We’ve had a bit of time to digest the finale of this year’s Doctor Who season (and boy, does it feel good to say that knowing we only have to wait until next year for the new one). So while we sit twiddling our thumbs and waiting for Steven Moffat’s Christmas Special, it’s time to do what we Doctor Who fans do best – concoct elaborate theories about minor plot details while handing down authoritative judgements on what the showrunners should do next.

“Empire of Death” thoroughly understood its assignment as a Russell T Davies Doctor Who Finale, giving us spectacle, recurring characters, the death of the universe (for the second time, although the fifth attempt since 2005 by our count), and it least one massive gaping plot hole. It also had breadcrumbs aplenty for future seasons, including the mysterious Mrs Flood who might be Romana, or Clara Oswald (“Clever boy!”), or the Master’s new incarnation, but is almost certainly not the Rani (it’s never the Rani). And of course, there’s the ever-present mystery of Mel Bush – whatever the answer, it’s going to annoy fans of the spinoff media.

So among all that, you can be forgiven for missing a tiny loophole that opened that might bring back the universe’s masters (small M) of high fashion, the Time Lords. But to understand that loophole, you need to understand Sutekh’s evil plan.

Death Hitches a Ride

First, let’s take a look at Sutekh’s evil plan. Instead of getting thrown into the distant future by Tom Baker’s Doctor at the end of Pyramids of Mars, he’s been clinging onto the side of the TARDIS, presumably shuffling over to make room for Captain Jack when necessary.

(Sidebar – when the 15^th Doctor used his giant cartoon mallet to whack a second TARDIS into existence, did he create another Sutekh as well?)

Everywhere the Doctor landed since then, Sutekh created a person who resembled the actress Susan Twist (did Davies write that entire series arc just because he saw an actress with that name?) 73 yards away from the TARDIS itself. That person blended in perfectly with their surroundings in exactly the way that the TARDIS doesn’t, and went on to live their lives until Sutekh gave the go signal, at which point they turned everybody into sand.

But then, in a stroke of genius entirely fitting a Russell T Davies-written finale, the Doctor realizes that if you bring death to death, you actually bring life. So he puts an actual lead on Sutekh and drags him off into the time vortex through “all of time and space” to “bring life to the whole flipping universe”, and we get a tour of what we have to assume is a very small selection the planets Sutekh has revived, including familiar names like Telos (although Telos might not have noticed because all the Cybermen there are still frozen in tombs), and others that show off Davies’ passion for making up words. One name was noticeably absent from that list.

But…

“The whole flipping universe.”

Okay, so the first question. If you’re bringing “death to death”, does that mean it could also bring to life people who weren’t killed by Sutekh?

The answer is “If the writer wants”. But just for fun why don’t we say the answer is “No”.

Second question: Did we ever find out how the Master killed off all the Time Lords in “Spyfall“? Could he have had help from an ally who similarly loved wordplay-based pseudonyms? Okay, turning all the Time Lords into sand wouldn’t have left much for him to make Cyber Time Lords out of, but even Sutekh had plenty of gaunt, semi-mummified allies after he did the double-Thanos snap.

Now you might be about to point out that everyone else in the spacetime continuum, from the past and the future, died at the same time when Sutekh unveiled himself, but if you read that sentence back to yourself very slowly you’ll realise it’s not much of an argument.

So it is entirely possible Sutekh was behind the death of the Time Lords, and that his magical mystery tour of the vortex brought them back. And that brings us to our third and final question: Why would you want to do a thing like that?

The Death and Return and Death and Return and Death (and Return?) of Gallifrey

If you’re one of those fans who believes that everything is canon, Gallifrey has been destroyed at least three times – once during the “War in Heaven” in the Eighth Doctor BBC books, once at the end of the Time War (although it later turned out it just got moved a bit) and once, finally, by the Master, when he killed everyone through unknown means then went back and turned the corpses into Cyber Time Lords and some guy the Doctor had just met suicide-bombed the entire planet so that the Doctor had time to get away. (How we miss the Chibnall era.)

That most recent destruction, which ultimately happened because the Master threw a temper tantrum, felt cheap compared to the climax of the war for all existence. It also made you wonder what Tom Baker’s “Curator” (all but said to be a future incarnation of the Doctor) seemed so happy about when he was telling the Eleventh Doctor that Gallifrey might still be out there (for a bit, before it gets blown up again).

Now, obviously we can’t just bring the Time Lords back again. And if you believe that, I’ve got a final destruction of the Daleks and a definitely-dead-for-real-this-time incarnation of the Master to sell you.

But the Daleks and the Master are always going to come back. This is Doctor Who. You might rest its best villains for a little bit, but you’re never really going to completely do away with them.

The Time Lords on the other hand? Well, killing them off before Christopher Eccleston’s Doctor turned up was one of Davies’ master strokes. The Doctor has always been at their best when they are the Mad Person in a Box, pinballing through space and time, going where they feel like, no home, no mission, nothing but whatever they’ve wandered into this week.

Against that, the Time Lords feel like so much baggage, just turning up occasionally to tell the Doctor off, or worse, give them a job.

The Timeless Child twist felt like an attempt to do the same thing – less launching a whole new plot arc than resetting the status quo established in “An Unearthly Child”.

But you can’t really remove stuff from Doctor Who. There used to be a saying that “No one stays dead in comics except Bucky, Jason Todd, and Uncle Ben”, until about 20 years ago when Bucky and Jason Todd both came back. Who works on a similar logic. So, instead of pretending that the destruction Gallifrey is going to stick, we should be thinking about how to bring them back in a way that they can actually unlock some good stories for the Doctor.

Empire of Ages

Of course, before you can ask that question, you have to ask what the Time Lords were good for in the first place. “Not much” is a valid answer – there were many good reasons the kill them off, as we’ve said. But they have had their uses.

In their very first appearance it was fantastic seeing the real fear Patrick Troughton played when he knew they were approaching. Given everything we now know about their funny collars and dubious purpose that might seem unlikely, but “The War Games” is the first time we really get the sense of the Doctor as not just an exile, or a wanderer, but a man who is running from something.

That was the high watermark for Time Lords for a while. From then on most of their appearances were as Basil Expositions when the Doctor needed to be given a mission or warned about some coming threat. Then in 1976 we finally got a proper look at Gallifrey with the unintentionally-hilariously-named “The Deadly Assassin”. Despite the silly name, this “Doctor Who does The Manchurian Candidate” story set the ground rules for Time Lords going forward, and every Time Lord story written since is in one way or another riffing off this one.

This Gallifrey is a parody of a specific idea of Britain, its dusty civil servants, stale bureaucracy and self-important ambition. As we walk its halls of power (Does Gallifrey have any other kind of hall?) it seems that everyone we meet went to the same public school, and the political clashes are largely just a continuation of those classroom grudges.

Blimey, can you imagine living in a place like that?

Of course, then the Time War came along and suddenly we had to take the Time Lords seriously, with the Tenth Doctor looking properly terrified at the prospect of Timothy Dalton’s Rassilon returning to end existence (forgot that one – sixth attempt since 2005). But, as I think we’ve already demonstrated, you can only threaten to end the entire universe so many times before the threat starts to lose its urgency. So maybe the key to bringing the Time Lords back as a going concern is to look back at the more ridiculous Deadly Assassin version of the planet.

The best Doctor Who villains (and the Time Lords are definitely villains) have always been about Empire. Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans, they are all varieties of expansionist military force, either genocidally annihilating, assimilating or merely conquering everyone in their path. But if the Time Lords work best as a satire of the British, they are now perfectly positioned to show us the threat presented by an ex-Imperial power.

Having fought the mother of all wars against the darkest evil history has ever known, the Time Lords are simply not what they once were. The universe has grown and diversified, new powers have risen, but the Time Lords being who they are, they’re not just going to forget the position they once held. And they aren’t about to start calling themselves the Time Ordinary Citizens either.

Give us Time Lords that are reduced in stature, a bit pathetic, even funny, but still thinking they are somehow Lords of Time, and trying to assert that status in a universe of Oodspheres and Time Agents and Tesselecta who have all come in to fill the gap they left. Time Lords who aren’t powerful, but sly, and bitter, and all the more dangerous for it. The Reform Party in giant frilly collars.

And who would they hate more than the Doctor? The individual who founded, rebelled against, betrayed, destroyed and repeatedly humiliated them?

There is more to this though. In among the Big Finish audios, one tiny bit of lore they added to the timey wimey stew was the idea that Time Lords hated divergent timelines and parallel universes, pruning them much like Loki’s TVA did. What if, post-Time War, the Time Lords decide to resume that work?

Okay, here’s another question. What’s the dullest possible Doctor Who story? No don’t rush to the comments, the correct answer is ‘The Doctor turns up during some great historical tragedy/atrocity but it’s a Fixed Point in Time so rather than saving everyone (which they could do easily) they have to sit back and look A Bit Sad while it happens.’

With the Time Lords back in play, lording it over Time as they are wont to do, the Doctor can get on with what they are best at, which is interfering in everything whether it’s a good idea or not while the Time Lords do their best to stop them.

Doctor Who series 14 is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney+ around the world.

The post Did Sutekh Just Bring Doctor Who’s Time Lords and Gallifrey Back to Life? appeared first on Den of Geek.

What makes the best online casinos in Australia? Generous bonuses, an excellent selection of pokies and other games, flawless mobile gameplay, and lightning-fast payouts. 

Combine all of these – and you’ve already hit the jackpot before you even started playing.

And speaking of jackpots, Neospin’s AU$10,000 welcome bonus absolutely feels like one. You won’t find a bigger offer for Australian players, but a few other casinos come close.  

Want to know which Australian online casino sites for real money are perfect for you? 

Let’s get started. 

Best Online Casinos in Australia

• Neospin: Best overall 
• Skycrown: 12-minute average payout 
• Ricky Casino: AU$7500 welcome package
• A Big Candy: Incredible progressive jackpot pokies
• 50 Crowns: Over 4000 total games 
• Casinonic: Great choice of table games 
• JustCasino: 400 free spins upon sign-up
• Zotabet: Casino games & sports betting
• Heaps O’ Wins: Daily free spins 
• Kingmaker: Excellent live casino games 

Heads up about our links! Adblock might get confused so please disable it if you have any issues.

To be included in the top 10 online casino Australia sites, you’ll need to have incredible bonus potential, top-tier security, and fantastic customer support, amongst a number of other key factors. But then, each site specialises in a specific area, so let’s take a closer look at them.

1. Neospin – Best Online Casino in Australia Overall

Pros:

• Over 4,000 online pokies
• Potential AU$10k welcome bonus
• Downloadable desktop and Android apps
• Up to 20% daily cashback
• Instant crypto payout processing

Cons:

• No iOS mobile app
• Min AU$300 fiat currency payouts

If you’re looking to play at an online casino in Australia for real money, the best place to start is at Neospin. With up to AU$10,000 for new casino players and 4000+ pokies, it’s pretty clear that this casino site is the benchmark for greatness.

Online Casino Games: 4.95/5

You’ll find 1000s of games to play at Neospin, including over 4,000 pokies from some of the top providers in the world. Contributions from esteemed software providers like NetEnt and Yggdrasil ensure that the quality of the pokies is going to be very high on average. 

There are plenty of table games, specialty games and more to check out as well. We’re particularly big fans of the live casino section, where most rooms are managed by Evolution Gaming, the undisputed live dealer kings.

Bonuses & Offers: 4.9/5

New Neospin players can get a 100% up to AU$10,000 matched deposit that comes with 100 free spins thrown in for good measure.

To qualify for this bonus, you must deposit at least AU$45.

They’re also offering all players the chance to grab up to 20% daily cashback, as well as up to 100 free spins every Wednesday and a 66% matched deposit reload bonus of up to AU$1000, amongst other offers.

Neospin also has its own progressive jackpot network with three prizes to be won, one of which could land you six-figure jackpots.

Deposits & Payouts: 4.7/5

The best way to bank at Neospin is, no doubt, with crypto. There are seven options to get paid out with, and the processing time is instant, so you’ll receive the funds in your coin wallet at light speed. 

Fiat currency players have a handful of options to deposit with, like Neosurf and VISA, but the only option for payouts is bank transfers. Payouts to this are still quicker than an average bank transfer in 1-3 days, but the minimum withdrawal amount is quite high at AU$300.

Other Features: 4.8/5

Neospin offers a downloadable Android app, which is actually really pleasing to use. The minimal site design combined with the strong game compatibility makes it a great option for those with Samsung phones.

Strangely, there isn’t an iOS app at the time of writing, so Apple fans will have to play in instant play mode only. The good news is that most games are still available by this means. Alternatively, you could just download the desktop app. 

>> Get your AU$10k and 100 FS [Neospin]

2. Skycrown – Fastest Payouts of all Online Casinos in Australia

Pros:

• 12-minute average payouts
• AU$4000 and 400 FS for new players
• 17 deposit methods 
• 7000+ casino games 
• 50 free spins every Monday

Cons:

• Some games from lesser-known providers
• No downloadable apps

The one area in which Neospin falls down slightly is more than made up for at Skycrown. Their banking setup is pretty much perfect, with a wide range of payment methods and some of the fastest payouts. Oh, and there are some pretty amazing games to be played here, too.

Online Casino Games: 4.9/5

Skycrown is home to over 7,000 games, making it one of the most packed reputable online casinos in Australia.

Within that figure, you’ll find the top Australian online pokies as well as plenty of table games and more. We really like the extensive list of instant games as well, including the classics Aviator and Plinko XY.

A game selection as broad as this is bound to consist of a few unknown titles, so you might have to sift through some games that aren’t quite as up to par. But at the end of the day, the average quality here is very high indeed. 

Bonuses & Offers: 4.8/5

The welcome bonus package at Skycrown is worth up to AU$4000 and 400 free spins. This kicks off with a 100% up to AU$300 matched deposit with the bonus code SKY11, and then there are four more offers to make up the total amount with four separate codes.

Each step of the bonus comes with an AU$30 deposit minimum.

Throughout the week, there are plenty of other offers for all players to get involved with. Some standout bonuses are the 50 free spins you can grab every Monday and the 10% cashback for all live casino game deposits.

Deposits & Payouts: 4.95/5

You can choose from an impressive list of 17 banking options to place your deposits at Skycrown. The list includes Apple Pay, PayID, and many cryptocurrencies such as Dogecoin, BNB, and Cardano.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about Skycrown as a whole is the speed of their payouts. The average processing time is just 12 minutes, which really is as ‘instant’ as it gets. Use one of the various cryptocurrencies for this, and you’ll see your funds in the blink of an eye.

Other Features: 4.7/5

There are no apps to download for mobile or desktop at Skycrown, but that’s not really a problem as the software design for the desktop and mobile sites is excellent. Plus, you can play many of the games on mobile devices.

Skycrown offers a 24/7 live chat support function which we found to be very responsive, but you will need to be signed into a registered account to be able to use it.

>>Claim AU$4000 and 400 FS [Skycrown]

3. Ricky Casino – Best Australian Online Casino Bonuses

Pros:

• AU$7,500 & 550 FS welcome bonus
• NetEnt and Play ‘n GO pokies 
• 100% matched deposits on Tuesdays
• Downloadable desktop app
• Several fiat currency payout options

Cons:

• Mobile site missing a few games 
• Only one crypto banking option

The best way to play casino games online is with some bonus offers, and we’re confident that you’ll find the best ones at Ricky Casino. 

Online Casino Games: 4.7/5

There are nearly 2000 games to play at Ricky Casino, including well over 1500 real money pokies from some seriously high-quality developers. You’ll be able to play the best titles from Play ‘n GO and NetEnt, to name a couple.

There are 30 live dealer games, including unique titles like Cocktail Roulette and Keno. It’s not as much choice as some of our other top picks, but the number is higher than most other online gambling sites in Australia.

You won’t find a sports betting section at Ricky Casino, though. But if you’d like to place bets, we know the best esports betting sites you can join. 

Bonuses & Offers: 4.95/5

Ricky Casino is offering a welcome bonus package worth up to a total of AU$7,500 plus some 550 free spins for the amazing All Lucky Clovers 5 pokie. The bonus is broken up over 10 installments, each with a AU$30 deposit minimum.

There are plenty of extra bonuses for all players, including a 100% matched deposit every Tuesday and 200 free spins every Wednesday. Very generous indeed.

Deposits & Payouts: 4.6/5

We love that Ricky Casino offers a good range of fiat currencies to get paid out with, even if the processing for these can take a couple of days. You can cash out with VISA, Neteller, and bank transfer, to name a few.

Crypto players won’t have as much choice as there’s just one cryptocurrency to bank with. You guessed it… Bitcoin.

Other Features: 4.7/5

If you’re a desktop casino player, we recommend downloading the Ricky Casino desktop app. It’s a little smoother to use than the regular desktop site (which is still enjoyable to use, by the way), and the games load more quickly.

Mobile players can enjoy a pretty decent mobile site experience, although a few of the games appear to be missing on the smaller screen.

>>Claim your AU$7,500 and 550 FS [Ricky Casino]

4. A Big Candy – Best Online Casino in Australia for Progressive Jackpots

Pros:

• 320% first deposit match bonus
• AU$100,000s to be won from jackpots
• Games developed by RealTime Gaming
• Responsive live chat for customers
• Instant payout processing 

Cons:

• Only a few hundred total games
• Games inaccessible without account

Progressive jackpots are all the rage down under, and you can win some serious amounts of cash with them at A Big Candy. 

Online Casino Games: 4.7/5

Our favourite part of the A Big Candy game selection is the progressive jackpot pokies they offer. There’s plenty of choice for these games, some of which offer the chance to win six figures or more. 

Most of the pokies here come from RealTime Gaming, widely renowned for their exciting pokie themes and high payout potential.

Bonuses & Offers: 4.7/5

If you sign up for A Big Candy today, you’ll be able to get your first deposit matched to the tune of 320%. Plus, there will be 55 free spins thrown in for your choice of three online pokies: Masks of Atlantis, Bonus Wheel Jungle, and Great Temple.

That’s one of the highest percentages of any deposit bonus in Australia, so it’s worth getting excited about. However, the max deposit isn’t quite as high.

Deposits & Payouts: 4.6/5

A Big Candy is quick to process payout requests, as most of them will be taken care of instantly. However, there aren’t many banking options to choose from. The list consists of VISA, Mastercard, Neosurf, eZeeWallet, and Bitcoin.

Other Features: 4.7/5

You won’t be able to see all of the games before you’ve signed into an account at A Big Candy, which is a little confusing. 

We found the live chat customer support to be particularly responsive, although you must be signed into an account to use it.

>> Get your 320% matched deposit [A Big Candy]

5. 50 Crowns – Widest Range of Australian Real Money Casino Games

Pros:

• Over 4100 casino games 
• Up to 100 free spins every Wednesday
• Games are available in demo mode
• 12 crash games 
• Instant payout processing 

Cons:

• Several game restrictions to bonus wagering
• Limited payout methods available

If you want to play all the classic casino games from the best providers as well as take part in the latest and most interesting game trends, you’ll be able to do so at 50 Crowns. 

Online Casino Games: 4.9/5

You’ll find a total of over 4100 casino games at 50 Crowns, more than the vast majority of online casinos in Australia.

The amazing thing about all those games is that most of its games come from elite software providers such as Betsoft and Evolution Gaming, so there are hardly any ‘filler’ games. This means you can get straight to the good stuff without searching for too long.

Bonuses & Offers: 4.6/5

Enter the code CROWNS when you place your first deposit at 50 Crowns to get it matched 100% up to AU$700, plus 100 free spins. 

The max deposit for this offer isn’t quite as high at some of our other top online casinos for real money, but it’s still on the higher side of what we’ve seen from other options. 

We do like the fact that it’s possible to grab up to 100 free spins with each deposit every Wednesday, though. And, players can get more for their money by taking part in the intriguing VIP program.

Deposits & Payouts: 4.6/5

Payouts at 50 Crowns are processed instantly with all of the methods they support, which is really impressive.

However, there are actually only four of these: Maestro, Mastercard, VISA, and Skrill. When you place your initial deposit, you’ll be able to do so with Bitcoin, but it does not appear to be the case that payouts are allowed with this.

Other Features: 4.6/5

We found that it was possible to play most of the 50 Crowns casino games on a smartphone, which is good news, albeit something to be expected in this age.

The site design for both desktop and mobile is quite minimalistic, which will suit players simply looking for an easy navigation experience. Furthermore, you can download the desktop app straight to your device if you want a more immersive gaming experience.

>>Get your AU$700 and 100 free spins [50 Crowns]

How We Ranked the Best Online Casinos in Australia

Online Casino Games

Each casino online in Australia needs to have a lot of games. Otherwise, it’s just not going to be worth a play in the first place! We’re only listing sites with plenty of pokies, table games, and even some specialty games, just as long as they come from high-quality providers.

Bonuses & Offers

It’s always good to see a big old welcome bonus when we first sign up for new online gambling sites. Ideally, we want to see large amounts of matched deposit cash, a handful of free spins and fair terms and conditions to go alongside them.

Deposits & Payouts

The online casino gaming experience is always a little bit more enjoyable when you know you’re going to get your winnings back quickly after you request it. It’s also going to be easier for you if there are plenty of payment methods so you can choose which one is best for you.

Other Features

Here, we’re looking at all the other factors that go into making an online casino great. These could be strong mobile compatibility (ideally with a downloadable mobile app to smooth things out), top software design, high-quality customer support, and more.

We’ve used the same criteria to compile a list of the best online casinos in Canada, which also features Neospin in a high position.

Games Available at Online Casinos in Australia

Not sure where to start? Here’s a look at some of the most popular online casino games in Australia to give you a little inspiration.

• Pokies: The classic reels are, and have always been, Australia’s favourite type of online casino game. There’s so much choice out there in terms of reel mechanics, in-game bonuses and themes that there’s no wonder people keep coming back for more. 
• Instant games: More online casinos than ever are offering interesting new ways to gamble online in the form of instant games. A couple of recommendations we have are Aviator and Plinko XY if you’re new to the concept.
• Blackjack: Here’s a classic card game that’s never fallen out of fashion. Blackjack is  easy to play, making it accessible to players of all experience levels. And, it pays out very fairly indeed, offering some of the highest RTPs online.
• Roulette: Another classic table game that pays out super well on average is roulette. You can play it in live and non-live forms depending on your gaming preferences, and there are a number of variants to help you fine-tune your game even further.

Not the games you’re looking for? Check out this guide if you’re interested in online bingo.

Games with the Highest Payouts at Australian Online Casinos

• Pragmatic Play Live Blackjack (99.5% RTP): Live casino games have the highest RTPs of all types of casino games and the best example to prove that is this classic option from Pragmatic Play. Best of all, it’s a lot of fun, too! 
• Evolution Gaming Live Roulette (99% RTP): If blackjack isn’t your favourite game, why not try a little roulette? This option from legendary developers Evolution Gaming will give you a great chance of winning. 
• Elvis Frog TRUEWAYS (96.79% RTP): The Elvis Frog pokies series has been pleasing fans for years, and their TRUEWAYS title offers an extra high RTP, making it even more appealing to pokie players! 

Best Online Casinos in Australia – FAQs

Can You Wager Real Money at Australian Online Casinos?

It’s completely possible to wager real money at Australian online casinos. In fact, the best Australian casinos will offer a wide range of payment methods to suit all players, including fiat options and cryptocurrencies.

Which Payment Methods Can I Use at Australian Gambling Sites?

All Australian gambling sites have their own choices of payment methods, but some of those options are more common than others.

You’re going to see VISA and Mastercard at the majority of these sites, and there’s also a chance of bumping into eWallets, cryptocurrencies, bank transfers, and more.

Which Online Casino Has the Best Deposit Bonus for Australian Players?

Australia’s best online casino deposit bonus can be found at Ricky Casino. You’ll get up to AU$7,500 and 550 free spins when you sign up there. 

What is the Best Online Casino in Australia?

The best online casino in Australia overall is Neospin. The AU$10,000 welcome bonus and abundance of games are the key reasons for that.

Are Australian Real Money Online Casinos Safe?

All of the Australian online casinos we’ve picked out for our top 10 are safe and trustworthy. No matter which of the 10 you choose, you’re going to get great support and have a fair chance of winning, plus your details will be protected carefully.

We can’t vouch for every online casino in Australia, though. So, if you’re planning on playing some online casino games elsewhere, then we highly recommend doing a little research to make sure you’re going to be well looked after. 

How Can You Tell if an Australian Gambling Site is Legit?

If you’re going to check out if a new online casino is safe or not, we recommend considering the following things: player reviews, RNG verification, quality support team, and fast payouts. 

These are just some of the tests that we put our top 10 Aussie online casino sites through to ensure that we could recommend them.

Comparison of the Top 5 Online Casino Australia Sites

Neospin: The absolute best online casino Australia real money site has to be Neospin. Enjoy its welcome bonus worth up to AU$10,000 and 100 free spins.

Skycrown: With its lightning-fast payouts and its huge range of fast payout banking options, Skycrown comes a close second. Get up to AU$4000 and 400 free spins when you sign up.

Ricky Casino: The title of ‘best welcome bonus in Australia’ is a very prestigious one, and we’ve given it to the AU$7500 and 550 free spins on offer at Ricky Casino.

A Big Candy: Progressive jackpot slots are notorious for paying out some lucky players, and the best site for them is A Big Candy. Get the 320% matched bonus with 55 free spins!

50 Crowns: The vast majority of the 4100+ casino games at 50 Crowns are outstanding, and if you want to give them a play, make sure to get the AU$700 and 100 free spins welcome offer.

How to Create a New Australian Online Casino Account 

Now that you’ve chosen an Australian online casino site to sign up with, it’s time to begin! Just follow these four steps to get your account with Neospin.

1. Complete the Signup Form

• Head over to Neospin’s homepage
• Hit the banner to bring up the registration form
• Enter a few personal details in the form

2. Verify Your Email Address

• Open the email from Neospin 
• Click the link to confirm your email address
• Some sites may require further verification

3. Make Your First Payment 

• Choose a payment method 
• Enter an amount 
• Complete the transaction with the instructions
• Claim your welcome bonus and start playing

Tips for Australian Online Casino Players

Play Casino Games Online with High Payouts

‘High payouts’ either means high RTPs or high max wins. And we recommend taking a look for games that offer both! The RTP is probably the most important factor to look at, though, as it shows us how much we can expect to receive back from a game on average in relation to our stake.

Play for Free in Demo Mode 

You can always get a feel for a game in free-play mode if you want to test it out before playing for real money. Some Australian casino sites, like 50 Crowns, let you play online casino games for free, whereas others don’t, so you’ll need to go to the developer’s website instead.

Take Advantage of Welcome Bonus Offers 

All of our top Australian online casinos offer impressive deposit bonus offers, and there’s no harm in grabbing a handful of these while you shop around for a new online casino to call home. We do recommend playing one at a time, though, so that you don’t have to rush to wager. 

Which Aussie Online Casinos Will You Be Checking Out?

If you’re looking for the very best casino online Australia is proud of, this guide has given you a pretty great place to start. Australian online casino sites are up there with the best in the world, and our top 10 proves that.

By now, we know that Neospin is the best place to be overall, but not by far. The likes of Skycrown and A Big Candy are up there as some of the very best casino sites in the country.

So, take the time to check out a few of these online casinos, and be sure to grab a handful of impressive welcome bonuses as you do that. Good luck! 

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling is extremely risky. Bet at your own risk. Don’t spend funds you can’t afford to lose. Gambling for underage players is illegal in Australia. 

This guide is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only, we take no responsibility for the loss of funds made on any of these sites.  Always check local rules and policies in your region before signing up for any online casino. 

If you believe you may have a gambling problem, reach out to www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858.

Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Den of Geek, whose advertising leadership oversees sponsored, native, and paid content on the site, ensuring its quality, relevance, and helpfulness for general audiences.

Articles attributed to this byline are authored by paying advertisers. The editorial team did not contribute to these pieces, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Den of Geek staff. The sponsor retains responsibility for the content and holds the copyright to the material.

The post Best Online Casinos Australia [2024]: Reviews of Top Australian Casino Sites for Real Money appeared first on Den of Geek.

Imagine playing at an online casino where you can pocket your winnings faster than shouting “double down”!

With the best instant withdrawal casinos in Australia – that’s completely possible.

And since we don’t love to gatekeep, we decided to share a list of the top 10 fast-payout Australian online casinos with Neospin on the top, providing lightning-fast payouts, along with fantastic games and bumper bonuses. 

But there certainly is more below the surface. For those who love their options, there are nine other casinos to explore. 

Let’s have a look at them.

Best Instant Withdrawal Casinos in Australia

• Neospin: Best overall
• SkyCrown: Excellent live dealer games
• Ricky Casino: Highest-RTP online pokies
• A Big Candy: 320% match + 55 free spins
• 50 Crowns: Weekly and monthly tournaments
• Casinonic: Fantastic mobile compatibility
• JustCasino: Over 10,000 casino games
• Zotabet: Fee-free payouts
• Heaps O’ Wins: Stellar VIP rewards
• Kingmaker: Ideal for high rollers

Heads up about our links! Adblock might get confused so please disable it if you have any issues.

If you want to decide which Australian fast-payout casino is the best fit for you, keep reading. We’ll discuss more details in our reviews below. 

1. Neospin – Best Instant Withdrawal Casino in Australia Overall

Pros:

• AU$10,000 bonus and 100 spins
• 4,000+ casino games 
• 20% daily cashback 
• 10+ secure payment options
• 24/7 live chat feature
• Many ongoing tournaments

Cons:

• No telephone support 
• Lack of reload bonuses

At Neospin, it’s all about speed, rewards, and ease. You can enjoy instant withdrawals, high-payout games, and sweet bonuses. You can get started with a 100% welcome bonus and claim as much as 20% cashback every day – no wonder it’s on the top of our list. 

Payment Methods: 5/5

Neospin accepts 7 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Tether, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Each offers instant withdrawals – as soon as you confirm the transaction, you’ll receive your money in an average of 10 minutes. 

Cashout limits differ from one method to another. For instance, if you go for Bitcoin, you’ll have to fund your account with at least 0.0008 BTC. 

If you decide to play with fiat currencies, you can opt for credit and debit cards, Neosurf, and MiFinity. 

Online Casino Games: 5/5

Neospin is home to more than 4,000 casino games, which means you’ll never be short of options. From online pokies to jackpot thrills, table classics, and even crypto adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Pokies are by far the most popular in terms of the sheer numbers, but there’s no shortage of roulette, blackjack, and baccarat games. Many come with high RTPs, giving you every chance to win real money online instantly.

You can also dip into the live casino and play live game shows, as well as live roulette and live blackjack games, where betting limits are much higher. 

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.9/5

At this online casino, the welcome wagon rolls out with a bang. New players can score a 100% welcome bonus, spanning multiple deposits, totaling up to AU$10,000 plus 100 free spins thrown into the mix. To claim this offer, you’ll need to deposit AU$30 or more. 

And the perks don’t stop here – you’ll then be eligible for cashback each day depending on how much you play. If you lose between AU$30 and AU$749, you’ll enjoy a 5% cashback, while those who lose more than AU$15,000 will get a whopping 20% cashback. 

Each Wednesday, you can grab 100 free spins, and don’t forget to join the loyalty program for even more goodies. 

User Experience: 4.9/5

There are multiple ways you can play at Neospin, including desktop and mobile devices. The website is clean and easy to navigate, with all the options neatly laid out. 

For help, there’s 24/7 live chat support, but no email or phone options are available.

>> Grab your AU$10,000 welcome bonus [Neospin]

2. SkyCrown – Best Instant Withdrawal Casino AU for Live Dealer Games

Pros:

• AU$4,000 + 400 spins
• Over 7,000 casino games
• 12-minute payouts
• Excellent user interface
• Prioritized withdrawals for VIP users

Cons:

• Live chat unavailable for unregistered users
• The VIP program is invite-only 

SkyCrown has everything Australian bettors want – fast payouts, thousands of great games, and lots of bonuses and free spins. Plus, with 1% rakeback available, it’s our top pick for live dealer games. 

Payment Methods: 4.9/5

Getting your winnings at SkyCrown is a breeze. With an average payout time of just 12 minutes, you can count on same-day payouts for Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. 

Need more options? Credit and debit cards, Neosurf, Apple Pay, and eZeeWallet are on the table too. 

Minimum deposits and withdrawals are AU$20 for most payment methods.

Online Casino Games: 4.9/5

SkyCrown offers a gaming paradise with more than 7,000 titles to choose from. Everything’s nicely organized into categories like table games, live dealer thrills, and the hottest picks.

There are thousands of the best online pokies here, including popular jackpot games like 40 Chilli Fruits and Book of Spells. 

And if you’re a card shark, don’t forget to check the live dealer casino for exciting titles like Oracle 360, Music Wheel, and War of Elements. 

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5

Once you create an account at SkyCrown, you can get a massive AU$4,000 bonus and 400 free spins across your initial deposits. The minimum payment is just AU$20. 

You’ll then be eligible for 1% rakeback when you play live dealer games like Hold’em Poker, while 10% cashback is up for grabs for all players every single week. 

By becoming a VIP, you’ll get access to more promos, including a 99% reload bonus every Friday, which is worth up to AU$750. 

User Experience: 4.8/5

A lot is going on at SkyCrown, including tournament games, a loyalty program, and a VIP program. Thanks to a nifty site design, everything is easy to access and there are no distractions.

Games run smoothly, site speed’s on point, and you’ve got responsible gambling tools at your fingertips to keep your gaming in check. 

>> Score AU$4,000 bonus and 400 spins [SkyCrown]

3. Ricky Casino – Best Fast-Payout Online Casino in Australia for Pokies

Pros:

• AU$7,500 bonus and 550 spins
• Instant eWallet withdrawals 
• 1,500+ casino games 
• Average RTP of 96%+
• Over 30 top-notch providers

Cons: 

• Slightly cluttered homepage
• No loyalty program

Ricky Casino may be new, but it’s quickly rising in the ranks as one of Australia’s fastest-growing online casinos. With lightning-fast eWallet payouts and a stellar lineup of top-notch games, it’s a winning combo.

Payment Methods: 4.8/5

Virtual credit cards, ecoPayz, PaySafeCard, Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrencies all come with instant withdrawal times at Ricky Casino. Credit and debit cards are also available for payouts, as is bank transfer, but these take longer to process.

You can withdraw up to AU$7,500 per week or AU$15,000 per month. Deposits start at a minimum of AU$20 and, as expected, they’re instant. 

Online Casino Games: 4.75/5

Comparatively speaking, Ricky Casino has a fairly slender selection of “only” 1,500+ casino games. However, this is still a solid collection and includes over a thousand online pokies alone. 

We loved that most pokies come with an RTP of over 96%. Some of our favorites are Burning Classics, Fruit Vegas, and Bonanza Billion.

You can also play over a hundred video poker games, as well as some live dealers. 

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.7/5

Ricky Casino’s AU$7,500 welcome bonus and 550 free spins cover your first ten deposits. This means you’ll need to opt in ten times if you want to claim the full amount.

Alternatively, you could just get the 100% up to AU$500 welcome bonus or go for multiple deposit bonuses – the choice is all yours.  

Another 100% reload bonus is available each Tuesday, while 200 free spins are up for grabs every Wednesday if you deposit AU$30 or more in your account. 

User Experience: 4.75/5

Ricky Casino aids the user experience with its helpful resources, such as videos that run you through the deposit process for each payment method, as well as game tutorials.

The site is available on mobile and desktop devices, while customer support can be accessed 24/7 via live chat and email. 

>> Unlock AU$7,500 bonus and 550 spins [Ricky Casino]

4. A Big Candy – Best Instant Withdrawal Casino in Australia for Bonuses

Pros:

• 320% match bonus + 55 spins
• Excellent VIP rewards
• No withdrawal fees
• Great specialty titles
• 24/7 live chat feature 

Cons: 

• No live casino games 
• Could have more filtering options

A Big Candy is a new Instant withdrawal casino in Australia, especially known for its promotions. When you join, you have the luxury of picking your own welcome bonus, and each option comes with 55 free spins. 

Payment Methods: 4.7/5

You can make deposits and withdrawals at A Big Candy using Bitcoin, Visa, Mastercard, NeoSurf, and eZeeWallet. Each offers instant withdrawals, except for credit and debit cards. 

All transactions are free, too, with the minimum deposit set at AU$30. You’ll be happy to know that Neosurf and Bitcoin come with no maximum limits and therefore, are great for high rollers. 

Online Casino Games: 4.65/5

You won’t be able to see A Big Candy’s full selection of games until you create an account. Then, you’ll get access to the full array, which includes online pokies, card games like blackjack and baccarat, as well as dozens of progressive jackpots. 

There are specialty titles including Keno, Banana Jones, and Fish Catch along with several video poker games. You can sort them according to their release date, bonus features, or themes. 

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.6/5

New players get to pick from three welcome bonuses offering a whopping 320% match. Each bonus offers the same amount of extra cash, but the catch is in the choice of pokies game for your 55 free spins: Masks of Atlantis, Great Temple, or Bonus Wheel Jungle.

Additionally, you can opt into A Big Candy’s 5-tier VIP program, where you’ll score monthly insurance and even more free spins as rewards. 

User Experience: 4.6/5

This fast payout casino is safe and secure and more aimed at casual players than high rollers. All the games are provided by RealTime Gaming, ensuring smooth gameplay and big jackpots. 

If you ever need help with anything, feel free to use a 24/7 live chat feature. 

>> Redeem a 320% match and 55 spins [A Big Candy]

5. 50 Crowns – Best Australian Fast Payout Casino for Tournaments

Pros:

• AU$700 bonus and 100 spins
• Over 5,000 casino games
• 21-tiered VIP program 
• Ongoing weekly and monthly tourneys

Cons: 

• Higher than the average minimum deposit 
• No telephone support

50 Crowns secures a spot in our top 5 list of the best instant withdrawal casinos in Australia thanks to its straightforward payouts, frequent tournaments, and huge daily jackpots.

Payment Methods: 4.6/5

This fast-withdrawal casino accepts credit and debit cards, eWallets, and cryptocurrencies. You can deposit via Visa, Mastercard, ecoPayz, Bitcoin, MiFinity, and SticPay. 

eWallet withdrawals take less than an hour to process, while crypto withdrawals take between 1 and 10 minutes. 

The minimum deposit is set at AU$30 for most options and weekly withdrawals are capped at AU$7,500. However, you can have higher limits if you become a VIP. 

Online Casino Games: 4.5/5

The major draw at 50 Crowns is the jackpot games. Each day, you can play jackpot pokies like Prime Network for the chance to win over AU$450,000. Other jackpot games include Sun of Egypt 3 and Super Duper.

There are traditional pokies here, too, as well as a good collection of table games like American Roulette and Turbo Poker.

There’s a separate section for live casino games, which offer higher bet limits, and you can filter them by their developer. All in all, there are over 5,000 titles to choose from.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.5/5

When you sign up at 50 Crown, you can get a 100% match up to AU$700 plus 100 free spins. To claim this, enter code “CROWNS” when making your first deposit of AU$20 or more. 

If that’s not juicy enough for you, enter code “HIGHROLLER” for their premium bonus, which is a 100% match up to AU$2000. While this obviously gives you more bonus cash, you must deposit at least AU$220 to qualify. 

Don’t forget to check out the Tournaments section if you are after free spins for high-quality pokies, or up to AU$1,000,000 prizes for blackjack games.

User Experience: 4.4/5

The registration process at 50 Crowns is a piece of cake, customer support is available 24/7 for assistance. The interface is smooth and works perfectly on all devices, ensuring hassle-free navigation thanks to its smart layout. 

>> Grab AU$700 bonus and 100 spins [50 Crowns]

How We Ranked the Best Instant Withdrawal Online Casinos in Australia

Payment Methods

All the instant withdrawal casinos in this guide offer fast payout options. These include eWallets and cryptocurrencies, which process your transactions in just a few minutes.

We’ve included fast payout casinos that support reliable payment methods, ensuring you always receive your money securely. 

Casino Games

In addition to instantly handling your withdrawal requests, the fast payout online casinos in Australia featured here offer a wide array of games. You can enjoy thousands of options including pokies, roulette, blackjack, live dealer games, and specialty games like online bingo, all sourced from top-notch iGaming developers.

Bonuses and Promotions

We made sure to add the fastest-paying online casinos that are generous with their offers. Whichever Australian online casinos you join, you’ll be able to claim welcome packages, reload bonuses, and VIP programs for exclusive perks and promos.

User Experience

Lastly, all the instant withdrawal online casinos in this guide not only simplify the process of cashing out your winnings but also make account creation, site navigation, and 24/7 customer support easily accessible. 

Each fast payout casino is also mobile-friendly, allowing you to access them anytime. 

Benefits of Instant Withdrawal Casinos in Australia

The biggest benefit of fast payout online casinos is that you don’t have to wait hours or even days for your money. You can deposit instantly, play right away, and receive your winnings shortly after requesting a withdrawal. 

Plus, Australian online casinos that process withdrawals instantly help build trust by showing they value your time and aim to serve you promptly.

Why Do Some Cashouts Take Longer Than Others?

Cashouts at Australian online casinos may take longer due to various factors. One primary reason is the casino’s internal processing procedures, which can differ based on factors like the chosen withdrawal method, verification checks, and the amount being withdrawn. 

Additionally, external factors such as banking processing times and weekends/public holidays can influence payout speed. Some withdrawal methods, like bank transfers, inherently take longer due to intermediary banks’ processing times.

Payment Methods to Use for Fast Payouts at Aussie Casinos

The most reliable transaction method for fast cashouts at any online casino Australia offers is cryptocurrency. Even if you’re not playing at an instant withdrawal online casino, you’ll always receive your crypto funds within 10 minutes of requesting a withdrawal.

Other transaction methods known for being speedy are eWallets like Skrill and Neteller, which you’ll find at many fast-payout online casinos. AstroPay, MiFinity, and instant bank transfers can be rapid, too.

Do I Have to Deposit and Withdraw Using the Same Method?

While some Australian online casinos require withdrawals through the same method as deposits, not all instant payout casinos follow this rule. 

Before signing up, it’s crucial to research the payment methods of any instant payout casino to ensure they align with your preferences.

Why Is Neospin the Best Australian Instant Withdrawal Casino?

We reviewed multiple fastest payout online casinos in Australia. While each one has its strengths and offers instant withdrawal payment methods, Neospin stood out as the best option. Here’s why:

Seamless Withdrawal Process: You can quickly take your winnings home from Neospin with their simplified withdrawal process, which is as comfortable as it can get. 

Watertight Security: Nothing will go wrong at Neospin, which uses SSL encryption to keep your details and money safe while you’re playing your favorite casino games.

4,000+ Games: With more than 4,000 games to choose from, Neospin has something for everyone. Whether you prefer to spin the reels, beat the dealer, or try your luck on the Devil’s Wheel, this online casino has it all.

Daily Cashback: Alongside speedy withdrawals, Neospin offers daily cashback to all players. How much you’ll receive depends on how much you play, but you could be awarded as much as 20% of your losses back.

Why Play at the Fastest Paying Online Casinos in Australia?

While you’ve got the option of playing at traditional online gambling sites, there are plenty of benefits to signing up for fast-payout online casinos in Australia:

You’ll Get Your Winnings Right Away: As long as you select the right payment method, you will receive your winnings in just a few minutes at fast withdrawal casinos.

Loads of Bonuses: Fast payout casinos are more than just a pretty face. Besides instant withdrawals, they’ve also got regular bonuses that you can claim anytime.

Fast Payout Casinos are Safe: As long as you sign up for legit (licensed) fast payout online casinos, you can be sure that you’ll receive your winnings safely without compromising any of your details.

Best Instant Withdrawal Casinos Australia – FAQ Guide

How Long Do Withdrawals Typically Take at Australian Casinos?

Withdrawal times at Australian online casinos vary based on the payment method and the casino’s policies. 

Credit/debit card withdrawals take 1-3 business days, eWallets are usually instant or take a few hours, and cryptocurrency withdrawals are nearly always instant. If you become a VIP, some sites will give you priority cashouts. 

Does the Withdrawal Amount Affect Cashout Time?

The withdrawal amount usually doesn’t affect the cashout time at an online casino, unless you’re withdrawing a large amount, such as over $10,000. In these cases, the online casino might perform extra checks to make sure everything is above board.

Do Australian Online Casinos Offer 1-Hour Withdrawals?

Yes, there are 1-hour withdrawal casinos in Australia, such as Neospin and SkyCrown. 

You can use payment methods like Skrill, Neteller, or digital coins to process your transactions in 1 hour or less. 

Do Casinos Charge Extra Fees for Faster Withdrawals?

No, a fast payout online casino will not charge you extra fees for faster withdrawals. 

Certain payment methods come with fees anyway, although some banking options are consistently free, regardless of withdrawal speeds.

Which Australian Casino Has the Fastest Cashouts?

According to our research, Neospin is the fastest payout online casino in Australia. You can cash out your winnings via cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin in less than 10 minutes. 

Withdrawals are completely free and the site is backed by SSL encryption to keep every transaction safe.

Comparing the Best Instant Withdrawal Online Casinos in Australia

Neospin: Best instant withdrawal online casino in Australia overall. Fast and secure payment methods align with 4,000+ games to deliver an enjoyable experience. New players can grab AU$10,000 bonus and 100 spins.

SkyCrown: Alongside an average payout time of 12 minutes you’ll find the best selection of live dealer games at SkyCrown. Don’t forget to check the AU$4,000 welcome bonus and 400 spins. 

Ricky Casino: This is the top pick for high RTP pokies, offering over 96% for most titles. You can try them out with an AU$7,500 bonus and 550 free spins. 

A Big Candy: This Australian online casino offers not only one but three different welcome bonuses to choose from. You can boost your bankroll with a 320% match and 55 free spins. 

50 Crowns: By joining tournaments at 50 Crowns, you’ll compete against other players for free spins and huge prizes. There’s an AU$700 welcome package and 100 spins up for grabs. 

How to Play at Fast Payout Online Casinos in Australia

Creating a casino account at an instant withdrawal casino Australia offers takes less than a minute. Let’s take a look at the detailed instructions for this. 

Step 1: Choose a Fast Withdrawal Casino

• Have a look at our top 10 picks
• Choose your favorite
• Or visit Neospin

Step 2: Create a New Account

• Click the Sign Up button
• Enter your personal information 
• Tick the box to accept the T&Cs
• Click Register to proceed

Step 3: Confirm Your Email 

• Check your email inbox
• Find a message from a casino you signed up for
• Follow the confirmation link

Step 4: Make the First Deposit

• Log into your new account
• Go to the Cashier to make the first deposit
• Place a qualifying payment to claim a welcome pack

Step 5: Start Playing

• Visit the Casino lobby
• Choose the game you want to play
• Enjoy! 

Tips & Tricks for Playing at Australian Instant Withdrawal Casinos

Playing at a fast-withdrawal casino is similar to any other online casino experience, but there are ways to enhance it. In this section, we’ll be sharing a few tips and tricks aimed at new players to help get you started.

Join Multiple Fastest Payout Casinos: Joining multiple online casinos allows you to discover which ones best fit your preferences. Signing up takes just a minute and is always free, so why not try out a few of the top-rated ones?

Research the Payment Methods: Before joining instant payout online casinos, make sure to research each payment method so that you know you’ll be able to receive your winnings as quickly as possible.

You should be able to find this information in an online casino’s Cashiers section, which usually lists available options alongside a timeframe for how long it takes to withdraw money.

Create an Online Gambling Budget: Many online casinos come with safer gambling tools that are designed to help you stay in control. These tools let you set your deposit limits, loss limits, and wagering limits.

It’s also a good idea to set your own online gambling budget. This should be money that you’ve specifically reserved for gambling and it should never be more than you can afford to lose.

If you’re looking for some more valuable tips, check out our guide to the best Canadian casinos.

So, What are the Best Instant Withdrawal Casinos in Australia?

Whether you prefer eWallets or cryptocurrency, and whether you’re on mobile or desktop, our listed instant withdrawal casinos in Australia prioritize getting your winnings to you quickly.

While there are several options, Neospin stands out as the top instant withdrawal casino, offering the AU$10,000 welcome package and 100 spins to get you started today.

Whatever you decide to do, please remember to have fun and gamble responsibly. 

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling is extremely risky. Bet at your own risk. Don’t spend funds you can’t afford to lose. Gambling for underage players is illegal in Australia. 

This guide is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only, we take no responsibility for the loss of funds made on any of these sites.  Always check local rules and policies in your region before signing up for any online casino. 
If you believe you may have a gambling problem, reach out to www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858.

Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Den of Geek, whose advertising leadership oversees sponsored, native, and paid content on the site, ensuring its quality, relevance, and helpfulness for general audiences.

Articles attributed to this byline are authored by paying advertisers. The editorial team did not contribute to these pieces, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Den of Geek staff. The sponsor retains responsibility for the content and holds the copyright to the material.

The post Best Instant Withdrawal Casinos in Australia – 10 Fast Payout Australian Casino Sites (2024) appeared first on Den of Geek.

For decades, Chakotay represented one of Star Trek‘s greatest failures. Chakotay was introduced in Star Trek: Voyager as the franchise’s first Native lead character, a course correction from Trek‘s embarrassing depictions of Native culture in the past (see “The Paradise Syndrome” from The Original Series and “Journey’s End” from The Next Generation).

Whatever producers’ intentions, Chakotay made matters worse. Not only did they fail to cast a Native actor in the part (Robert Beltran is Mexican American) but they hired a scam artist who called himself Jamake Highwater as consultant on the character, despite the fact that he had already been exposed as a Jewish man who pretended to be Native.

Making matters worse, producers lost interest in Chakotay after the third season of Voyager, giving him less to do, much to Beltran’s frustration. Hoping to get released from the show, Beltran increasingly demanded more money, but producers always agreed—not a bad gambit, all things considered, but Beltran’s disinterest in the character made Chakotay’s limited appearances a real drag.

In short, Chakotay seemed like the character least likely to return for any of Star Trek’s modern sequel series, even as Prodigy made Janeway’s search for her former XO a key plot point. So imagine Trekkers’ surprise when the Prodigy kids finally find Chakotay in season two—and that Chakotay completely rules.

We learn in the new season that Captain Chakotay has been stranded on an empty planet with his disabled starship the USS Protostar, a holographic reproduction of Janeway his only companion after the death of his commanding officer. By the time the kids arrive, Chakotay has settled into a deep despair, going through the motions to survive, but nothing else.

The appearance of the kids gives Chakotay hope, but not really because they have ideas that help restore the Protostar. Rather, the kids give Chakotay a crew, and thus a purpose. In the two-parter “Last Flight of the Protostar,” Chakotay directs the new arrivals in various tasks, getting them to work efficiently as they get the Protostar back into space.

The depth of Chakotay’s development can be heard in Beltran’s voice acting performance. At the start of the storyline, Beltran gives Chakotay the same flat affect he used in the later seasons of Voyager, when the character had no reason to exist on the series. But when Chakotay finds a purpose with the kids, Beltran’s voice becomes crisp and sharp. Beltran keeps the same warmth of the best Chakotay episodes, but adds an authority rarely seen on Voyager.

Chakotay’s best moment comes late in the story, when he consoles Dal, the self-appointed leader of the kids. Dal feels like he’s failed as a future captain, which leaves him without direction. “When I was your age, I was lost too,” Chakotay tells Dal. “Lost my father, my heritage, my purpose.” He explains that the lack of direction led to his involvement in the anti-Federation resistance army the Maquis, his status at the start of Voyager. According to Chakotay, service on Voyager restored the purpose he thought he had lost forever. It brought him back to the Federation and helped him become a great Captain.

Moreover, the statement helps give context to not just Chakotay’s decision to join the Maquis, but also his relatively easy return to the Federation. One of the great missed opportunities of Voyager was the way it never addressed the fact that half of the ship’s new crew were anti-Federation terrorists. Once Voyager stayed in the Delta Quadrant after the pilot episode “Caretaker,” everyone more or less fell in line under Janeway.

Chakotay’s speech in Prodigy reveals that, at his heart, he was always a Federation member. Unlike, say Michael Eddington from Deep Space Nine, he never saw himself as a freedom fighter against the Federation. Rather, he was just lost and looking for a purpose, which the Maquis provided for a time, until Janeway made him XO of Voyager and he found his role again.

Even more important might be what Chakotay doesn’t say in Prodigy. There’s no mention of the bones of his people, no declaration of “Akoocheemoya.” Instead, he simply mentions that he lost his heritage, a statement broad enough to retain the character’s Native heritage, but never recalls the nonsense that White producers made a Mexican American actor say to signify Indian-ness to non-Indigenous audiences. Is it as good as getting proper Native creators and actors in Trek? No, not at all. But it is the best case scenario for a massively mishandled character.

No one watching Voyager would have believed that Chakotay would make for a believable Captain, let alone a compelling character. With Prodigy, Chakotay is a proper character, one with a real heritage and a real purpose, a character who belongs among the Star Trek greats.

Star Trek: Prodigy season two is now streaming on Netflix.

The post Star Trek Just Fixed One of the Worst Voyager Characters appeared first on Den of Geek.

Whether you’re looking for a comedy or a drama, some ‘80s “USA, USA” cheese, or a genuine exploration of America’s founding, we’ve got you covered with a list of some of the most patriotic of American movies. Enjoy.

1776 (1972)

Let’s begin with the best movie about why today is called “Independence Day:” 1776. While there have been other movies about the Second Continental Congress’ travails during those sweltering days in the summer of ’76, none have truthfully been as entertaining or spirited as this adaptation of the Sherman Edwards musical of the same name. As much a lively play about the battle of egos and ideals, politics and prejudices, that birthed the Declaration of Independence, the 141-minute movie is a political epic wherein characters occasionally burst into witty, joyous song. Anytime Howard Da Silva’s Benjamin Franklin is able to smirk and prance is a particular delight too.

Fifty years on the film has been fairly criticized for distorting the historical record—including by having Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard) give a far too passionate and misleading speech about the need to abolish slavery despite the fact Jefferson never freed his own enslaved people—but the film still recognizes the Founders not as something greater than deities. Here, as in history, they’re flawed humans prone to error and misjudgment. They also could bring a conviction and fire that changed the world. And it never burned hotter than when William Daniels’ John Adams refused to sit down!

Hamilton (2020)

While on the subject of Revolutionary musicals, one good high-kick deserves another, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton has plenty of that in its spirited ensemble. A passionate and brilliant exercise in historical anachronism and theatrical artifice, Hamilton tells the story of the at onetime most-overlooked “founding father,” our first Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, through the lenses of song, rap, and a zealotry rarely witnessed in either a musical or historical biopic.

The 2020 “film” is actually the edited together recordings of several performances with the original Broadway cast of Hamilton in 2016, but it does a better job than most big screen adaptations (and all previous stage recordings) of capturing the kineticism of Thomas Kail’s direction. It likewise showcases a brilliant, intentionally color-bending cast that includes a preening performance by David Diggs as Thomas Jefferson and a heartbreaking turn by Leslie Odom Jr. as the opportunistic and self-loathing Aaron Burr. The show has been criticized by some for underplaying Hamilton’s complicity in the slave trade (he did not directly participate, but his father-in-law did, and Hamilton’s opinions were more contradictory than the show depicts). Others disparage the very idea of descendants of enslaved people playing the founders. Yet the brilliance of Hamilton is it takes the soaring ideals and rhetoric of America’s genesis and reminds us that this legacy is for all Americans. It’s also just a remarkable piece of theatrical craft that can be both hilarious and tragic, sometimes in the same song.

The Right Stuff (1983)

To jump well ahead in the American story, The Right Stuff is a non-singing(!) love letter and dramatization to the beginning of the space race in the 1950s and ‘60s. Director Philip Kaufman adapts a nonfiction book of the same name, and the acerbic yet enthusiastic tone that comes with it courtesy of author Tom Wolfe. With the verve of a jaded modern journalist, but the American pie-shaped excitement of a baby boomer who grew up listening to John Glenn’s report from orbit, The Right Stuff depicts the space race as a kind of single-man combat between the East and West.

And the West’s champions as played by Sam Shepherd, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward, and all the rest of The Right Stuff’s cast is an all-American band of heroes (and in some cases opportunists) who are shown to happily risk life and limb so we can have bragging rights of conquering the stars first. It’s filled with bravado, derring-do, and an American strain of chutzpah that leaves you smiling ear to ear.

Stripes (1981)

To get fully away from historical biography, Ivan Reitman’s Stripes is the kind of breezy and broad comedy America could use more of these days. A self-deprecating lark at the military’s expense—but, you know, respectfully—Stripes adapts the cynicism and malaise brought on by the Vietnam War and Watergate into a buddy comedy about two slackers (Bill Murray and Harold Ramis) who join the Army for some laughs. And much to the chagrin of their severe drill sergeant (Warren Oates), giggles are had all around when Murray’s private takes over a platoon that includes American heroes like John Candy. (He’s really Canadian.)

A definite side effect of the impact SNL’s early years had on American comedy, the film starred Murray at the beginning of his movie star run opposite Ramis, who also co-wrote the script after co-writing and directing Murray in Caddyshack. They bring the same smug, shaggy, and maybe even scuzzy energy to the military that could be off-putting if they weren’t so damn funny. And when Murray leads dozens of soldiers in addressing a general with “that’s a fact, Jack!,” it’s damn funny, indeed.

Rocky IV (1985)

It might bear repeating that Rocky Balboa did not end the Cold War. But Rocky IV will make you wish he had. The most ludicrous and giggle-inducing of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky flicks, Rocky IV is also glorified Reagan era propaganda wherein the plucky American underdog goes to Moscow on Christmas Day to virtually behead a Soviet minotaur in an act of single-armed combat. So when America’s hero, our dear Rock, inevitably ends victorious over Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), complete with being wrapped in an American flag cape, it’s as if our champion has bested theirs, signaling capitalism and democracy’s permanent ascendency.

It’s all so preposterously over-the-top that to the modern eye it’s endearing. This is one of the most ‘80s movies ever, complete with three montages set to synthesized MTV bangers with music video inspired editing, plus a bonafide James Brown musical number, and a goddamn talking robot that recognized AI 40 years early as the glorified rich man’s toy it became. Let the jingoism wash over you like a warm blanket, even as you wonder how Rocky, a character once grounded in ‘70s naturalism, got to the point where he’s a Saturday morning cartoon.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

As one of the few sequels to absolutely outclass its predecessor by every conceivable measure, Top Gun: Maverick adapts one of the most patriotic and highest of high-concept ‘80s blockbusters into a film every bit as sweeping and misty-eyed as its predecessor—but now in a genuinely compelling adventure about honor, sacrifice, and duty. Easily the best “legacy sequel” we’ve had to date, Maverick sees Tom Cruise return to his most popular role in order to pass the mantle… to himself! While there is a host of great millennial talent in Maverick, including star-on-the-rise Glen Powell, this is still Cruise’s show, and the film becomes about how Maverick/Cruise can never stay grounded.

Instead Top Gun: Maverick soars through the wide blue yonder with majestic images of Navy jets going 3Gs with actual actors like Cruise, Powell, and Miles Teller in the cockpits and caught losing consciousness on IMAX lenses. Their mission is a combination of the original 1986 Top Gun and George Lucas’ first Star Wars where Cruise must lead a bunch of young guns on a seeming suicide mission where they will fly their jets through an unnamed enemy’s canyon (or trench) to make the impossible shot. The story provides a wonderful ticking clock mechanism that makes all the sunset motorcycle rides, shirtless beachside sporting events, and Jerry Lee Lewis singalongs a lot more poignant and effective. Cruise really might be the last old school movie star and he can even get all Americans on their feet for this one.

Lincoln (2012)

For those looking for a different era of trying times that try men’s souls in American history, Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln has become strangely underrated in the decade-plus since its release. It’s still recognized for featuring a titanic performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, who won an Oscar for his efforts. And Day-Lewis is indeed astonishing in a turn that surpasses the mere gimmickry of prosthetic makeup; he in fact becomes as entirely ingratiating and disarming as a folksy Indianan lawyer with the flair of a raconteur. The actor even excavated Lincoln’s reportedly high-pitched voice and laugh that was so much remarked upon in his lifetime.

But beyond a great approximation of the United States’ greatest president, Lincoln has the good grace to take Honest Abe off his marble pedestal and place him in the muck and sludge of 1860s America. Shrewdly electing to study a mere handful of weeks in the 16th president’s life, as opposed to trying to cram it all in, the movie offers insight into how Lincoln beguiled, cajoled, and, when necessary, strong-armed his way into making a more perfect Union—in this case by rushing the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which constitutionally banned slavery once and for all, before the Civil War ended. It’s a movie about political process and how sausage gets made; something that sounds dry but in the hands of a chef determined to leave a better legacy for generations to come, turns out to be a gift.

Glory (1989)

While on the subject of the Civil War, there has been no finer movie on the national tragedy than Edward Zwick’s Glory. The film takes its historical liberties too, but it also does a better job than any other Hollywood film at bluntly addressing the root cause of a war that left half a million Americans dead. A picture about the slavery of it all, the beauty of Glory is that by telling the oft-ignored (at least in white textbooks) story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, Glory hones in on a moment Lincoln Kirstein famously called “one gallant rush.”

The 54th were sent on a veritable suicide mission when they were asked to charge Fort Wagner. They indeed lost over half their numbers, and the fort was never taken during the war. But when told in its full context, the sacrifices of the first Black regiment in U.S. history is all the more remarkable given how strongly the odds were stacked against them. Making that rush transformed the Union’s perception of Black soldiers and led to the opportunity of hundreds of thousands more being recruited. The film captures this with elegance and grace, and a stirring cast that includes Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and André Braugher. It also features one of composer James Horner’s most magnificent and heartbreaking scores.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Nothing beats a classic, and Frank Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is one of the all-time classics. A story of a small-town country bumpkin (a perfect James Stewart) who is appointed to the U.S. Senate and faces the seduction of money and corruption, including in the hands of his idol and mentor (Claude Rains), the film is beloved for its stirring climax where Mr. Smith filibusters on the Senate floor until Rains’ tainted legislator admits his sins.

Interestingly, the film’s depiction of a jaded Beltway establishment and corrosive influences in our government made Mr. Smith be viewed as a gamble by the studio and as potentially dangerous by the censors. Yet the film’s wholesome insistence on the restoration of American civics and ideals is so endearing that the movie was banned in Nazi Germany and communist states as being dangerous. In reality, it’s just an affecting drama about the way government should work.

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

After watching Michael Curtiz’s toe-tapping, heart-on-its-sleeve approximation of his life, the real George M. Cohan said the movie was so swell he wished he lived a life like that! So as an obviously loose interpretation of the real Cohan’s travails, Yankee Doodle Dandy is one of the finest pieces of World War II patriotism (and some might say propaganda) ever produced in Hollywood. Yet it does accurately capture that Cohan was the song and dance man who wrote hits like “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Over There,” and any number of other patriotic ditties that became turn-of-the-century anthems, all the way into World War I.

Everything else about the movie is a fabrication, but what is real is James Cagney’s one-of-a-kind dance moves and enthusiasm at playing the antithesis of his tough guy gangster image. Embracing the hoofer moves he picked up on the Vaudeville stage decades earlier, Cagney is sprightly and irresistible as Cohan while skipping across the screen. He’ll even get you to sing along to some of the most flag-waving hits of more than a hundred years ago.

The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

On the flip side of Golden Age Hollywood’s patriotic optimism in Mr. Smith and Yankee Doodle is John Ford’s far more sober-eyed adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel, The Grapes of Wrath. Released around the same time as the two above films, and from a noted Hollywood conservative who made John Wayne an icon, The Grapes of Wrath’s unblinking honesty about the horrors of the Great Depression is all the more remarkably bold.

The film follows the Joad family, a multigenerational clan of farmers who are forced to abandon their ancestral home in dust-ridden Oklahoma in order to find a salvation that never really comes in California. It is at times bleak, and yet the film and star Henry Fonda’s dogged resilience makes for a strangely affecting and reassuring antithesis to many of the other films on this list. The Grapes of Wrath essays one of the grimmest chapters in American history and does not shy away from the generation(s) left behind. But it approaches them with warmth, empathy, and an optimism of spirit that feels wholly American and comforting to a country facing its own challenging times 90 years later.

Independence Day (1996)

Finally, we offer some good old-fashioned American escapism for those who just want to find a little of that old school ‘90s confidence and buoyancy. If so, look no further than Bill Pullman’s boisterous speech about how “we will not go quietly into the night” while facing the threat of imminent alien annihilation. “We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!”

The sequence, complete with a desperately rousing musical score by David Arnold, is calculated and some might say symptomatic of ‘90s summer blockbuster cheese. But damn if it isn’t effective—and every bit as winning as Will Smith’s star-making smile when he says, “Didn’t I promise you some fireworks?” Let the light show commence in this beer and burgers entertainment.

The post The Best Patriotic Movies to Watch this Fourth of July appeared first on Den of Geek.

In those failures, you’ll find lots of laughs, vague memories, and more than a few animals with attitudes left by the roadside. Yet, there are lessons to be learned from those swings and misses. Was the rise and fall of the mascot game a simple case of a bloated market or were larger cultural factors to blame? Were there great games and mascots that got lost along the way? Perhaps most importantly, is there any chance of the mascot movement making a serious comeback in the modern era?

Bonk (1990)

While the first Bonk game (PC Genjin/Bonk’s Adventure) was technically released in Japan in December 1989, Bonk’s ‘90s escapades show how flooded and fragile the market for mascot platformers quickly became during the decade.

After all, Bonk’s Adventure was a very good game. Developed by Factor 5 (Star Wars: Rogue Squadron), it was a more action-driven take on the increasingly popular platformer genre that benefited from genuine style and exceptional gameplay. It was comparable to the better Capcom and Konami titles at the time and went on to define the Turbografx-16: the console Bonk was meant to become a mascot for. 

In the end, that was Bonk’s biggest problem. The TurboGrafx-16 had a lot going for it, but it just never caught on in international markets. The original Bonk’s Adventure was soon ported to rival consoles, where it suddenly felt a little less special against so much direct competition. Subsequent sequels in the series (which were developed by other studios) failed to evolve the franchise in meaningful ways. Bonk shows that a good mascot game ultimately didn’t mean much if it wasn’t released on the “right” hardware and properly supported across multiple installments. He’s also a reminder that not every failed video game mascot earned that status by being in terrible games. That’s only true of most of them. 

G-Mantle (1990)

While the character G-Mantle first appeared in the 1990 game Blue’s Journey, he is…umm…best known for popping up in some of the earliest and creepiest ads for SNK’s Neo Geo hardware. The mysterious G-Mantle (who, it has been noted, bears a striking resemblance to V from V for Vendetta) soon became the mascot for the hardware itself. SNK even had various employees appear as G-Mantle at promotional events. If, for any reason, you happen to be wondering, that costume apparently smelled truly terrible.

This is a case of the cart being put well in front of the horse when it comes to video game mascots. While G-Mantle appeared in several SNK games, he was meant to be more of a console mascot rather than a video game character. That’s a lovely thought, but at a time when great games were selling more consoles, a character that only made sporadic and unmemorable appearances in games was simply not a draw, especially for one of the most expensive consoles ever made. SNK seemingly aspired to get people to ask “Who is G-Mantle?” before gamers everywhere collectively answered, “Who cares?”

Captain Commando (1991)

As we previously discussed, the Captain Commando character was featured in the marketing material for several Capcom games throughout the ‘80s (most notably, the Megan Man series). In fact, those games were officially part of the “Captain Commando Challenge Series.” Captain Commando himself was essentially positioned as a Nick Fury-like character who Capcom treated as the pillar that united their historic hot streak of incredible new releases. In 1991, Captain Commando would finally get his own video game. 

And that is where things went wrong. It’s not that Captain Commando was a bad game. It’s a 1990s Capcom arcade beat-em-up, so it’s actually pretty damn good. It’s just that after so much hype, Capcom put themselves in a classic Poochy situation. There was no way that this mass marketing conglomeration of vaguely cool concepts was going to surpass the cultural impact of Mega Man or the other Capcom characters who we were led to believe were always talking about Captain Commando whenever he wasn’t on-screen. Capcom would later incorporate Captain Commando into the Marvel vs. Capcom series as a surprisingly powerful character, but the damage was more than done. Ole Captain Try-hard is destined to be a curious historical footnote. 

Zool (1992)

While Zool wasn’t the only mascot title for the Amiga, this game from Gremlin Graphics was treated as the home computer’s biggest direct competitor to the Marios and Sonics of the world. It was…fine. The lanky Zool lacked the ninjitsu coolness that his teenage turtle counterparts benefited from, but the challenging title was entertaining in its own right and featured a few genuinely clever level design concepts. 

Unfortunately, Zool is the tragically perfect representative of the many failed attempts to give PC gaming its own platforming mascot. There were great platformers released on PC platforms during that time, but the whole cutesy mascot thing just never caught on among the PC gaming crowd in the ways developers clearly hoped it would. By the time Doom came out in 1993, games like Zool were practically fossils. It didn’t even help that Zool was sponsored by Chupa Chups: a Spanish sweets company with a logo designed by Salvador Dali. The ‘90s were weird, y’all. 

Bubsy (1993)

Bubsy (who made his video game debut in 1993’s Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind) is a strange case of a failed video game mascot. While reviews of that game were largely leaning positive, they ultimately paled in comparison to the hype machine that was the character’s marketing campaign. Bubsy was jammed down the throats of every gamer at that time to the point where some were tired of him before the game itself launched. By the time 1996’s Bubsy 3D secured its status as one of the worst games of all time, many were happy to be rid of the character. 

Yet, you could make the argument that Bubsy was something of a success. Not in terms of things like quality or sales but rather as a pure marketing tool. The fact that such a seemingly forgettable character was able to generate enough hype to make his game far more successful than it ever should have been was both a testament to the power of the mascot movement at this time and a precursor to the Taylor Swift phenomenon. 

Cool Spot (1993)

Does anything sum up a very particular era of ‘90s culture than the time that the 7-Up company greenlit a video game starring their mascot? Yes, their mascot was just a dot, but it was the coolest dot that ever was and possibly ever will be. Don’t believe me? Then why is it wearing sunglasses? I don’t know what you know about dots, but most dots just don’t do things like that. Such was the overwhelming personality of one Mr. Cool Spot. 

Against considerable odds, though, the Cool Spot game is actually pretty ok. “Good” feels like a strong word, but this game has exceeded all known low expectations over the years. Even still, its short-term success was modest and its long-term legacy is slightly better than non-existent. Worse, that title is also both representative of a time when many companies tried to push their own mascot-based video games and a bit of an anomaly in the sense that the vast majority of those titles are as unremarkable as the beige boardrooms they were conceived in. 

Aero the Acro-Bat (1993)

Despite regularly being fired out of a canon during his day job, the acrobatic Aero never really reached the heights of even some of the lesser video game mascots of the ‘90s. It wasn’t due to a lack of effort, though. Aero’s first two games were solid, as was the series’ only spin-off title, Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel.  Try as they might, though, developer Iguana Entertainment couldn’t turn out anything more substantial than “interesting.” 

Actually, the name “Iguana Entertainment” is more interesting than Aero in this instance. Aero the Acro-Bat helped Iguana break into the industry, but its failure to achieve true blockbuster status soon softly turned the developer into a sports game studio otherwise best known for its work on the N64 FPS titles Turok and South Park. Aero was never a massive hit, but it was this odd little game that both helped launch a prolific ’90s developer and somewhat sealed their fate as a largely secondary studio. Companies could live, die, or sometimes do a bit of both at the same time by virtue of their mascot creation attempts.

It’s also worth noting that 1993 was a particularly chaotic year for mascot titles. Along with the games already mentioned, you had Awesome Possum, Rocky Rodent, and more all vying for relevancy at that time. Developers spotted a small gap in the release schedule that year and decided to shoot their shots. Many weren’t great and others simply simply got caught in the stampede.

Boogerman (1994)

Boogerman is certainly the embodiment of that Nickelodeon era of the ‘90s when creators everywhere figured out you could reach kids (boys, mostly) by making things vaguely gross and edgy. It could be an effective marketing strategy in the short term, though it was often used to conceal inherently inferior products (as was the case with Boogerman and his Sega CD spiritual equivalent, Wild Woody). As Earthbound showed, that approach could even hurt the perception of a game in the short term. Mind you, it didn’t help that the Boogerman commercial was a live-action monstrosity that tested the limits of the seemingly timeless fart joke.

Gross mascots with limited shock appeal aside, Boogerman also showcases the competition that was brewing between lesser mascot characters at this time. Boogerman developer and publisher Interplay Productions probably didn’t expect him to beat Mario and Sonic, but they clearly had their eyes on the Earthworm Jim series that had achieved considerable second-tier success at that time. Ultimately, Boogerman lost, and Interplay acquired the Earthworm Jim franchise around the time it began its downward slide into total unplayability. It was a brutal time for the mascot gaming, and things were quickly becoming worse.  

Ristar (1995)

Ristar has the saddest story to tell at the gathering of failed video game mascots that I assume takes place in one of the smaller conference rooms at an off-the-freeway Best Western. 1995’s Ristar is an incredible game that showcases both the things Sega learned from Sonic the Hedgehog and their willingness to experiment far beyond their perceived comfort zone within that genre. Ristar really should be one of those secondary mascot legends that Sega continuously tried to make happen to give Sonic the supporting stable he desperately needed. 

Unfortunately, Ristar had the great misfortune of being released just for the Sega Genesis just a few months before the global release of the Sega Saturn (and after the console had debuted in Japan). On top of that, Sega was fending off increasing (and increasingly overwhelming) competition from Nintendo and Sony. Ristar was born into a world that had determined his fate long before he was given a chance to prove himself.

Polygon Man (1995)

Ahead of the PlayStation’s global debut, the company’s North American representatives started to worry the device wouldn’t appeal to Western audiences. Their solution to this largely manufactured issue was Polygon Man: a giant polygonal head designed to represent the PlayStation brand. The idea was to give the North American launch of PlayStation an “edgy” face, both in terms of Polygon Man’s constant quips about PS1 games and the competition and the literal edges of his design. 

The totality of Polygon Man’s failures cannot be overstated. Visceral reactions to the character’s E3 1995 and advertisement appearances revealed that the public not only found him fundamentally disturbing but also a poor representation of the console’s supposedly advanced graphics. Notable design flaws aside, Sony’s Ken Kutaragi suggested that no mascot should be bigger than the Sony brand. That’s a somewhat curious stance given the number of possible PS1 mascots that would emerge, though it’s an idea you can kind of see in the PlayStation brand to this day. In any case, Polygon Man was instantly scrapped and didn’t make another appearance until the release of 2012’s PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. 

Gex (1995)

If Bubsy isn’t the poster child for the failed gaming mascots of the ‘90s concept, that honor would have to go to Gex. Developer Crystal Dynamics originally intended for Gex to be the 3DO’s biggest mascot. While no mascot could have saved that console from its entirely deserved demise, it didn’t help that Gex’s nightmarish development resulted in a highly flawed platformer. When a version of that game was ported to the PlayStation, though, Gex drew at least cautious praise from those who appreciated the game’s humor, creativity, and style, and those who saw the potential for the franchise to grow into something great. 

That never really happened, though. Gex’s humor lent itself well to the magazine ads at the time (including one that famously featured Playboy model Marliece Andrada), but the games themselves continued the original’s spirit by being conceptually clever and fundamentally flawed. Yet, Gex became a kind of icon in his own right. His meta-style humor appealed both ironically and unironically to multiple generations of gamers. For as impressive as Gex’s popularity was, though, the diminishing returns of his games hurt both the long-term prospects of the character and contributed to the growing stigma towards the mascot concept.

Croc (1997)

After a run of hits that notably included Star Fox, developer Argonaut Games decided to pitch a technically and conceptually ambitious 3D Yoshi title to Nintendo. Despite initial enthusiasm on both sides, the deal fell apart. When it did, developer Argonaut decided to go their own way, sever their relationship with Nintendo, and continue working on that prototype. Of course, Yoshi would need to be replaced with a spiritually similar (but legally distinct) reptile known simply as Croc. 

The results were mixed. Croc doesn’t break the genre mold, and its borrowed ideas from other N64 platformers often exemplify the slightly derivative design of its lead character. Crucially, though, Croc was released on the PS1; a console notably devoid of N64-like 3D platformers. It stood out on that console and was reportedly one of Argonaut Games’ most financially successful projects. Yet, the relative modern obscurity of the game and the struggles to produce a proper sequel suggested that Croc may have been significantly more impactful in the long run as a Yoshi title. It was a reminder that an elite few mascots had secured their cultural status and that the window for new characters to join that pantheon was either closing or simply already closed.

Segata Sanshiro (1997)

By the end of 1998, the Sega Saturn would be discontinued in the United States and Europe. It was a complete failure for a console that was only three years old in those markets at that point. In Japan, though, the Saturn continued to perform reasonably well. In fact, it performed so well in that region that Sega launched a new, Japan-exclusive ad campaign for the Sega Saturn in 1997 starring the fictional character Segata Sanshiro. 

How to describe Segata Sanshiro? In marketing terms, he’s a combination of Chuck Norris memes and the Sneak King. He was a martial arts master who would often appear out of nowhere and beat the ever-loving life out of kids who possessed the audacity required to not be playing Sega Saturn at that moment. Later ads featuring Sanshiro became increasingly unhinged, slightly serialized, and typically showcased a specific Saturn title. They’re some of the best video game ads ever. Seriously, check them out. 

The failure in this instance is reserved for the 1998 game, Segata Sanshirō: Shinken Yūgi. What could have been a fantastic comedy action title starring the Saturn mascot was instead an almost WarioWare-like collection of generally awful minigames. It’s a minor failure in the grand scheme of the Saturn, but it was a Saturn game featuring the face of the console was far too little and far too late. Hey, I guess Segata Sanshiro really was the perfect Saturn mascot. 

Glover (1998)

Unlike so many of the mascots that preceded it, Glover didn’t try to win people over with a big attitude and bold look. Instead, Glover’s unique design was incorporated into the gameplay. Much of the Glover experience sees you guide a ball to its destination via moves that all feel accurate (relatively speaking) to a mystical glove. Bizarre? My word, yes. But despite its strange set-up and various shortcomings, there was genuine brilliance in this title. 

However, that’s also the reason why Glover feels like a sadly appropriate game to end this discussion on. Developer Interactive Studios made a genuine effort to do something more interesting with the mascot concept (specifically within the platformer genre). Yet, Glover didn’t even fail spectacularly; it came and went with little notice in its day except from some critics who seemingly reserved a lot of pent-up vitriol toward mascot platformers for this largely interesting examination of the concept. It was one thing for a mascot to fail on its own merits, but we were reaching a point where indifference or straight-up hostility toward the mascot concept were becoming increasingly common.

The early 2000s saw the influx of mascot games, some of which were certainly better than others. Yet, many of them failed and were ultimately forgotten for similar reasons. A handful of video game mascots had been grandfathered into a new generation. The rest were caught under the wheel of an industry rapidly heading towards a more “mature” era that sometimes felt like the antithetical response to the entire mascot concept. While a mascot worthy of the ‘90s will occasionally make a splash via a Kickstarter campaign or indie title, franchises have simply become a bigger draw than mascots. It’s not that a great game featuring a mascot character couldn’t make a splash but rather that the mascot-lead projects of this era increasingly feel like a relic of their time.

The post The Failed Video Game Mascots of the 1990s appeared first on Den of Geek.

Those are the Talismans we’ll be looking at today. While they are best used in combination with other Talismans and similar build elements, they are the best that the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has to offer.

Shattered Stone Talisman

This may look like a largely useless Talisman, but this one should not be overlooked if you are at all interested in pursuing a martial arts build in Shadow of the Erdtree. 

This Talisman grants a 10% damage buff to the kicks and stomps that those martial arts builds most often rely on. It’s not quite a global 10% damage buff, but it’s honestly not that far off if you happen to build your character properly. It can also be used to enhance the stomp effects that some other builds rely on, but it is practically a necessity in the Dane’s Footwork build that relies almost entirely on kicks. 

Blessed Blue Dew Talisman

Slowly restoring FP probably doesn’t sound like the most exciting effect in the world. I hear you, and I tend to agree. However, this is one of those Talismans that is kind of hard to appreciate until you actually use it.

Blessed Blue Dew Talisman won’t do much for FP-starved caster builds, but it’s a game-changer for melee players who occasionally use FP to utilize a Weapon Skill. This Talisman makes it much easier to simply let your FP bar replenish between fights rather than having to waste a valuable Flask charge and spot. It’s significantly more useful than its HP equivalent Talisman. 

Cerulean Seed Talisman +1/ Crimson Seed Talisman +1

I’m listing these two together since they’re essentially two sides of an especially valuable coin. 

Look, Shadow of the Erdtree is tough, and the DLC gives you very few ways to make things easier without having to grind for upgrades. These Talismans are one of the few outright gifts the game gives you when you’re leveling.  They increase the potency of your Flasks by a respectable amount that you certainly start to feel during those fights that leave you feeling especially thirsty. You can eventually get rid of them, but you’ll get a lot out of them before that happens. 

Beloved Stardust

Anytime a Talisman warns you that it will increase the damage you take, you should certainly proceed with caution. In the case of Beloved Stardust, having to eat the roughly 25% more damage while you have it equipped is certainly a notable drawback. 

The tradeoff is arguably worth it, though. What this Talisman really does is grant you the fastest possible cast time (minus other possible cast time benefits you can get from your flask and other items). On its own, that’s obviously quite nice. What you really need to consider, though, is that this Talisman allows you to build a long-range casting character who doesn’t have to dump so many points into Dexterity. You’ve got to be careful when using this Talisman, but it certainly has its uses. 

Two-Handed Sword Talisman

This is the best Talisman in Elden Ring in terms of pure upside vs. conceivable downsides. 

When this Talisman is equipped, you get a 15% damage boost when using a Two-Handed weapon (meaning a weapon you are actively holding with two hands rather than a weapon in each hand). That’s a massive, consequence-free damage buff for a playstyle that already enabled some of the highest raw damage in the game. It’s pretty ridiculous that this thing exists in terms of balancing. When combined with other damage-boosting items and effects, it enables otherworldly builds. 

Retaliatory Crossed-Tree

This one is also pretty nutty. Retaliatory Crossed-Tree grants you somewhere around a 15% damage buff after you execute a roll or backstep. For the vast, vast majority of melee builds, that translates to a nearly constant damage buff during boss fights (especially while leveling). 

However, that’s only one way to look at this thing. So far as I can tell, this damage buff is not dependent on actually dodging an incoming attack. So, if you simply roll or backstep before executing an attack, you get a very nice damage buff for basically nothing. This could end up being a tight fit into some endgame builds, but it definitely deserves a nod for its free damage potential. 

Two-Headed Turtle Talisman

This Talisman that increases your Stamina regeneration speed certainly doesn’t break the game. You’ll notice the difference if you equip and unequip it, but you won’t be able to trigger some kind of infinite Stamina scenario with it or negate the Stamina regeneration mechanic. 

For melee players, though, nothing adds up more in the long run than Stamina regeneration. It is the essence of pretty much everything that you’re trying to do. While proper Stamina management is an irreplaceable skill, you’d be amazed by how much this thing helps during longer fights or simply enables a more aggressive playstyle for quicker runs through areas. It won’t do much for casters, but it’s becoming increasingly essential for many melee and tank builds. 

Aged One’s Exultation

Yes, this Talisman is amazing in any Madness build you can cook up. Unfortunately, many pure Madness builds just can’t quite compete with some of the best builds out there. That should make this Talisman litter more than a nice idea.

Crucially, though, this Talisman’s 30-second damage buff triggers if you cast Madness on yourself. Given that Howl of Shabriri is one of the best damage buff spells in the game and happens to also trigger the Madness effect, this Talisman instantly supports some of the most powerful builds in the game. This Talisman is also key to a lot of status effect builds which find cheap ways to generate those ailments to massively boost their overall damage. 

Crusade Insignia

Obviously, this Talisman doesn’t do much during most boss fights, which does hurt its overall value somewhat. Swapping out this Talisman during those fights is more than worth it when you consider the benefits it offers during every other situation. 

In the various enemy-dense dungeons and open-world areas you’ll find in Shadow of the Erdtree, this Talisman essentially grants you a permanent damage buff for doing what you were doing anyway: killing those enemies. Even better, you can acquire this Talisman very early into the DLC, which makes it that much easier to farm enemies and explore enemy-dense areas. 

The post The Best Elden Ring DLC Talismans In Shadow of the Erdtree Are Unlocking Powerful New Strategies appeared first on Den of Geek.

There are just two episodes left of The Acolyte, and while some are still reeling from the major reveal that Manny Jacinto’s Qimir is the masked Sith Stranger who’s been puppeteering Mae (Amandla Stenberg), there are still questions about his identity. It’s clear there’s more to the story of “Smylo Ren” to be told, and during “Teach/Corrupt” we got our biggest tease yet as to his true Sith name.

Because of his place in the Star Wars timeline, hardcore fans have gone back to the lore and come up with plenty of theories as to who Qimir/The Stranger truly is. Now non-canon Legends continuity, in particular, offers three possibilities in particular: Darth Tenebrous, the Sith Lord who trained Plagueis the Wise; Darth Venemis, Tenebrous’ secret second apprentice that he was training at the same time as Plagueis, breaking the Sith Rule of Two; and Plagueis himself.

Again, most of this lore is no longer canon and is subject to change now, but The Acolyte hasn’t been shy about bringing in other elements of Legends continuity into the story—such as the Stranger’s handy cortosis. It’s quite possible Qimir could be any of these three Sith Lords in the flesh, but after episode six, there’s now one particularly strong contender.

Qimir Is Actually Darth Plagueis

The location of Qimir’s island lair has strengthened the theory that he’s actually the legendary Darth Plagueis. The episode simply lists this as “Unknown Planet,” and some thought the latest outing opened on the familiar location of Ahch-To from the Sequel Trilogy, thanks to its oceanic and rocky backdrop. But others were quick to note that it looks like it’s actually a much more obscure planet called Bal’demnic, which ties back to Darth Plagueis in Legends.

First appearing briefly in a season 3 episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Bal’demnic was later fleshed out in James Luceno’s Darth Plagueis Legends novel from 2012. As well as being rich in the lightsaber-proof material cortosis, which we know Qimir’s helmet is made of, Bal’demnic is the planet where Plagueis eventually killed his own master, Darth Tenebrous, in 67 BBY. The Acolyte’s timeline is still a way off this point, since it takes place in 132 BBY, but it doesn’t count Plagueis out. Qimir’s desire for an acolyte, which ranks lower than an apprentice in Sith hierarchy, could tie into his ultimate plan to slay Tenebrous and have his own apprentice in place when the time comes. And since most of the above isn’t canon, The Acolyte could simply change a few dates to make the new lore work.

Either way, we wouldn’t be surprised if the show is saving Qimir’s Sith name reveal until the finale for dramatic effect. With Darth Plagueis fully established in canon in season one, a prospective second season could hit the ground running on the machinations that will eventually lead to the rise of Palpatine and the fall of the Republic.

Has Qimir Already Been at the Wrong End of Master Vernestra’s Lightwhip?

“Teach/Corrupt” also added another layer of mystery of Qimir’s backstory, as it’s strongly suggested that he’s an outcast from the Jedi Temple. When Osha says Qimir talks like he’s a Jedi, the latter responds, “I was. a long time ago.” Fans have theorized that the scars on Qimir’s back were caused by Vernestra Rwoh’s (Rebecca Henderson) purple lightwhip. It’s no coincidence the Jedi Master’s signature weapon was also introduced in this episode. Qimir tells Mae that he was stabbed in the back by “someone who threw me away,” suggesting that Vernestra was once his master, sensed his dark side potential, and chose to kill him like Luke initially did with Ben Solo. It would explain why Kylo Ren’s theme from the movies could briefly be heard during Qimir’s final scene in episode five.

The wildest theories suggest we’re in for an altogether more shocking twist where Vernestra or Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) are revealed as Qimir’s master. It seems far-fetched, considering the pair are clearly still practicing Jedi, which seemingly goes against the rule of two Sith, no more, no less. Instead, Vernestra may be trying to cover up Qimir’s past and Sol’s role in the Brendok massacre. It’s this classic Jedi hubris which leads to Yoda covering the Sith in Episode I and the Jedi Order’s crumbling in Episode III. 

As for The Acolyte, it’s assumed now that Osha will fall to the dark side and become Qimir’s true pupil, especially after he put on his cortosis helmet. If the theories are true, then what happens next may eventually lead to Palpatine and the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise.

Star Wars: The Acolyte is streaming now on Disney+.

The post The Acolyte Episode 6 Just Dropped a Huge Clue That the Sith Lord Is Darth Plagueis appeared first on Den of Geek.

Den of Geek is thrilled to announce our next special charity auction on eBay Live, and it’s our biggest one yet! Taking place on July 3 at 6:00 p.m. ET, just in time for Independence Day, this exciting collectibles auction aims to support Feeding America, a leading organization dedicated to combating hunger across the United States. In other words, this is your best opportunity yet to snag a desired collectible while supporting a great cause!

The live auction will feature an array of coveted items sure to delight fans and collectors alike. Highlighted offerings include ultra-rare CGC graded comics and cards, as well as a collection of books exploring the history of comics. For Webtoon enthusiasts, exclusive apparel and accessories will be available, showcasing your favorite series in style. Film and TV aficionados won’t want to miss the limited edition Funko Pop! vinyl collectibles, and we even have a vintage Star Wars action figure in the mix!

Just like an early July 3rd fireworks display, this auction features a number of unexpected items as well. Along with our comics and collectibles seen in our earlier auctions, we also have a special behind-the-scenes Oppenheimer book, a Star Wars-themed purse, and a vinyl record of the soundtrack from Daisy Jones and the Six, and those are just few of the eclectic items up for grabs this time around!

Best of all, by participating in Den of Geek’s live charity auction, you can help Feeding America provide essential support to children facing hunger, especially during the vulnerable summer months when school meals aren’t available to sustain food insecure families. Mark your calendars for July 3 at 6:00 p.m. ET, and join us on eBay Live to bid on these fantastic items while making a meaningful impact. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.

The post Den of Geek’s Biggest Charity Auction Yet on eBay Live: Featuring Funko, CGC, Webtoon Collectibles appeared first on Den of Geek.

In an interview with Den of Geek at Summer Game Fest 2024, Throne and Liberty globalization design manager Daniel Lafuente and head of third-party publishing Merv Lee Kwai talked to us about bringing the game worldwide, explained some of the unique mechanics to the MMO, and teased what players can expect ahead of Throne and Liberty’s release date.

Making a Seamless Fantasy Realm

Booting up Throne and Liberty, one is immediately struck at not only how detailed the fantasy world is but that players can explore the realm without any load screens, even while entering new regions and areas. This impressive technical presentation exists across all three major platforms Throne and Liberty will be available on at launch. For Kwai, getting Throne and Liberty to this point meant incorporating feedback both from the South Korean wide launch and numerous rounds of extensive testing while sticking to the creative team’s own design convictions.

“The world, the animations, the visual effects, there are a lot of components there that add depth and immersion,” Kwai says. “As a live service game that will continue on for many years, it’s very important that we prioritize the right content that addresses the problems of the day and that we have a development cycle that is supportive of that.”

Lafuente shares that the underlying goal for Throne and Liberty was always to eventually bring the game to a global audience, something planned ever since Amazon Games partnered with NCSoft. The combination of feedback from the initial launch and testing has already been implemented into the South Korean version of the game.

“What you’re going to see is not a bunch of changes for a Korean version of the game and a separate version for a global version of the game. We’re really working together for a global audience for a global target. That’s been at the forefront of what we’re doing,” Lafuente says. “It’s really been this great back-and-forth cycle of getting global feedback, being able to really put it live with players. It’s really been well-received in Korea as well, so we have this great synergy.”

A Realm at War

Drawing from their past work on popular MMOs, NCSoft built Throne and Liberty to support epic battles full of players active in the world at the same time. This includes castle sieges involving armies of thousands while hundreds of other players may be active and either battling or exploring other parts of the overworld. Lafuente sees this as the culmination of NCSoft’s growing portfolio of MMOs realized on an impressively ambitious gameplay canvas while leaning into the deep social foundations of the game and genre.

“This is an evolution of NC’s previous titles where they did a lot of massive-scale work and they’ve really taken it even to another level here. Castle sieges are the type of massive-scale combat that you can expect in Throne and Liberty,” Lafuente says. “A lot of MMO lovers are going to enjoy this kind of deep guild system that there is in the game. Of course, there are still some activities in the game that you can do solo and enjoy the game solo, if you prefer. But I think the experience is only going to be enhanced if you’re playing with friends.”

As players figure out their combat style, Throne and Liberty eschews the MMO-standard class system for something far more flexible, instead focusing on progression through weapon types. Not only does this change allow players to experiment and find the play styles that suit them best, but it’s part of the extensive customization options that Throne and Liberty provides, which also includes gear and individual skills.

“We have a dual-weapon system and those weapons determine which types of skills that you have available to you. That’s the first part of customization that you’re going to choose, one of your main choices, but it also gives you flexibility between all these different play styles,” Lafuente notes. “It goes beyond that, with all of the gear, how you adapt your skills. Your weapon mastery is something in the game that players are going to enjoy. Each one of these choices takes you down a potentially different play style and you can adapt those play styles for different situations.”

Taking on the World Itself

Beyond moving away from a more rigid class system, Throne and Liberty replaces the concept of mounts with a morph mechanic. This feature allows players to instantly transform into flying or swimming creatures and access areas they wouldn’t normally be able to in their human forms. This seamless transition between different forms speaks to the underlying ethos of the game, providing smooth and quick gameplay without having to wait on loading screens or other time-consuming constraints hindering exploration and combat.

“Morphs give you the ability to transform into the animal yourself. It also went in line with one of our key principles, [which] is this seamless feeling in the world,” Lafuente explains before pointing out there aren’t any load screens in open world navigation. “Morphs are just a continuation of that. The moment you press the morph button, you’re instantly transformed.”

Though Throne and Liberty was built primarily with its PvP elements and gameplay in mind to accommodate the massive-scale battles, it does feature robust and growing PvE elements. This includes extensive dungeon-crawling, which draws from all the major gameplay features to provide intricate adventures and boss battles. Lafuente sees this as a significant growth and refinement area for Throne and Liberty.

“The instance dungeons that you’ve mentioned, in particular, have been getting called out in our most recent play tests as a really great experience for players. I think that’s because there are a lot of unique factors that can come in those dungeons for Throne and Liberty,” Lafuente says. “In the open world for Throne and Liberty, there are lots of environmental changes and those same types of mechanics are built into these dungeons. I think the fact that we can incorporate a lot of the key systems into these dungeons that are built out are going to be what keeps improving that PVE experience and making sure there’s something for everybody to enjoy.”

Throne and Liberty will be released worldwide Sept. 17 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Open beta testing will take place from July 18-23.

The post Throne and Liberty Is NCSoft’s Most Ambitious MMO Yet appeared first on Den of Geek.