Game On

EB GAMES EXPO

If you’re a hardcore gamer, chances are you know all about E3 – the video game mecca held once a year in Los Angeles. Well then, you should also know that EB Expo[pictured above] is the closest replica you’ll get on our shores. Taking place atSydney Showgroundsfrom Friday October 2 – Sunday October 4, expect this year’s expo to be filled with goodness. From cosplay competitions to a performance from The Umbilical Brothers and amusement sideshow rides, there’s a little something for everyone. Oh, and there are also games. So many games – including (but certainly not limited to, Call Of Duty: Black Ops III, Fallout 4, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Halo 5, Star Wars Battlefront and too many more to list. General admission tickets will set you back $39.95 for each session.

OZ COMIC-CON

We all hear about San Diego Comic-Con, but did you know Australia has its own, too? Yes, Oz Comic-Con is one of the best destinations around for pop culture fanatics, and the good news is you don’t have to wait long to experience it – this year’s show is taking place on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 at Sydney Exhibition Centre, Glebe Island. Aside from the chance to get your hands on the usual range of comics, collectibles and games, make sure you also check out a few of the celebrity panels – including the likes of Richard Dean Anderson (Stargate SG-1), Rachel Nichols (Continuum), Jim Beaver (Supernatural) and Sam Lloyd (Scrubs). Tickets for the event start from $15.

Review: Disney Infinity 3.0

When Disney Infinity launched in 2013, it captured the hearts and minds of children and the inner children of adults alike. Here was a game that took the toys-to-life concept, then placed the incredibly enticing Disney stamp all over it. Two years later, and how is the series planning on keeping you interested? Simple: just add Star Wars.

Yes, Disney Infinity 3.0 finally does what we’ve all been waiting for – it merges the Star Wars franchise not only into the series’ impressively detailed figurines (which may set you back quite a few pretty pennies should you wish to collect them all), but into the surprisingly enjoyable Twilight Of The Republic Play Set that comes bundled with the core Starter Pack. After what was a fairly lacklustre Marvel campaign last year, Twilight Of The Republic largely benefits from the creative flexibility Star Wars allows. Planet hopping, a variety of foes to slice up and an assortment of mission types all help keep things fresh.

But nothing has helped elevate the series more than the involvement of Ninja Theory. The team behind beloved action slashers like DmC: Devil May Cry, its contribution is instantly noticeable – helping rework Infinity’s combat into a much more refined experience. Its biggest compliment is that it finally feels like a meaty video game, irrespective of age. All in all, although the six-hour runtime may irk some, Twilight Of The Republic is a solid pack-in that’s bound to create smiles.

Once you’re done you can move right onto the Toy Box – Infinity’s lovechild of Minecraft and standard level editor. It’s in Toy Box that nearly anything goes. Give the Hulkbuster a lightsaber, have Darth Vader duke it out against Mickey – you’re more than welcome to. Encouraged, even. Once you’ve worked your way through the tutorial-like Hub you’ll be left to create your own game types, deck out interiors or just run around punching bad guys in the face. Nearly every aspect has been tinkered with, but sidekicks are probably the most helpful – tiny friends who can complete tasks like tending to crops or act as an actual lifesaver in battle.

There’s such a wealth of content in Disney Infinity 3.0 that it’s almost daunting, and that’s not even taking into account Toy Box Takeover (another great dungeon crawler-esque add-on). But no matter your age or how you look at it, make no doubt about it – the force is strong with this one.

★★★★½

Adam Guetti

BONUS TIPS

FIGURING IT OUT

If you’ve somehow missed the Disney Infinity bandwagon, the basic gist is simple. Your Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack comes with an Infinity base, a Play Set and two figurines. Once you’ve booted up the game, Play Sets can be added by placing the relevant item on the base, while characters can be switched in and out of the game in a similar fashion. Should you want to boost your collection, your possibilities are (almost) endless. The current purchasable roster includes Yoda, Frozen’s Olaf, Mulan, Mickey Mouse and way more.

TURNING YOU INSIDE OUT

Aside from Republic Of The Jedi, Disney Infinity 3.0 has one more way to suck hours away from your life – the Inside Out Play Set. Based within the world of Pixar’s latest critical darling, the adventure doesn’t actually follow the events of the film. Instead, your mission begins after Riley falls asleep while watching a scary movie – sending her subconscious into a tailspin. Cue a range of clever 3D and 2D platforming challenges as her emotions (Anger, Fear, Joy, Disgust and Sadness) are left to pick up the pieces. The Play Set retails for $39.95.

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

The most exciting Play Set, however, is the one you’ve been dying to play – Rise Against The Empire. It’s here you’ll be able to join the legendary Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia as they overthrow the evil Galactic Empire in one of the most adorable recreations ever. It’s out Thursday October 8.