Phil Iwaniuk

Phil Iwaniuk

Contributor

Ad creative by day, wandering mystic of 90s gaming folklore by moonlight, freelance contributor Phil started writing about games during the late Byzantine Empire era. Since then he’s picked up bylines for The Guardian, Rolling Stone, IGN, USA Today, Eurogamer, PC Gamer, VG247, Edge, Gazetta Dello Sport, Computerbild, Rock Paper Shotgun, Official PlayStation Magazine, Official Xbox Magaine, CVG, Games Master, TrustedReviews, Green Man Gaming, and a few others but he doesn’t want to bore you with too many. Won a GMA once. 

Articles by: Phil Iwaniuk

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless.

I’ve been testing gaming headsets for 14 years, and after 27 hours with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, I can tell it’s the real deal

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Recommended

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is a multi-platform wireless gaming headset with rapid charging, dual-wireless connectivity and a mobile app full of presets.

A promotional shot of a race in MotoGP 25.

I’ve spent 30 hours and four seasons with MotoGP 25 and, as a franchise veteran, I’m still hooked

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Two-wheeled racing specialist Milestone returns with another licensed MotoGP release for its long-running series, and coaxes in a broader audience with new arcade physics.

Hori HOTAS

I put in some serious flight time with Hori's HOTAS Flight Stick Control System and enjoyed the surplus of inputs, but I'm stuck on its pricing

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Hori's HOTAS flight stick is serviceable at a glance but ultimately comes up short with its eye-watering price tag.

Thrustmaster T598

I've spent days testing the Thrustmaster T598 force feedback wheel and it's the best entry point into direct drive wheels

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Recommended

The Thrustmaster T598 is simply the best entry point into direct drive wheels.

The Hori Racing Wheel Apex set up at a clean white desk.

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex review: a racing peripheral with impressive wireless tech, but not much else

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Although far from perfect, the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex could be a good pick for younger gamers.

An aircraft approaching a tornado in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 review: a luxurious vision of flight sims, let down by some budget airline execution

By Phil Iwaniuk published

A frustrating example of tech failing to match ambition

Rode PodMic USB

Rode PodMic USB microphone review: jack of all connections, but not quite masterful

By Phil Iwaniuk published

A revamped and pricier version of the stellar PodMic which now includes USB connectivity - for a much higher price.

Thrustmaster T-GT II

Thrustmaster T-GT II force feedback wheel review: as good as belt-driven force feedback gets

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Recommended

The Thrustmaster T-GT II offers superb force feedback and is a perfect companion for Gran Turismo 7 and other sim racers.

The Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone on a mic stand in front of a monitor

Audio-Technica AT2040USB microphone review: Budget-friendly and studio-quality

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Recommended

An affordable dynamic vocal mic that’s equally at home in a streaming or podcasting/VO recording setting

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 on a wooden surface next to a laptop

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 review: all about value

By Phil Iwaniuk published

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 wireless headset doesn’t sacrifice features to hit a low price point.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console gaming headset on a wooden surface

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Console review: razes the bar

By Phil Iwaniuk published

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for console retains all that makes the latest iteration of the headset excellent and a boost in connectivity means it can be enjoyed across nearly all platforms.

The Turtle Beach VelocityOne flightstick resting on a light surface

Turtle Beach VelocityOne flightstick review - a compact, feature-packed flight sim controller, for less

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Review The Turtle Beach VelocityOne flightstick offers a bunch of features and new design ideas, and is a stellar mid-range option.

A character holding a torch in a cave

Best RTX games – enjoy ray-tracing at its fullest in these gorgeous titles

By Cat Bussell last updated

Updated The best RTX games will have you admiring everything from gorgeous skylines to immaculately polished floors.

Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion

Baldur's Gate 3 vs. Baldur's Gate 2 - is Larian Studio’s instant classic anything like the classic BioWare RPG?

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Baldur's Gate 3 has been incredibly popular since its launch, but how does it compare to its predecessor?

Kratos and son in a boat

How game marketers actually get you

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Ads surround our everyday life with consumable media, but what advertising methods do we often overlook?

Red and blue sports cars clash mid-race

This AI improvement changes everything in Forza Motorsport

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Dynamic AI drivers are more than just a new feature for Forza Motorsport - they completely change the game.

An orange sports car drifts

The Crew Motorfest can be a Forza Horizon beater - here's why

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Nobody can out-polish Playground Games' Forza Horizon series, but Ubisoft has a secret weapon in The Crew Motorfest: good co-op.

Starfield key art

Starfield mods - lessons Bethesda must learn from Skyrim's modding scene

By Phil Iwaniuk published

There are several things Bethesda should learn from Skyrim when it comes to Starfield modding.

Armed shooting enemies in a blue room in Daikatana

John Romero’s right - the world is finally ready for a Daikatana remake in 2023

By Phil Iwaniuk published

There may be potential for a Daikatana remake, according to John Romero's autobiography.

Marketing shot for EA Sports FC 24

Will EA Sports FC 24 finally make the changes FIFA was crying out for?

By Phil Iwaniuk published

EA Sports FC 24 is the new name for FIFA football games - but what else will change, and will it cater to what fans have been craving for years.

image of a football

Why people are still playing Championship Manager: Season 01/02 two decades later

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Sports Interactive makes a new Football Manager every year, but to a sizeable community they’re all irrelevant

FIFA 23

EA FIFA games on PC are embarrassing - here's what needs to change in the future

By Phil Iwaniuk published

A late winner isn’t out of the question for EA with FIFA games on PC, even after years of mismanagement.

The cover of Resident Evil 2 Remake showing Leon and Claire

Resident Evil 4 looks strong, but Capcom’s own Resident Evil 2 Remake will never be bettered

By Phil Iwaniuk published

Production quality and expectations for remakes keep rising – but one game will always remain imperious

PUBG - Deston map promotional image

Six years of PUBG – celebrating Erangel, the most important map of the decade

By Phil Iwaniuk published

PlayerUnknown’s fictional isle has become an industry-changing hangout space for us all.

Keyart

Counter-Strike 2 vs. Overwatch 2 - the dos and don’ts of making an online multiplayer sequel

By Phil Iwaniuk published

The main learning? Good business sense and good creative ideas are totally at odds with each other.

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