PAX West 2024 returned to Seattle, transforming the Emerald City into a vibrant hub for gamers, developers, and cosplayers. Amidst the excitement, Digital Trends embarked on a mission to uncover the most captivating upcoming games that deserve a spot on your radar. From the biggest franchises to hidden gems, we explored the show floor, discovering titles that promise exhilarating gameplay and captivating stories.
Pizza Bandit:
Get ready for a wild ride with Pizza Bandit, a game that blends the chaotic fun of Overcooked with the intense action of Gears of War. Imagine juggling ingredients, baking pizzas, and launching them all while fending off hordes of mutant-like creatures. The demo delivered a thrilling experience, leaving players on the edge of their seats as they balanced culinary chaos with fierce combat. Pizza Bandit supports up to four-player co-op, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience for friends and families alike.Unknown 9: Awakening:
This superpowered adventure takes players on a journey through real-world-inspired locales, from India to Portugal. You step into the shoes of Haroona, a heroine who draws her abilities from a mysterious dimension called the Fold. Mastering her powers – from taking control of others’ bodies to turning invisible – will be crucial for navigating the game’s intricate puzzles and engaging in stealthy combat. With a blend of action, stealth, and puzzle-solving, Unknown 9: Awakening promises a unique and captivating experience.Monster Hunter Wilds:
The buzz surrounding Monster Hunter Wilds at PAX West was palpable. Players flocked to the demo, eager to experience the thrilling hunts. The game retains the core gameplay of Monster Hunter: World, but introduces exciting new elements. Riding the Seikret, a swift mount, adds a dynamic element to the hunts, allowing for high-speed chases and exciting attacks. The environments feel more alive and immersive than ever, with stunning visuals and a sense of danger that keeps you on your toes. From a massive sinkhole swallowing the Doshaguma to an electrifying battle against a lightning-wielding monster, Monster Hunter Wilds delivers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.Life is Strange: Double Exposure:
Max Caufield, the beloved protagonist of the Life is Strange series, returns in an all-new adventure. This time, she’s using her Rewind powers to solve a murder mystery, navigating between parallel universes to piece together clues. Double Exposure boasts captivating character writing, detailed settings, and engaging puzzles. The demo showcased Max’s grief and determination as she navigated a tense and emotional story, leaving players eager to uncover the truth.Chain Staff:
Get ready for a bloody and stylish run-and-gun adventure with Chain Staff from Mommy’s Best Games. Inspired by the iconic Contra series and the vibrant aesthetics of 1960s sci-fi, Chain Staff offers a visually stunning and exhilarating experience. The titular Chain Staff, a versatile weapon that can be thrown, whipped, or planted as a platform/shield, adds a unique dimension to the combat. From battling alien scorpions and lizards to facing a massive skull boss, Chain Staff promises a challenging and rewarding experience.Infinity Nikki:
Infinity Nikki, the latest installment in Infold Games’ Nikki series, reimagines the open-world RPG with a creative twist. This game seamlessly blends dress-up gameplay with exploration and collection. Nikki’s outfits aren’t just for show – they grant unique buffs and abilities, allowing for strategic customization and gameplay. While combat exists, the focus is on exploration, collecting resources, and crafting outfits, creating a unique and engaging experience.The Knightling:
Standing out in the crowded indie action-adventure space can be a challenge, but The Knightling from Twirlbound manages to do just that. This charming game combines cartoonish whimsy with a massive open world, offering a delightful and engaging experience. Players take on the role of a diminutive squire, a small knight in training, left to save the realm after Sir Lionstone goes missing. The Knightling’s journey is full of humor, adventure, and satisfying combat, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven:
This remake of the 1993 classic RPG boasts stunning 3D graphics, voice acting, and quality-of-life improvements. The game’s turn-based combat, with its signature Glimmer mechanic and the Inheritance System, offers a rewarding and strategic experience. Players can choose from a variety of teammates, each with unique skills and abilities, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.Little Nightmares 3:
The latest installment in the Little Nightmares series introduces co-op gameplay for the first time. Players team up to navigate a terrifying candy factory, avoiding giant creatures and solving puzzles. The tension of working together to survive and the unique abilities of each character create a thrilling and memorable experience.Other Highlights:
PAX West 2024 also showcased a collection of other promising games, including Slime Heroes, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, Honeycomb: The World Beyond, and Undisputed. These titles offer diverse experiences, from cutesy Soulslike action to sci-fi survival crafting and competitive sports.PAX West 2024 provided a glimpse into the future of gaming, showcasing a diverse range of titles that promise to captivate and enthrall players. From the chaotic fun of Pizza Bandit to the intricate puzzles of Life is Strange: Double Exposure, these games offer something for every gamer, ensuring an exciting year ahead in the world of gaming.
