Level Up Your Game Knowledge
Pixel-perfect guides, CRT-accurate reviews and frame-by-frame speedrun breakdowns — written by obsessive players from our Fitzroy editorial desk in Melbourne.
- Monthly readers
- 500k
- Guides published
- 1,200+
- On the grid
- 9 yrs
Monthly readers
Guides published
On the grid
1P StartFrom Fitzroy Bedroom to National Grid
GamingMasterJournal.blog started as a single stapled zine handed out at a Rose Street arcade meet-up. Nine years later we are still writing every guide by hand, playing every game to the credits, and never phoning in a review.
- 12016
Insert Coin
Founded above a laneway cafe in Fitzroy VIC as a photocopied strategy zine for the local Street Fighter scene.
- 22018
100th Guide
Published our hundredth deep-dive walkthrough and moved fully online, drawing readers from every state in Australia.
- 32021
Members Join
Launched the membership program, adding 1-on-1 speedrun coaching and a private frame-data archive for subscribers.
- 42024
High Score
Crossed 500,000 monthly readers and hosted our first sold-out retro tournament at the Fitzroy Town Hall.
Before & After the Guide
Slide through real reader submissions — messy first attempts on the left, clean runs on the right after following our walkthroughs. Hover or tap a panel to reveal the after shot.
BeforeBlurry emulator → CRT-accurate scanline preset
BeforeDeath Valley boss wipe → no-hit clear
What You Get on the Journal
Tap a slot to expand. Everything below is written and tested in-house — no AI filler, no rushed cash grabs, just real coverage from players who finish the game.
Every guide is a full playthrough with annotated screenshots, safe strats, and the risky optimal route side-by-side. We update each guide within 48 hours of a patch so your tactics never go stale.
A fresh review drops every Thursday at 9am AEST, scored on a transparent 100-point rubric. We test on original hardware where possible and note the best emulator settings for a faithful, CRT-accurate look.
Book a 60-minute session with a category record-holder for AUD $85. We break down your splits frame-by-frame, rebuild your movement tech, and hand you a personalised practice routine.
Members get first access to our monthly bracket nights, both online and in-person around inner-Melbourne. Entry is free for Grandmaster subscribers and includes a seeded ranking on our national ladder.
What the Community Says
Real messages from subscribers across Australia — first attempts turned into personal bests.
“The frame-data archive shaved eleven seconds off my any% run. I went from mid-pack to a top-20 leaderboard spot in a fortnight.”
Marcus T.
Brunswick, VIC · March 2024
“My coaching session was worth every dollar. My coach spotted a movement habit I never noticed and my clear rate doubled the same night.”
Priya S.
Newtown, NSW · January 2024
“Finally a review site that tests on real hardware. Their CRT settings guide made my old JRPG collection look exactly like 1998 again.”
Daniel K.
West End, QLD · November 2023
“I flew down from Perth for the Fitzroy Town Hall tournament. Perfectly run, welcoming crowd, and I actually placed. Already booked next year.”
Ellie M.
Fremantle, WA · September 2024
Membership Tiers
Cancel any time. Yearly plans save you two months. All prices in Australian dollars, GST included.
Casual
For weekend players dipping back in.
- Full guide library (ad-supported)
- Weekly review digest
- Community forum access
- Monthly newsletter
Pro Player
For the dedicated backlog crusher.
- Everything in Casual, ad-free
- Private frame-data archive
- Early access to new guides
- Priority forum flair & support
Grandmaster
For the leaderboard chaser.
- Everything in Pro Player
- One coaching session each month
- Free tournament entry & seeding
- Members-only Discord voice rooms
Drop Us a Line
Pitch a guide, book coaching, or just tell us your favourite boss fight. The editorial desk reads every message and replies within one business day.
Phone
+61 3 9042 8007
Email
[email protected]
Studio
114 Rose Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Desk Hours
Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 AEST · Sat 12:00–16:00
Find the Desk
114 Rose Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065