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Qualbert.com | Game Reviews (Not Just Numbers)
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Head to http://Qualbert.com for game reviews that are more than just a number! | We ♥ Aus games!

Got a game to share? 📧 Email qualbertgaming@gmail.com
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"The more we let companies use GenAI in development, the more we all stand to lose."

As scope increases and budgets shrink, The Alters is a cautionary tale of gaps plugged up by AI, and the backlash that follows.

@riorobayo.bsky.social examines #GenAI in games: www.qualbert.com/ai-use-in-th...
I’m Still Not Done Talking About AI Use in The Alters | Qualbert
The more we let companies use GenAI in development, the more we all stand to lose. We examine the ripple effects of AI use in games, beginning with The Alters.
www.qualbert.com
Merry Christmas from the Qualbert team! 🎄🎁

Must've done some sweet talking to Santa this year to get a Steam Deck under the tree. Definitely expect more indie game reviews next year thanks to this thing.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and plenty of great games over the holidays. ♥️
December 25, 2025 at 12:44 AM
While elements of Beyond stay true to the series, much strays from what makes Metroid great.

Linear level design, unnecessary hand-holding, and a bland hub world that rudely inserts itself into an otherwise decent game all make for the weakest Metroid to date.

www.qualbert.com/reviews/metr...
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Review (Nintendo Switch 2)
Beyond expectations, or primed to disappoint? Find out in our Metroid Prime 4: Beyond review for Nintendo Switch 2, the latest game from Retro Studios.
www.qualbert.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Reposted by Qualbert.com | Game Reviews (Not Just Numbers)
Simply

Having

A wonderful
December 22, 2025 at 6:05 PM
There's a Christmas surprise on your Nintendo Switch right now! 🎁
December 22, 2025 at 9:28 AM
I missed out on playing Silent Hill f earlier this year as I was already busy with several other games.

But now that I've cleared my schedule, I can confidently say this is one of the best horror games in years. Dripping in atmosphere!

Only a few hours in, but already incredibly impressed.
December 22, 2025 at 6:11 AM
After a busy year, sometimes all you need during the holidays is a chance to slow down and unwind. 😌

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of life and take things at your own pace on Luma Island.

Review by @scree.bsky.social: www.qualbert.com/reviews/luma...

#IndieGame #IndieDev
#LumaIsland
Luma Island Review (PC) | Qualbert
Will this small indie game be the treasure we all needed to sniff out? Find out more in our Luma Island Review!
www.qualbert.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:33 AM
One of this year's best indies just launched on Switch/Switch 2, and its made right here in Australia!

Sit back, cast a line, and find out why @wombatbrawler.com will have you hooked. 🎣

www.qualbert.com/reviews/cast...

#Indiegame #IndieDev
#Cozy #NintendoSwitch
Cast n Chill Review (PC) | You’ll Be Hooked
Get your bait and tackle ready for the coziest fishing trip of a lifetime in Cast n Chill. So sit back, relax, and let this cozy indie gem reel you in.
www.qualbert.com
December 21, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Sharpen your quills and unroll your scrolls in this map-making competitive tabletop triumph! 🗺️

Construct a world of your own and venture forth with @riorobayo.bsky.social into Fantasy Map Maker.

www.qualbert.com/reviews/fant...

#Tabletop #TabletopGaming
#Indiegame #IndieDev
Fantasy Map Maker (Improved Edition) Review | Qualbert.com
Sharpen your quills and unroll your scrolls in this map-making triumph! Create a fantasy world of your own in our Fantasy Map Maker review.
www.qualbert.com
December 21, 2025 at 1:29 AM
As an ex-veterinarian, I highly appreciate the accuracy of Dogpile by @folly.studio.

For example, friendly dogs act like magnets, cool dogs wear sunglasses, and getting a vet bill immediately sets your money to $0.
December 19, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Reposted by Qualbert.com | Game Reviews (Not Just Numbers)
My final game review of 2025 is now up on @qualbert.com!

I take a venture into Skate Story (@skatestory.com) to see if it was worth a trip into the underworld to devour the Seven Moons.

But was it worth the grind? Check it out here!

@devolverdigital.com

www.qualbert.com/reviews/skat...
Skate Story Review (PlayStation 5) | Devour the Moons | Qualbert
Skate through the underworld in a quest to eat all seven moons to free your soul. But is this a tale worth skating? Check out our Skate Story Review!
www.qualbert.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Once a titan of multiplayer, the glory days of the Battlefield series have long since passed.

We take a look down the scope to see if we can set our sights on why Battlefield 6 feels like a hollow shell of a game.

www.qualbert.com/reviews/batt...
Battlefield 6 Review (Series X) | Qualbert
Is this a return to form, or a missed shot? find out in our Battlefield 6 review!
www.qualbert.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:37 AM
At the end of Metroid Prime 4, and it pains me to say that this is one of the most bland games Nintendo has published.

So much of the series DNA is gone. Atrocious world design, frustrating hand-holding, and linear, uninspired maps. As a lifelong Metroid fan, this is going to be tough to review.
December 19, 2025 at 12:10 AM
This year has been our biggest yet! 🙌

With more reviews than ever before, coverage for hundreds of Australian and New Zealand indie games, and over 150,000 unique readers throughout 2025.

None of this would have been possible without our incredible community. Thank you for supporting Qualbert.com!
December 18, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails) and Cory Davis (Spec Ops: The Line) unite to create a sleep-deprived horror that invites the player into surreal encounters. 👁️

Does this psychedelic trip keep you wide awake, or doze off? Find out in our SLEEP AWAKE review.

www.qualbert.com/reviews/slee...
Sleep Awake Review (PlayStation 5) | Qualbert
Don't sleep on this nightmare-inducing thriller! Find out more in our Sleep Awake Review!
www.qualbert.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Reposted by Qualbert.com | Game Reviews (Not Just Numbers)
I'm looking for concept artists or illustrators working in gamedev who would like to share thoughts or comments (anonymous or attributed) regarding the use of GenAI as a reference tool in their process.

If that's you, DM or email me! Details in bio.
December 16, 2025 at 11:08 PM
No better time to re-share this article.

If you're a highly-respected game developer, there's no faster way to ruin your reputation than through the use of genAI.
"The more we let companies use GenAI in development, the more we all stand to lose."

As scope increases and budgets shrink, The Alters is a cautionary tale of gaps plugged up by AI, and the backlash that follows.

@riorobayo.bsky.social examines #GenAI in games: www.qualbert.com/ai-use-in-th...
I’m Still Not Done Talking About AI Use in The Alters | Qualbert
The more we let companies use GenAI in development, the more we all stand to lose. We examine the ripple effects of AI use in games, beginning with The Alters.
www.qualbert.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Bits & Bops is a bite-sized, beautifully animated celebration of everything that makes rhythm games special.

@tempolab.games' songs will remain in your head forever, not merely from their tuneage, but from the creative imagery that unfolds with every beat. 🎶

www.qualbert.com/reviews/bits...
Bits & Bops Review (PC) | Qualbert
Whether it's mining moles, skating teddy bears, or a chatty canary, feel the beat in our Bits & Bops Review!
www.qualbert.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:54 AM
Larian just dropped a FREE Nintendo Switch 2 update for owners of Divinity: Original Sin 2 with improved resolution and framerate.

This is a top notch port of an absolutely incredible RPG that every fan of Baldur's Gate 3 should play!

Legendary devs.
December 15, 2025 at 9:22 PM
If you told me when I was a kid that one day I'd get a Christmas card directly from Nintendo themselves, I never would have believed you.

So even though it's a bit of cardboard, this is pretty special.
December 15, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Reposted by Qualbert.com | Game Reviews (Not Just Numbers)
In Echo Zero - resource management plays a big role in your survival. So we finally got our Scrap Farm structure and animations ready🤩🛠

#gamedev #madewithunity #indiegame #basebuilding

Go Wishlist #echozero on Steam!
It really helps our tiny team make this game a reality👇

December 15, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Australia is the country with the highest gambling losses per capita. It’s ever-present on our screens and in our culture.

CloverPit is harmless fun with a harmful habit, and it doesn’t shy away from touching on the obvious issues that plague the gambling industry.

www.qualbert.com/reviews/clov...
CloverPit Review (PC) | Qualbert
Want to find out just how much you like to gamble? Hit the slots to win big, and lose so much more... Find out more in our CloverPit Review!
www.qualbert.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Real talk: what's your favourite game of the year that's NOT Clair Obscur?

Mine is a quirky little indie game called "Gnomes" made right here in Brisbane. Possibly the best tower defense game I've ever played!
December 14, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Cozy cleaning games have seen a huge rise in popularity among indies. There's something so satisfying about cleaning when it's done virtually!

Undusted is the latest in the genre, transporting you through memories as you dust off your most cherished possessions. ♥️

www.qualbert.com/reviews/undu...
Undusted: Letters from the Past Review (PC) | Qualbert
The perfect game for a quiet evening: headphones on, lights low, and heart open. Restore memories of fond items in our Undusted: Letters of the Past review.
www.qualbert.com
December 13, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Going to be on ABC TV tomorrow chatting about The Game Awards and Silksong being up for Game of the Year! 🏆

Although I'm 99% certain Clair Obscur will take out the top spot, I'm eager to see how the rest of the categories play out.

Will share the segment when it goes live. Super excited!
December 11, 2025 at 10:03 AM
With a capital F for Fun, SpongeBob's latest aquatic adventure is filled with returning characters and call outs from the show and movies.

So if you enjoy chill platformers with early 2000s vibes, then sit back and soak this one up.

www.qualbert.com/reviews/spon...
SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide Review (PlayStation 5) | Qualbert
Beware the spooky Dutchman and powerful king Neptune in this new underwater adventure! Find out more in our SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide Review!
www.qualbert.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:27 PM