal example of just how good Metroidvanias can be."
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MIO: Memories in Orbit Review – Mama MIO that's a good Metroidvania
MIO: Memories in Orbit is an outstanding Metroidvania that excels in knowing exactly how to teach and how to step back and trust its players.
checkpointgaming.net
January 20, 2026 at 1:58 AM
REVIEW: MIO: Memories in Orbit
"With a backdrop of gorgeous art, standout music and thoughtful world design, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a phenomenal example of just how good Metroidvanias can be."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
"With a backdrop of gorgeous art, standout music and thoughtful world design, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a phenomenal example of just how good Metroidvanias can be."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
REVIEW: Big Hops
"Even when levels feel lacking or simplistic, the speedy gameplay mixed with such gorgeous biomes always results in a fun time."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
"Even when levels feel lacking or simplistic, the speedy gameplay mixed with such gorgeous biomes always results in a fun time."
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Big Hops Review - Hop into the Action!
Big Hops is an exciting platformer that is extremely fun to control for its smaller scale, but not everything lives up to its potential.
checkpointgaming.net
January 19, 2026 at 6:24 AM
REVIEW: Big Hops
"Even when levels feel lacking or simplistic, the speedy gameplay mixed with such gorgeous biomes always results in a fun time."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
"Even when levels feel lacking or simplistic, the speedy gameplay mixed with such gorgeous biomes always results in a fun time."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
REVIEW: Cassette Boy
"Cassette Boy is a quaint and at times interesting in its nostalgic recreations and core mechanical hook, but I just wish it offered more substance beyond pastiche."
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"Cassette Boy is a quaint and at times interesting in its nostalgic recreations and core mechanical hook, but I just wish it offered more substance beyond pastiche."
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Cassette Boy Review - Stereo Nostalgia
Cassette Boy is a quaint and sometimes interesting nostalgia trip, but offers little substance beyond pastiche.
checkpointgaming.net
January 19, 2026 at 6:22 AM
REVIEW: Cassette Boy
"Cassette Boy is a quaint and at times interesting in its nostalgic recreations and core mechanical hook, but I just wish it offered more substance beyond pastiche."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
"Cassette Boy is a quaint and at times interesting in its nostalgic recreations and core mechanical hook, but I just wish it offered more substance beyond pastiche."
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REVIEW: Philna Fantasy
"There is plenty of potential, with its deep crafting and customisation system and enjoyably challenging puzzles to make it worth recommending over many other retro-style action RPGs."
@philnafantasy.bsky.social
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"There is plenty of potential, with its deep crafting and customisation system and enjoyably challenging puzzles to make it worth recommending over many other retro-style action RPGs."
@philnafantasy.bsky.social
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Philna Fantasy Review - More functional than fantastic
Philna Fantasy is a retro-style action-RPG with a fairly deep crafting and customisation system, as well as unsatisfying loot and narrative.
checkpointgaming.net
January 19, 2026 at 6:20 AM
REVIEW: Philna Fantasy
"There is plenty of potential, with its deep crafting and customisation system and enjoyably challenging puzzles to make it worth recommending over many other retro-style action RPGs."
@philnafantasy.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
"There is plenty of potential, with its deep crafting and customisation system and enjoyably challenging puzzles to make it worth recommending over many other retro-style action RPGs."
@philnafantasy.bsky.social
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Activision Blizzard is being investigated by an Italian regulator for its monetisation schemes in Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. @diablo.blizzard.com @callofdutymobile.bsky.social
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Activision Blizzard investigated by Italian regulator over mobile game microtransactions
The Italian competition authority is investigating Activision Blizzard's monetisation schemes in Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile.
checkpointgaming.net
January 19, 2026 at 5:29 AM
Activision Blizzard is being investigated by an Italian regulator for its monetisation schemes in Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. @diablo.blizzard.com @callofdutymobile.bsky.social
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Amazon Game Studios' troubled New World MMO has been removed from online storefronts and will have its servers turned off in January 2027.
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Amazon's New World MMO to shut down in a year
Amazon Game Studios has announced that its 2021 MMO New World will be going offline on the 31st of January 2027.
checkpointgaming.net
January 17, 2026 at 7:03 AM
Amazon Game Studios' troubled New World MMO has been removed from online storefronts and will have its servers turned off in January 2027.
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
REVIEW: Kejora
"Despite its efforts and how much I thoroughly enjoyed the introductory act and the larger themes, the limitations of its clunky gameplay and frequent bugs left me less engaged..."
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"Despite its efforts and how much I thoroughly enjoyed the introductory act and the larger themes, the limitations of its clunky gameplay and frequent bugs left me less engaged..."
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Kejora Review - Tomorrow to the rice fields
Kejora, developed by Berangin Creative and published by Soft Source, has finally been released after a series of delays.
checkpointgaming.net
January 15, 2026 at 4:26 AM
REVIEW: Kejora
"Despite its efforts and how much I thoroughly enjoyed the introductory act and the larger themes, the limitations of its clunky gameplay and frequent bugs left me less engaged..."
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"Despite its efforts and how much I thoroughly enjoyed the introductory act and the larger themes, the limitations of its clunky gameplay and frequent bugs left me less engaged..."
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MOVIE REVIEW: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
"...a great and novel addition to the 28 series, and hopefully one that audiences will embrace enough for us all to see the conclusion to this eclectic trilogy."
@28yearslater.bsky.social
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"...a great and novel addition to the 28 series, and hopefully one that audiences will embrace enough for us all to see the conclusion to this eclectic trilogy."
@28yearslater.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Cinematic Mode - 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple meditates on evil and empathy
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a thoughtful and unconventional zombie drama interested in evil, ritual and empathy.
checkpointgaming.net
January 15, 2026 at 4:24 AM
MOVIE REVIEW: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
"...a great and novel addition to the 28 series, and hopefully one that audiences will embrace enough for us all to see the conclusion to this eclectic trilogy."
@28yearslater.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
"...a great and novel addition to the 28 series, and hopefully one that audiences will embrace enough for us all to see the conclusion to this eclectic trilogy."
@28yearslater.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
According to Fallout: New Vegas senior designer and Obsidian Entertainment co-founder Chris Avellone, Bethesda doesn't fully understand Fallout's roots, and arguably doesn't care about them. @fallout.bethesdastudios.com @obsidianent.bsky.social
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Bethesda doesn't fully understand Fallout's roots, according to New Vegas dev
Fallout New Vegas dev, Chris Avellone, said that he doesn't hate Bethesda, it's just that they don't understand Fallout's roots
checkpointgaming.net
January 14, 2026 at 10:53 AM
According to Fallout: New Vegas senior designer and Obsidian Entertainment co-founder Chris Avellone, Bethesda doesn't fully understand Fallout's roots, and arguably doesn't care about them. @fallout.bethesdastudios.com @obsidianent.bsky.social
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Laid-off Rockstar staff have been denied an interim relief request made by the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), as part of a preliminary hearing held at the Glasgow Tribunals Centre in Scotland.
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Fired Rockstar staff denied interim pay and work visas at tribunal hearing
Laid off Rockstar staff have been denied an interim relief request made by the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB).
checkpointgaming.net
January 13, 2026 at 6:33 AM
Laid-off Rockstar staff have been denied an interim relief request made by the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), as part of a preliminary hearing held at the Glasgow Tribunals Centre in Scotland.
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
It's January! So what indies are on the menu? Here's 10!
Including...
@cozycaravangame.bsky.social @mynextgames.com @hondakiyoshi.bsky.social @archrebels.bsky.social @prettysmart.bsky.social @girlypop.net
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Including...
@cozycaravangame.bsky.social @mynextgames.com @hondakiyoshi.bsky.social @archrebels.bsky.social @prettysmart.bsky.social @girlypop.net
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
10 juicy indies to check out in January 2026
January 2026 indies are here! This month, take over a GHOST CAM, travel around with spreading love in a caravan and eight more indie titles!
checkpointgaming.net
January 13, 2026 at 4:02 AM
It's January! So what indies are on the menu? Here's 10!
Including...
@cozycaravangame.bsky.social @mynextgames.com @hondakiyoshi.bsky.social @archrebels.bsky.social @prettysmart.bsky.social @girlypop.net
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Including...
@cozycaravangame.bsky.social @mynextgames.com @hondakiyoshi.bsky.social @archrebels.bsky.social @prettysmart.bsky.social @girlypop.net
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
HANDS-ON PREVIEW: MY HERO ACADEMIA: All's Justice
"...Thus far, it looks like Bandai Namco is pulling out all the stops to make My Hero go out with a bang just that little bit more."
@bandainamcoau.bsky.social
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"...Thus far, it looks like Bandai Namco is pulling out all the stops to make My Hero go out with a bang just that little bit more."
@bandainamcoau.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
MY HERO ACADEMIA: All's Justice Hands-on Preview - Victory lap
Following some hands-on, MY HERO ACADEMIA: All's Justice promises a faithful adaptation of the iconic anime and manga's final arc thus far.
checkpointgaming.net
January 13, 2026 at 12:41 AM
HANDS-ON PREVIEW: MY HERO ACADEMIA: All's Justice
"...Thus far, it looks like Bandai Namco is pulling out all the stops to make My Hero go out with a bang just that little bit more."
@bandainamcoau.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
"...Thus far, it looks like Bandai Namco is pulling out all the stops to make My Hero go out with a bang just that little bit more."
@bandainamcoau.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Today's the day the plug is being pulled on Anthem's servers, rendering it permanently unplayable. @bioware.bsky.social
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BioWare's Anthem goes offline today, rendering it unplayable
BioWare's Anthem is having its servers turned off today, rendering the troubled live service shooter permanently unplayable.
checkpointgaming.net
January 12, 2026 at 5:23 AM
Today's the day the plug is being pulled on Anthem's servers, rendering it permanently unplayable. @bioware.bsky.social
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REVIEW: Hero Seekers
"Hero Seekers adds a twist on the usual hero-Demon King stories to draw you in with something new in this throwback JRPG experience."
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"Hero Seekers adds a twist on the usual hero-Demon King stories to draw you in with something new in this throwback JRPG experience."
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Hero Seekers Review - An intriguing yet familiar JRPG
Hero Seekers brings a story with new twists and powerful backstories, but generic JRPG gameplay doesn't assist the narrative.
checkpointgaming.net
January 12, 2026 at 4:02 AM
REVIEW: Hero Seekers
"Hero Seekers adds a twist on the usual hero-Demon King stories to draw you in with something new in this throwback JRPG experience."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
"Hero Seekers adds a twist on the usual hero-Demon King stories to draw you in with something new in this throwback JRPG experience."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
REVIEW: Cozy Caravan
"Cozy Caravan offers a sweet escape away from the city, giving you the chance to explore someplace far, where everyone knows each other."
@cozycaravangame.bsky.social
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"Cozy Caravan offers a sweet escape away from the city, giving you the chance to explore someplace far, where everyone knows each other."
@cozycaravangame.bsky.social
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Cozy Caravan Review - It’s all about the journey
Cozy Caravan is an exploration game where you ride on your caravan and explore various towns and villages. Are you ready for an adventure?
checkpointgaming.net
January 12, 2026 at 3:57 AM
REVIEW: Cozy Caravan
"Cozy Caravan offers a sweet escape away from the city, giving you the chance to explore someplace far, where everyone knows each other."
@cozycaravangame.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
"Cozy Caravan offers a sweet escape away from the city, giving you the chance to explore someplace far, where everyone knows each other."
@cozycaravangame.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
REVIEW: INAZUMA ELEVEN: Victory Road
"...an adventure about hot-blooded sports at its finest, and is an easy recommendation for soccer fans."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
"...an adventure about hot-blooded sports at its finest, and is an easy recommendation for soccer fans."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
INAZUMA ELEVEN: Victory Road Review - Gradual yet powerful football charm
INAZUMA ELEVEN: Victory Road is not without flaws, but its strong points still deliver a fun sports RPG experience.
checkpointgaming.net
January 12, 2026 at 3:55 AM
REVIEW: INAZUMA ELEVEN: Victory Road
"...an adventure about hot-blooded sports at its finest, and is an easy recommendation for soccer fans."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
"...an adventure about hot-blooded sports at its finest, and is an easy recommendation for soccer fans."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2026...
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
EA is trying to reassure its fans that its acquisition won't change its values, but can they make that promise?
EA is trying to reassure its fans that its acquisition won't change its values, but can they make that promise?
EA claims its acquisition won't change The Sims' values
The Sims has stated that the proposed acquisition of EA will not compromise its values, but doesn't make any specific promises.
checkpointgaming.net
January 11, 2026 at 8:24 AM
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EA is trying to reassure its fans that its acquisition won't change its values, but can they make that promise?
EA is trying to reassure its fans that its acquisition won't change its values, but can they make that promise?
There has been a new development following the shocking firing of 30+ developers at GTA VI developer Rockstar Games. @rockstargames.com @iwgbunion.bsky.social
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checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
The case for Rockstar Games' fired devs is going to court
Rockstar Games' union busting claims are going to court, with the IWGB representing the 30+ employees who were fired
checkpointgaming.net
January 9, 2026 at 6:31 AM
There has been a new development following the shocking firing of 30+ developers at GTA VI developer Rockstar Games. @rockstargames.com @iwgbunion.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
Following a fan-led campaign, Markiplier's directorial debut film will be available at some Australian cinemas.
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
Markiplier's directorial debut film 'Iron Lung' will be screening in Australia
Markiplier's directorial debut horror film, Iron Lung will be screening in Australian in select theatre chains on January 30, 2026.
checkpointgaming.net
January 8, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Following a fan-led campaign, Markiplier's directorial debut film will be available at some Australian cinemas.
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
Elder Scrolls Online fans are entering a new chapter - the game now joins Fortnite, Battlefield and the likes with a seasonal structure, starting with Season Zero: Dawn and Dusk on 2 April 2026.
@elderscrolls.bethesdastudios.com #TESOnline
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
@elderscrolls.bethesdastudios.com #TESOnline
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The Elder Scrolls Online reinvents itself in 2026 with seasons
After more than a decade of steady expansions and yearly chapters, Elder Scrolls Online has finally joined the seasonal model permanently.
checkpointgaming.net
January 7, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Elder Scrolls Online fans are entering a new chapter - the game now joins Fortnite, Battlefield and the likes with a seasonal structure, starting with Season Zero: Dawn and Dusk on 2 April 2026.
@elderscrolls.bethesdastudios.com #TESOnline
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...
@elderscrolls.bethesdastudios.com #TESOnline
checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/01...