SIFTER

•

Channel • 3 Shows

Video Games

Video Games

Every two weeks
Video Games

Video Games

Updated 17/05/2025
Video Games

Video Games

Updated weekly

29/11/2018

Clinton McCleary (Infliction) & the Australian Senate loot box inquiry

Clinton McCleary wasn't working in games before he started Caustic Reality and his debut game Infliction. In fact it was a redundancy at work that prompted him to start working on his game over 3 years, which lead to award nominations, PAX Australia indie showcase selection and a story that really resonates with people. Infliction is a horror first person narrative exploration game that draws on Clinton's own life experiences to make something both horrifying and deeply relatable. Infliction is available now on Steam. An Australian Senate standing committee which carried out an inquiry into loot boxes, has just handed down it's report into "Gaming micro-transactions for chance-based items". It looks like loot boxes might soon need stricter guidelines if they are to be allowed in video games in Australia, but the story isn't over yet. There are a bunch of recommendations and information in the report which you can read in full here, but let us break it all down for you so you can spend less time reading a 90 page document and more time grinding for those inevitable sprays and icons, urgh. Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus & Mitch Loh. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Salty Dog Sounds for some of our promo music this week. SPONSOR: Thank you to Murdoch University School of Arts for their support over every single episode of Pixel Sift. We couldn't have done it without you. If you want to bolster your skills in media, journalism or game development, check out the Murdoch University School of Arts website for more information! You can find us on social media, Discord, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, YouTube and Steam. Just search for "pixelsift" Support the show: https://sifter.store

29/11/2018

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33 min
16/05/2024

STELLAR BLADE, stay for the big meaty monsters but the platforming can jump

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 👕 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.

16/05/2024

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31 min
12/05/2024

BALADINS is a time-loopy RPG for up to four pals where you can't save everyone at once

Can't get your friends to come join you at your house for a night of tabletop gaming? BALADINS by French studio Seed by Seed takes the fun of rolling dice and playing a character and distills it to a cool timeloop adventure. Jean Nicholas and Thaïs Arias join Lightmap to share their narrative game which was featured as part of Ludonarracon, their coop studio structure and prototyping this cute multiplayer adventure. 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 👕 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.

12/05/2024

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36 min
01/03/2025

POKÉMON LEGENDS: Z-A brings back mega evolution and shows off new gameplay

NEWS THIS WEEKWarner Bros. closes Monolith Productions and MultiVersus studio, cancels Wonder Woman gameShadow of Mordor's brilliant Nemesis system is locked away by a Warner Bros patent until 2036, despite studio shutdownEverything announced at Pokémon Presents 2025Balatro’s PEGI 18 rating in Europe has been changed following appealEverything announced at the Annapurna Interactive 2025 showcaseThis is what a new Terminator game should actually look like ‍RELEASE RADARCARMEN SANDIEGO - 4 March 2025 - PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, MobileSPLIT FICTION - 6 March 2025 - PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|SSUIKODEN I&II HD REMASTER GATE RUNE AND DUNAN UNIFICATION WARS - 6 March 2025 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, SwitchDRAGONKIN: THE BANISHED - 6 March 2025 - PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC‍ Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 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 👕 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 Smith, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

01/03/2025

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9 min
08/09/2022

What happened to post-apocalyptic deer game WAY TO THE WOODS?

Do you remember WAY TO THE WOODS? The post apocalyptic game where you play as a magical deer moving through the ruins of humanity was revealed in 2019 as an Xbox exclusive but for mostly solo developer Ant Tan, it's been a long process of getting everything right. We sit down with Ant to find out some of the design inspirations, learn more about the game play, how Steven Universe and IKENFELL composers Aivi & Surrashu are making the soundtrack and when it's coming out. Support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by buying us a coffee on KoFi or some merch on the SIFTER STORE Join the SIFTER Discord to be part of the conversation SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Omny Studio for their support of SIFTER. Support the show: https://sifter.store

08/09/2022

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15 min
26/10/2020

Simon Boxer (Ring Of Pain)

Round and round our voices spiral, to bring you tales of game developers great trials. The Ring of Pain beckons you nearer, will you heed the call and see it all too clearer? A roguelike card crawler where encounters come to you, Ring of Pain by Simon Boxer and Twice Different is a stylish and unique take on the genre. Simon takes us through the design process for the game and how he wanted to create a fresh roguelike experience for players. Pixel Sift is produced by Mitch Loh, Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Salty Dog Sounds for some of our promo music. ‍SPONSOR: Thank you to Murdoch University School of Arts for their support of Pixel Sift. If you want to bolster your skills in media, journalism or game development, check out the Murdoch University School of Arts website for more information! Support the show: https://sifter.store

26/10/2020

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32 min
21/07/2022

FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS: THREE HOPES is a welcome return to Fódlan

FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS: THREE HOPES takes the best part of the Warriors franchise and effortlessly mixes it with the core elements of the most recent Fire Emblem series – the dramatic Game Of Thrones style storyline, a charismatic cast of characters, a likeable new protagonist and a strong focus on managing and commanding your troops in the heat of battle. Read our written review on the SIFTER website: FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS: THREE HOPES is a welcome return to Fódlan and a fun twist on the WARRIORS series A copy of FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS: THREE HOPES was provided to SIFTER for the purpose of this review. SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Omny Studio for their support of SIFTER. Join the SIFTER Discord to be part of the conversation Support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by buying us a coffee on KoFi or some merch on the SIFTER STORE Support the show: https://sifter.store

21/07/2022

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37 min
16/03/2024

Developers panic after Warner Bros delist their games

NEWS THIS WEEKThe Trailer For Insomniac's Cancelled Spider-Man Multiplayer Game Has LeakedWarner Bros. leave developers feeling "sick and dizzy" as more Adult Swim games are being delistedMultiVersus is officially returning with some big upgradesPrince Of Persia: The Lost Crown Gets New Story DLC, Modes, Trials, And More This YearStar Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection Launch Is a DisasterEmbracer confirms $247m sale of Saber assets and withdraws from Russia‍RELEASE RADARMLB THE SHOW 24 - 19 March 2024 - Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, SwitchALONE IN THE DARK - 20 March 2024 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5DRAGONS DOGMA II - 22 March 2024 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5RISE OF THE RONIN - 22 March 2024 - PlayStation 5PRINCESS PEACH: SHOWTIME - 22 March 2024 - SwitchYou 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.

16/03/2024

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9 min
31/05/2025

Upcoming BLACK PANTHER game and its studio are shut down for good

NEWS THIS WEEKEA Cancels Black Panther Game, Closes Cliffhanger GamesOlliOlli World and Rollerdrome are back on Steam after being delisted 4 months ago when 2K sold off Private DivisionRelease Date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A Revealed and Pokémon Presents Video Presentation AnnouncedPSA: You've only got a few hours left to log into MultiVersus if you want to play offline once it closesRELEASE RADARDELTARUNE CHAPTERS 3+4 - 4 June 2025 - PCMARIO KART WORLD - 5 June 2025 - Switch 2NINTENDO SWITCH WELCOME TOUR - 5 June 2025 - Switch 2CYBERPUNK 2077 - 5 June 2025 - Switch 2SPLIT FICTION - 5 June 2025 - Switch 2HOGWARTS LEGACY - 5 June 2025 - Switch 2STREET FIGHTER 6 - 5 June 2025 - Switch 2CIVILIZATION 7 - 5 June 2025 - Switch 2Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 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 👕 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 Smith, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Cat Jahne is Social Producer, Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

31/05/2025

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7 min
04/04/2024

UNICORN OVERLORD is a deep engaging tactical game that's easy to pick up and play

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. 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.

04/04/2024

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34 min

SIFTER is an award winning video games publication that explores the politics, economics and societal impacts of video games. Founded in 2015 SIFTER has expanded to three podcasts, Lightmap which features industry interviews, Mainstream which reviews the latest titles, and Walkthrough which recaps the news weekly.

Website

SIFTER

Top Shows

Clinton McCleary (Infliction) & the Australian Senate loot box inquiry

STELLAR BLADE, stay for the big meaty monsters but the platforming can jump

BALADINS is a time-loopy RPG for up to four pals where you can't save everyone at once

POKÉMON LEGENDS: Z-A brings back mega evolution and shows off new gameplay

What happened to post-apocalyptic deer game WAY TO THE WOODS?

Simon Boxer (Ring Of Pain)

FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS: THREE HOPES is a welcome return to Fódlan

Developers panic after Warner Bros delist their games

Upcoming BLACK PANTHER game and its studio are shut down for good

UNICORN OVERLORD is a deep engaging tactical game that's easy to pick up and play

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SIFTER

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