This past month marked the 20th anniversary of PAX West, the original gaming convention that has become a vital hub for game developers of all sizes. What started as a small event in Bellevue has grown into one of the most influential gaming expos in the world. PAX West, also known as the “Original Recipe” of the PAX family, continues to bring together gamers, developers, and creators to celebrate the love of gaming, creativity, and community.

What is PAX West?

PAX West is the event that started it all. First held in 2004, PAX West paved the way for other PAX events across the globe. Although the expo originally took place in Bellevue, Washington, it quickly grew and moved to Seattle, where it has remained ever since. Over the years, PAX West has stayed true to its mission: providing an inclusive platform for game developers of all sizes to showcase their games, interact with fans, and discuss the future of gaming.

This year’s PAX West was no exception, offering everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. It was a true celebration of creativity, innovation, and community in the gaming industry.

Game Highlights from the Expo

At this year’s PAX West, several standout games caught the attention of attendees. Here are a few notable titles to keep on your radar:

Kriegsfront Tactics

• Developer: Toge Productions
• Platform: PC
• What is it?
  Kriegsfront Tactics is a turn-based mecha tactics RPG set in an alternate 1970s during a conflict in Southeast Asia. Players take command of a mecha squad and complete missions behind enemy lines. With procedurally generated content, this game offers a fresh experience each time you play.
• Why Play It?
  If you’re a fan of tactical combat and mecha-themed games, like me then Kriegsfront Tactics delivers an intense and strategic experience that you will not want to ignore! I had a chance to play some of this game at PAX West. It was hard not to see the special sauce it had! The blending of tactics with fictionalized historical conflicts and mechs all into one package was gripping.

Inpulse

• Developer: Shelljump
• Platform: Steam
• What is it?
  Inpulse is a hand-drawn, 2D platformer where music becomes your mode of movement. Players must “audiate” their way through the environment, catching sounds to propel themselves forward. The game blends platforming with music, creating a unique and rhythm-based challenge.
• Why Play It?
  With its artistic design and kaizo-style difficulty, Inpulse is perfect for players who love a blend of music and challenging gameplay. My experience with the game and interviewing the developer, Nate “Shelljump” showed me how much of a celebration this game is of the kaizo-style precision platformers.

Symphonia

• Developer: Sunny Peak
• Platform: Steam
• What is it?
  In Symphonia, players enter a poetic, non-violent musical realm. Using the power of a violin, they must bring an orchestra together to restore the world’s musical machinery. The game’s artistic, serene atmosphere is designed to immerse players in a soothing experience.
• Why Play It?
  The combination of platforming and music makes Symphonia a delightful and meditative gaming experience. The time I spent with the game was a delight. The way the environments and the gameplay captures the musical themes in very creative ways. I cannot wait to see more of what this game has to offer!

Echoes of Mystralia

• Developer: Borealys Games
• Platform: Steam
• What is it?
  Echoes of Mystralia is an action-RPG roguelite that follows in the footsteps of Mages of Mystralia by expanding the original’s spellcrafting system. Players must use a variety of spells to save the world of Mystralia from a dark threat.
• Why Play It?
  With its award-winning spellcrafting system and roguelite mechanics, Echoes of Mystralia promises endless gameplay possibilities. A small taste of the spellcrafting system showed me the multitude of approaches to combat and spell slinging that makes each playthrough and each player’s experience uniquely their own.

Pacific Drive

• Developer: Ironwood Studios
• Platforms: Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
• What is it?
  Pacific Drive is a driving survival adventure set in the supernatural Olympic Exclusion Zone. Players must scavenge resources, load up their station wagon, and drive through dangerous territory to survive.
• Why Play It?
  This game’s mix of survival horror and driving mechanics offers a fresh and thrilling experience for adventure fans. Pacific Drive envelopes you in it’s eerie lands. The survival style gameplay has been something I have enjoyed in my experiences with the game. Something fans should not let slide by them!

Rogue Waters

• Developer: Ice Code Games
• Platform: Steam
• What is it?
  Rogue Waters is a pirate-themed tactical rogue-lite where players command a ship and crew through procedurally generated encounters. The game features naval and melee combat, sea creatures, and upgradable crew members, all wrapped in a quest for revenge.
• Why Play It?
  Fans of tactical combat and rogue-lite games will find plenty to enjoy in this pirate adventure. If you cannot tell, I love tactical combat games. What I was drawn to with Rogue Waters is the way they implement tactical combat into the pirate/sailing setting. Falling overboard can ACTUALLY occur in a skirmish!

Tears of Metal

• Developer: Paper Cult
• Platform: Steam
• What is it?
  Tears of Metal is a medieval hack-and-slash co-op roguelike where players must battle hordes of enemies alongside their Scottish battalion. As players progress, they uncover more about a mysterious enemy invasion and a deadly Dragon Meteor!
• Why Play It?
  With its cooperative multiplayer and hack-and-slash mechanics, Tears of Metal is a perfect pick for fans of action-packed, rogue-like experiences. The medieval setting and chaotic nature of the hack-and-slash hasn’t felt this good in a game since the launch of For Honor in 2016.

The Importance of PAX West for Indie Developers

PAX West is more than just a showcase for gaming; it’s a critical opportunity for indie developers to shine on the world stage. Many of the standout titles at this year’s event came from small, independent studios that are pushing the boundaries of creativity and gameplay. Events like PAX West provide these developers with the exposure they need to attract players, investors, and publishers.

Indie games often have the freedom to experiment with new ideas, mechanics, and art styles that larger studios may shy away from. This year’s PAX West once again demonstrated the innovative spirit of the indie scene, giving a voice to developers who might not otherwise have a platform to showcase their work.

Final Thoughts

PAX West 2024 was a resounding success, offering a diverse array of games that appealed to all kinds of players. From tactical mecha combat to musical platformers, the expo highlighted the creativity and innovation thriving in today’s gaming industry. With its commitment to providing a platform for game developers of all sizes, PAX West continues to be an essential event for the gaming community.

Whether you’re a fan of indie titles or AAA blockbusters, PAX West delivers an experience that celebrates the best of gaming. The games highlighted here are just a small sample of the incredible work being showcased. If you missed the expo, make sure to keep an eye out for these standout titles—they’re sure to make waves in the gaming world!

Which games are you most excited to try from PAX West 2024? Did any of these games stand out to you? Let us know your thoughts!

Be sure to join our Discord for discussions about video games, conventions, and other exciting things going on at Temple of Geek!