HADES II has been on everyone’s radar since the first game launched in 2020, and this sequel keeps the favourite parts of the previous game but adds heaps of new abilities, battle mechanics and storylines in its early access release.

Chris Button sits down with SIFTER Executive Producer Gianni Di Giovanni to unpack the mythical Underworld and see if HADES II lives up to the hype of its predecessor.

With two separate runs with slightly different mechanics and environment, so even from the get-go the game offers a lot even though it’s in early access. With plenty of polish to come and hours of playtime to even just scratch the surface, it’s looking good for whatever the final product turns out to be.

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

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SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Courtney Borrett, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.

STELLAR BLADE caught the attention of many when it first debuted, but not necessarily for its gameplay. Flashy in more ways than one, it's certainly generated plenty of heated discussion online.

Stephanie Panecasio (GamesHub) and David Smith (Kotaku Australia) join Drop Rate to unpack the many layers of this flashy action RPG. Stellar Blade's methodical and stylish combat consistently proves to be a highlight, while its derivative paint-by-numbers structure slows it down.

And that's even before talking about the platforming, well the less said, the better, but there is one thing we can all agree on, however: the gruesome boss designs rule.

Amidst the noise surrounding Stellar Blade, it doesn't necessarily do anything new. For the most part, it plays to its hard-hitting strengths, as familiar as they may be to anyone familiar with FromSoftware's catalogue but as far as homages and takes on well-worn formulas go, Stellar Blade is among the better examples.

Even if it doesn't take everyone's fancy.

A copy of STELLAR BLADE on PlayStation 5 was provide to SIFTER for the purpose of this review.

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

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SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Courtney Borrett, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.

With fun combat that never gets old, UNICORN OVERLORD by Vanillaware combines a dash of FIRE EMBLEM, some FINAL FANTASY XII and even a bit of auto-battler genre into a game that makes you change your plans again and again.

Chris Button sits down with SIFTER Executive Producer Gianni Di Giovanni to explore the world of Fevrith, making allies and the unfortunately pervy character designs in overall wonderful game.

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SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Courtney Borrett, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.

The second entry in the ambitious modernisation of Final Fantasy VII series feels like it finally captures that wonder and fun of the original game. With plenty of fun silly moments and tight compelling combat that encourages variety, FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is the game you’ve been waiting for.

Leah Williams (GamesHub) joins Chris Button on the latest episode of Drop Rate to race on chocobos, chill in Costa Del Sol and take the fight to Sephiroth

A copy of FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH on PlayStation 5 was provided to SIFTER for the purposes of this review.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Courtney Borrett, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.

Yordles are fae-like creatures from Bandle City, a magical land where wondrous events occur. If you’re not careful, you may fall into one of the portals leading to the home of the Yordles.

BANDLE TALE: A LEAGUE OF LEGENDS STORY captures the magic and whimsy of the lore behind one of League of Legends’ cutest and most mysterious races. You’ll craft, explore and converse with a sentient sock, and if that doesn’t convince you to play, maybe we’ll be able to with this episode of Drop Rate.

Drop Rate host Courtney Borrett is joined by Emily Spindler and Sofia Casanova as they discuss this charming RPG

A copy of BANDLE TALE: A LEAGUE OF LEGENDS STORY on PC was provided to SIFTER for the purposes of this review.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Courtney Borrett, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.

The first time is an accident, one of your fellow soldiers stands just a little bit too close to the blast zone as you call down artillery from outer space. HELLDIVERS 2 actually makes it a little bit too fun to explode your allies. Whoops.

It's all part of the shtick which really amps up the forever war jingoistic world of Super Earth as you blast across planets in the name of 'Managed Democracy'. There has to be sacrifice in the name of freedom right? Good, well jump in this pod soldier.

Drop Rate host Chris Button is joined by SIFTER's Adam Christou as they dig it just why everyone is playing this game.

A copy of HELLDIVERS 2 on PlayStation 5 and PC was provided to SIFTER for the purposes of this review.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Courtney Borrett, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to

Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.

Like someone made a joke then just massively committed to the bit, LIKE A DRAGON INFINITE WEALTH has just so much in it you can spend ages just chasing what you find fun.

Charlie Kelly (Checkpoint Gaming) and Jam Walker (Kotaku Australia, GamesHub) join Chris as they visit Yokohama and Hawaii in search of madcap adventures.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Courtney Borrett, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.

It's hard to match the combat and minute to minute gameplay in the THE LAST OF US PART II and the new PlayStation 5 version offers more of the excellent nailbiting gameplay and deeper insights into the developer's creative process.

If you treat this new version as premium DLC for the game you already own, the cut content, commentary and new roguelike mode No Return makes for an enjoyable return to this series.

Chris Button sits down with SIFTER Executive Producer Gianni Di Giovanni as they enjoy a look behind the curtain.

A copy of THE LAST OF US PART II REMASTERED on PlayStation 5 was provided to SIFTER for the purposes of this review.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Courtney Borrett, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.