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The Atlantic Ocean has dried up, monsters are roaming the seabed, and somebody still expects their shipment to arrive. Apparently, the apocalypse is no excuse for a late delivery. Australia Did It: End-of-the-World Railway Defense Business takes that wonderfully ridiculous setup and builds a tactical strategy game around protecting a cargo train with a crew of hired mercenaries. The announced PC release date is November 10, 2026, via Steam, with Mystic Forge publishing the project from game director Rami Ismail and co-developers Aesthetician Labs and Dreams Uncorporated.
Before we get into the strategy, take a look at the Australia Did It gameplay below. The cargo has places to be, and the monsters clearly did not get the memo.
Australia Did It Gameplay: Defend the Station
Your job sounds simple: get the cargo across the wasteland intact. The creatures between you and the destination have other plans. According to the game's announcement, station encounters involve deploying a limited number of units and positioning them to survive waves of enemies in turn-based combat.
That setup is what catches my attention. A limited crew makes placement matter. You can imagine the temptation to pour everything into one impressive defender, but a good plan still needs to protect the shipment. The interesting question is how much room the game gives players to recover when their clever arrangement turns out to have a very large hole in it.
Train Defense Meets On-Rail Autobattles
Departure changes the kind of battle you face. Between stations, on-rail autobattles put your crew's combinations and abilities up against monster hordes. The station fights and the journeys are connected: the units you build need to do more than look convincing before the train leaves.
For me, that is the strongest part of the pitch. Planning has a visible consequence. You assemble something you think can survive, send it into danger, and find out whether your confidence was justified. There is plenty of potential there for both satisfying victories and a quiet, deeply personal conversation with yourself about your last decision.
Over 1,500 Combinations, but Which Ones Work Together?
The developers advertise more than 1,500 unit combinations across over 30 unit types. Merging units can produce more powerful fighters or specialized options, giving players different ways to develop their crew.
A big number gets attention, but the relationships between those choices are what I want to see. Does a specialist solve a problem that raw firepower cannot? Will an unusual combination make you reconsider a unit you previously ignored? Those are the possibilities that make this system interesting on paper. The number alone cannot tell us how rewarding the experimentation will feel.
Successful stations also offer Reward Cards with perks and boosts. Those rewards add another consideration when developing a crew: which bonus supports what you already have, and which one makes a new direction worth trying?
Overall
I like the contrast here. The premise treats an end-of-the-world delivery business with an absurd amount of seriousness, while the mechanics ask you to think carefully about positioning, merging, and the next leg of the trip. Pixel art by Castpixel supplies the visual identity for the ruined Atlantic and its strange inhabitants.
This is a concept worth watching if you enjoy tactical defense and experimenting with unit combinations. My biggest question is whether its many options lead to genuinely different approaches over repeated attempts. That will take hands-on time to judge; this article is based on the announced features rather than a completed playthrough.
Deliver the cargo. Try to keep the staff. Management appears considerably more concerned about the first part.
Okay, somebody at REDMAGIC really loves gaming, because I'm looking at these specifications and wondering if they built a smartphone or a tiny gaming computer! 😄
The REDMAGIC 12 Pro is bringing some serious hardware to the table. We're talking about a Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor, a 185Hz AMOLED display, active liquid cooling, a built-in fan, and a massive 8,400mAh battery.
But what really caught my attention is that this phone doesn't have to remain a handheld gaming experience.
Thanks to REDMAGIC's SmartCast capabilities, you can connect the phone to a compatible television or monitor and enjoy your mobile games on a much larger screen. Add support for selected Steam PC games, cloud gaming through services like Amazon Luna, and an optional gaming controller, and suddenly this phone starts looking like more than an expensive mobile gaming device.
And let's not forget that it's still a phone. You can call, message, take photos, navigate, browse the internet, and handle your everyday responsibilities.
That's what I call a multipurpose purchase. Say that three times fast! 😂
But with prices starting at $899, we need to determine whether all this gaming technology actually justifies the investment.
A Gaming Computer in Your Pocket?
REDMAGIC equipped the 12 Pro with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, a 2nm mobile processor designed for demanding applications and gaming.
The phone also includes REDMAGIC's dedicated RedCore R5 gaming chip and G1 display controller, helping manage gaming features, visual performance, and responsiveness.
Here's what the hardware looks like:
Feature
REDMAGIC 12 Pro
Processor
Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6
Display
6.85-inch AMOLED
Resolution
2688 × 1216
Refresh Rate
Up to 185Hz
RAM
12GB or 16GB
Storage
256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
Battery
8,400mAh
Charging
80W wired and wireless
Rear Cameras
50MP Main + 50MP Ultrawide
Front Camera
16MP under-display
Operating System
REDMAGIC OS 12 / Android 17
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, 5G, NFC
Weight
223 grams
That's plenty of power for demanding Android games, but what makes the 12 Pro particularly interesting is how REDMAGIC lets players use that hardware beyond the phone's display.
SmartCast Studio: Your Smartphone + Gaming System
Now this is where I think REDMAGIC has something that could turn a few heads.
Imagine getting home, connecting your phone to a compatible monitor, picking up a controller, and continuing your game on a much larger display.
No separate gaming console required. No expensive gaming PC needed just to run the Android game already on your phone.
REDMAGIC's SmartCast technology makes that kind of setup possible.
The REDMAGIC 12 Pro supports DisplayPort video output through its USB-C connection. With a suitable cable or USB-C-to-HDMI adapter, a compatible monitor or television can display content directly from the phone.
REDMAGIC also offers SmartCast Studio software for additional connection and control options, including PC projection.
SmartCast supports several ways to bring mobile gaming to a larger screen. Image: REDMAGIC.
Depending on your setup, supported SmartCast features include:
Wired monitor and TV projection: Use compatible HDMI or DisplayPort equipment to display phone content on a larger screen.
Wireless TV projection: Send supported content to compatible displays without a physical video cable.
PC projection: Display phone content through a computer using supported wireless or wired connections.
Keyboard and mouse mapping: Assign controls for compatible mobile games when using supported SmartCast PC features.
High-refresh-rate projection: REDMAGIC advertises up to 1080p at 165Hz for supported SmartCast configurations.
Separate app projection: Project a supported application while accessing other functions on your phone.
Streaming support: Use SmartCast's capture-oriented features for compatible gameplay streaming setups.
And here's something I especially appreciate.
REDMAGIC says its small-window projection feature lets you keep a particular application on the larger screen while using other applications on your phone.
So, depending on the projection mode and application compatibility, you could be gaming on a monitor while still responding to an important message or taking care of something on your phone.
That's a big deal when your gaming device is also your primary method of communication.
Do You Actually Need a Computer?
Not for basic direct video output to a compatible monitor or television. The phone handles the game, and the external display shows it.
However, REDMAGIC's downloadable SmartCast Studio computer software, including certain mouse-and-keyboard mapping and PC projection features, does require a computer.
For a direct monitor setup, you'll need a compatible screen and the appropriate USB-C-to-DisplayPort cable or HDMI adapter. A controller may also be helpful, depending on the game.
You'll also want to verify that your display, adapter and intended game support the resolution and refresh rate you expect. REDMAGIC's advertised maximum projection performance isn't a guarantee that every monitor or game will reach those numbers.
Still, imagine already owning a nice television or monitor and being able to put your mobile games on it without purchasing another dedicated gaming machine.
That opens up some interesting possibilities for people trying to make their entertainment budgets stretch a little further.
REDMAGIC is also promoting support for selected PC games from Steam through its phone's gaming environment.
Now, before anybody starts celebrating the idea of carrying their entire PC library around in their pocket, there's an important distinction.
Steam compatibility doesn't mean every PC game will run natively or flawlessly on Android.
Running supported PC games locally involves compatibility and translation technology, and the results depend on the individual title, processor demands, graphics requirements, controls, and software support.
Some games may work surprisingly well. Others may run poorly or not work at all.
That means I wouldn't recommend purchasing the REDMAGIC 12 Pro specifically for a certain Steam game until you've confirmed that the game is compatible.
But for enthusiasts who enjoy exploring what's possible with Android gaming hardware, this could be one of the phone's most exciting capabilities.
And combining compatible local PC games with external display output makes the concept even more interesting.
Want a More Traditional Handheld Experience?
REDMAGIC also offers the Shadow Blade Gamepad 3, an extendable wireless controller that physically holds a compatible smartphone between its two controller grips.
Think of turning your phone into something that feels closer to a dedicated handheld gaming system.
The REDMAGIC Shadow Blade Gamepad 3 gives compatible smartphones a handheld console-style control layout. Image: REDMAGIC.
The Gamepad 3 connects wirelessly through Bluetooth 5.3 and includes:
Extendable design supporting devices up to 213mm in length.
Hall-effect joysticks and triggers.
Mechanical-style directional pad.
Programmable shoulder buttons.
Six-axis motion sensing.
Vibration feedback.
Customizable RGB lighting.
Rubberized grips and protective silicone pads.
800mAh internal controller battery.
Customization through the Goper application on supported Android devices.
It's worth clarifying that the controller physically holds the phone; it's not a docking station that automatically sends video to a television or charges the smartphone.
And while it can work with supported Android and iOS devices, games and streaming services still need compatible controller input.
REDMAGIC currently lists the standard Shadow Blade Gamepad 3 at $129, with other accessory configurations also available.
Now that gives you options! Play directly on the phone, attach a controller for handheld gaming, or connect to a larger screen when you're home.
Not a bad collection of possibilities for something you already carry around every day.
It Even Has Liquid Cooling
Of course, putting this much gaming technology inside a smartphone means heat becomes a serious concern.
REDMAGIC addresses that with its AquaCore Cooling System 3.0.
The system incorporates dual-loop liquid cooling, a 25,500 RPM internal fan, a vapor chamber, Liquid Metal 4.0 thermal materials, and additional heat-dissipation components.
Part of that cooling system is visible through the phone's design, complete with RGB lighting.
Yes, you can actually see some of the cooling technology at work.
And I have to admit, that's pretty cool. Literally.
The purpose is to help manage heat during demanding workloads. When smartphones become too hot, they can reduce processing speed to control temperatures.
Better cooling can help maintain performance for longer, although no cooling system guarantees that throttling will never happen.
This becomes particularly relevant when you're playing demanding games or using the phone for extended sessions.
The Display and Controls Are Serious Business
The REDMAGIC 12 Pro's 6.85-inch AMOLED display reaches up to 185Hz, considerably higher than the 120Hz displays found on many conventional flagship smartphones.
It also features an under-display front camera, keeping the viewing area free of a traditional camera cutout.
For games that support higher frame rates, that could mean smoother-looking motion.
The phone also has 520Hz touch-sensitive shoulder triggers, allowing gamers to assign supported touchscreen actions to controls along the side of the device.
For example, a player could assign aiming and firing functions in a compatible shooter rather than covering more of the screen with their fingers.
Combined with GameSpace, customizable performance settings, gaming profiles, screen recording, haptics and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, there's a lot here specifically designed around the gaming experience.
Just remember that a 185Hz display doesn't automatically make every game run at 185 frames per second.
That Massive Battery Has a Purpose
REDMAGIC equipped the phone with an 8,400mAh battery, along with 80W wired and 80W wireless fast charging support.
There's also reverse charging and support for bypass-charging scenarios, helping manage power during certain plugged-in gaming sessions.
All that capacity makes sense when you consider the powerful processor, high-refresh-rate screen, cooling system, and gaming features.
Actual battery life depends on how you use the phone. Gaming at demanding settings will consume considerably more power than reading articles, browsing, or messaging.
Still, I appreciate having extra battery capacity instead of planning my entire day around the nearest electrical outlet.
How Does This Compare With Samsung DeX?
Samsung is probably the first company that comes to mind when discussing smartphones connected to monitors.
Samsung DeX allows compatible Galaxy phones and tablets to display a desktop-style interface on an external screen, with support for keyboards, mice, and multitasking.
REDMAGIC approaches the concept from a different direction.
While Samsung DeX emphasizes a desktop-like environment for apps and productivity, REDMAGIC's SmartCast features put greater emphasis on game projection, input mapping, high-refresh-rate experiences, and gaming while the phone handles other tasks.
Neither company invented the concept of connecting a smartphone to a bigger screen, and both approaches have their strengths.
But if gaming is your primary interest, REDMAGIC's dedicated controls, cooling system, and gaming software provide a compelling alternative.
That doesn't necessarily make the REDMAGIC 12 Pro a better overall phone than a Galaxy flagship.
It makes it a different kind of phone for a different kind of customer.
What About Everything Else a Smartphone Should Do?
This is where I always encourage buyers to look beyond performance numbers.
The REDMAGIC 12 Pro includes a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 16MP under-display front camera.
But camera quality is one of the areas where dedicated gaming smartphones can make compromises.
The under-display camera creates a cleaner viewing experience, although its image quality may not match conventional selfie cameras on competing premium devices.
You'll also find:
Dual physical Nano-SIM support.
5G connectivity.
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.
NFC for compatible services.
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort output.
3D ultrasonic fingerprint recognition.
Infrared remote-control functionality.
IP68 and IP69 protection ratings for the phone, with separate IPX8 protection specified for its cooling fan.
There are some limitations, too.
The official specifications don't list eSIM support, there's no 3.5mm headphone jack, and you should verify carrier compatibility before purchasing for use in the United States.
For example, the published cellular specifications include several useful American LTE and 5G bands, but omit important frequencies such as LTE band 71 and 5G n71. Carrier activation and supported features can also differ.
Software-update commitments and long-term repair support deserve attention as well, especially if you expect to keep an expensive smartphone for several years.
How Much Does the REDMAGIC 12 Pro Cost?
Unlike some gaming phones that never receive an official North American release, REDMAGIC is offering the 12 Pro through its global sales channel.
REDMAGIC currently lists the following prices in U.S. dollars:
Configuration
Listed Price
12GB RAM / 256GB — Nightfreeze
$899
16GB RAM / 512GB — Nightfreeze or Subzero
$999
16GB RAM / 1TB — Nightfreeze or Subzero
$1,199
Pricing and availability may vary by region, promotions, taxes, and shipping. REDMAGIC lists general sales beginning November 18, 2026.
And this is where I have to get practical.
At $899, this phone isn't exactly inexpensive. Add a $129 controller, a video adapter, or other accessories, and the total can climb.
But consider someone who already owns a monitor or television and needs a new smartphone anyway.
They could potentially use the same purchase for everyday communication, Android gaming, selected compatible PC games, cloud gaming, and external-screen entertainment.
That could reduce the need to purchase another dedicated gaming device for certain types of gaming.
Still, it won't replace a high-end gaming PC or console for every game, and I'd never recommend spending this much money based on the assumption that it will.
I think this smartphone makes the strongest case for people who genuinely want gaming to be a major part of their everyday mobile experience.
Serious Mobile gamers: High-end Android gaming, dedicated controls, cooling, and a large battery.
Big-screen gamers: Connecting compatible phone games to a television or monitor without needing a separate console.
PC gaming enthusiasts: Experimenting with supported Steam titles while understanding compatibility limitations.
Cloud gamers: Playing supported games through services such as Amazon Luna when network conditions and device compatibility allow.
Handheld gaming fans: Using an accessory such as the Shadow Blade Gamepad 3 for a console-style experience.
Tech enthusiasts: Enjoying advanced cooling, high-refresh-rate displays, customizable controls, and other unusual hardware.
On the other hand, someone who mainly wants excellent photography, long-term software support, or a conventional premium smartphone experience might find a better match elsewhere.
Is This the Ultimate Smartphone for Gamers?
I'll give REDMAGIC credit for something.
The company isn't simply building a powerful smartphone and calling it a gaming device.
It's thinking about how people actually want to play.
Sometimes that's holding a phone while relaxing on the couch. Sometimes it's attaching a controller for a more traditional handheld experience. And sometimes it's getting home, connecting to a bigger screen, and playing without purchasing another entire gaming system.
Then you have compatible Steam titles and the additional possibilities of cloud gaming.
All from a device that can still handle phone calls, messages, photos, and everyday applications.
That's what makes the REDMAGIC 12 Pro interesting beyond its impressive specifications.
It isn't the perfect smartphone for everyone. The camera system, software support, compatibility limitations, and price all deserve consideration.
But for someone who genuinely prioritizes gaming, REDMAGIC is making a strong argument that your next smartphone could also become a meaningful part of your gaming setup.
And as an Android user, I appreciate seeing manufacturers explore what smartphones can do beyond the usual yearly processor and camera upgrades.
Just remember, the best technology purchase is the one that actually suits your lifestyle and budget.
Because gaming left and right sounds like a great time.
Just make sure you aren't spending left and right to get there! 😄
Hozy, tinyBuild and Come On Studio’s cozy home renovation game, is coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 9. Console players will be able to clean, restore and decorate a forgotten neighborhood at their own pace, with no timers, scores or penalties getting in the way.
The console release includes nine levels, from a penthouse to a tree house, plus the Game+ and Sandbox modes. tinyBuild says the game has sold more than 500,000 units since its earlier release on PC.
There are no scores or wrong choices, so players can focus on arranging furniture, choosing colors and bringing each room back to life. The soundtrack also shifts as players progress, and objects and surfaces have their own sounds.
Game+ and Sandbox modes expand the makeover
After completing the nine-level story, Game+ lets players revisit spaces with different furniture sets and switch between day and night. Sandbox mode opens up every available item, giving players room to mix, match, duplicate and customize their designs freely.
DualSense features add a tactile touch on PS5
On PS5, DualSense haptic feedback responds to actions such as mopping and arranging furniture. Adaptive triggers add resistance while prying up floorboards with the crowbar, and the controller’s built-in speaker plays subtle sounds from the tools in use. The game also includes visual and control settings, tool movement-speed adjustments, camera options and support for 11 languages.
Judge Dredd™ has brought the law to Zen Studios’ Pinball FX lineup. The Bally pinball classic, originally released in 1993, is now available in Pinball FX and Pinball FX Midnight on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Epic Games. The table is also available in Pinball FX VR for Meta Quest and Steam Frame.
Step into the boots of Mega-City One’s most feared lawman, patrol its crime-ridden streets and face Judge Death in the table’s Ultimate Challenge. The original announcement described the release as a return for the fan-favorite table, bringing its comic-book setting and classic pinball action to Zen’s current platforms.
Classic play, SUPER GAME and Mega-City One mayhem
Classic play features 10 modes, each with its own leaderboard. Players can also jump into SUPER GAME for immediate multiball, four unique modes and a 100-million-point Super Shot. Other table features include a robotic arm that releases balls trapped in Deadworld’s orbit, high-speed pursuits across the Mega-City Super Highway and the chance to raise the crime level to a Class X Felony for higher crime-scene rewards.
The Ultimate Challenge Wizard Mode pits players against the dark Judges of Deadworld and Judge Death. Zen also says the same-platform purchase includes the Pinball FX Midnight version of the DLC when bought in Pinball FX, and vice versa, where available.
Get the table through the Epic Games Store. Zen’s September announcement listed the table at $9.99 in Pinball FX and Pinball FX Midnight, and $14.99 in Pinball FX VR. Enjoy and... game on!
Fennessey Films and Score G Productions have announced MASSIVE EFFECT: THE BIOWARE STORY, an independent feature documentary examining the people and creative history behind BioWare. Written and directed by Akash Sherman (Clara, Singhs in the Ring), the film is in production and is targeting a major film festival run and world premiere in 2027.
The filmmakers began documenting BioWare two years before Electronic Arts announced the studio’s closure on October 21, 2026. Production continued as the news reverberated through the industry, giving the team a rare opportunity to record the studio’s final chapter alongside its longer history.
From an Edmonton startup to an RPG landmark
Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk and Augustine Yip founded BioWare in Edmonton in 1995. The company grew from a basement startup into a role-playing game studio whose titles have sold more than 100 million copies and earned multiple Game of the Year awards.
The documentary will draw on firsthand accounts from BioWare’s founders and the writers, artists, developers and performers involved in the studio’s games. It will look at the ideas, creative risks and collaborations behind franchises including Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Baldur’s Gate and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
BioWare founders and familiar industry voices
Participants include Muzyka, Zeschuk and Yip, as well as Mass Effect and Knights of the Old Republic director Casey Hudson, Lucasfilm Games vice president Douglas Reilly, voice actor Jennifer Hale, The Game Awards creator Geoff Keighley and The Electric Playground creator Victor Lucas. Longtime BioWare developers Mark Darrah, David Gaider, Drew Karpyshyn, Aaryn Flynn, Mac Walters, Trent Oster, James Ohlen and Caroline Livingstone will also appear, alongside other industry figures.
Fans can share their BioWare memories
Canada’s Super Channel commissioned the documentary. Jhod Cardinal of Upstream Flix is handling worldwide sales, and the production is supported by the Canada Media Fund.
The official film website invites fans to share stories, photos and videos about how BioWare’s games affected them, with selected submissions considered for inclusion in the film.
Source: Fennessey Films and Score G Productions
+ My Opinion
BioWare’s games helped define story-driven role-playing for generations of players. With the filmmakers documenting the studio before and through its final chapter, this documentary has the chance to connect that creative legacy with the people who built it. I have to say though... that EA should have given BioWare an out (if they didn't).
You may be wondering what I mean by that, but I'll do you one better and give you a prime example. Do you remember how IO Interactive came to stand on it's own after being bought by Eidos... that was eventually acquired by Square Enix? Rather than Square Enix just pulling the plug, they put the studio up for sale in 2017... which allowed IO Interactive's team to do a buyout. Not only that, they allowed them walk away with full ownership of the Hitman IP (aka IOI's Baby). That happened because of specific business motivations, but... also a rare sign of goodwill from Square Enix. Shout out to Yosuke Matsuda for making that move, and even he said that they allowed IO Interactive to keep the franchise because "it wouldn't be Hitman unless it was Hitman made by IO".
Now they stand today with games under their belt like... 007 First Light.
You know where I'm going with this right? After all the work that BioWare put in for EA... the least they could've did was allow the team to buy the studio, and even if they sold them the IPs, it would be better than just letting them sit in a vault. Now would that mean they'd sit in a vault forever? I don't know, but... Mass Effect, and other games wouldn't be the same without BioWare.
If EA's new owners don't believe in the IPs developed by BioWare and the team itself, allow for a buyout to take place. Especially if Canada is willing to finance it, and I'm sure a crowdfund would cover some serious financial ground with the right incentives.
In additional to all this, this is a reminder to the indie developers out there. If you don't plan to walk away from game development, you don't have to sell your studio. Valve is the beast it is as a platform (and blue moon game developer/publisher) because they stayed private, and didn't play the game... which allowed PC gamers to win big. Larian Studios (the team behind Baldur's Gate 3) did similar... and so can you. Game on!
So the week is going great... but Halloween went by so fast. OMG it went so fast. The food, treats, backyard bbq, Halloween party, lounge party... across the weekend were awesome. That turned Friday to Sunday into a blur, but... I did meet a number of people on Sunday. Shout out to Roxanne... big ups to Dave and his I.T. crew too, Paul, Vicky and the one guy with the awesome skateboard. I don't remember your name, but that board was... awesome!
I might be done with cake and ice cream for awhile. I think that's a firm decision because it got to me.
Oh and shout out to the one guy from the UK who went crazy over the big fountain drink with the crushed ice (it looked good). You get a shout out + two thumbs up for literally grabbing the 'Cousin Larry Vs. Cucumberhead' book on Kindle... while we were chopping it up. Book fans don't mess around! Anyway, the weekend is already here again... and so are the Top Audiences Last Week!
