Exciting Game Releases at PAX East
LUCID
Sometimes, even during a show as great as this year’s PAX East, there’s one game that seems to suck up all the oxygen in the room, the kind of game that’s so good that it’s on everyone’s list when they’re discussing the best games of the show. This year, that was LUCID, a 2D action platformer that pulls together pieces of Celeste, Metroid, Castlevania, and Mega Man X.
The first thing you’ll notice is how it looks: LUCID’s artwork is absolutely stunning, from the way it uses depth of field in the background and foreground to the way the smallest details of the game world guide your eye to the thing you need to see next. The soundtrack is equally wonderful, managing to convey mood and tone while perfectly matching the action on-screen. And then there’s the feel of all of it, nailing dashes into jumps into air dashes into sword slashes that reset your other actions.
If I had to sum up LUCID in two words, they would be “thoughtful” and “deliberate.” Everything feels intentional, and everything connects to everything else. LUCID seems on path to do that, and that’s no mean feat. This was my game of the show at PAX East, and I cannot wait until I can play it again.
Heading Out
Every now and then, you run into a game that is so thoroughly Your JamTM that it seems like it was made just for you. For me, that’s Heading Out, a narrative driving game inspired by the cult classic road movies of yesteryear.
Heading Out is a great-feeling racer, an interesting narrative with a ton of branching paths, a roguelite where you never know what’s around the corner, and all Americana. Everything from the black-and-white visuals to the soundtrack and radio broadcasts just felt right, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel for the next run and put the pedal down. Never stop running, Jackalope.
Dragon is Dead
Dragon is Dead is a roguelike action-platformer that feels like a combination of Castlevania and Diablo. It is a gorgeous, brutal action game where death is always around the corner and combat feels so good you’re looking it in the face and daring it to bring it on.
Dragon is Dead’s combat is stellar, but what’s even cooler is how progression works. You retain your gear and runes when you die, so death is more of an inconvenience than a progress-stopper. Live, kill monsters, get loot, die, and repeat on your way to kill the last dragon and leader of the Dark Dragons. And with its cool lore and awesome music, Dragon is Dead is a complete package.
Ra Ra Boom
Ra Ra Boom is an arcade-style game that follows a group of ninja cheerleaders from space as they fight for humanity on Earth.
The premise might sound a little ridiculous, but Ra Ra Boom’s charming and funny crew, stylish artwork, and cool gameplay make it a knockout. Every character feels different and has unique abilities, and the dynamic lane system adds an interesting twist to the gameplay. With upgradeable tech trees and exciting boss fights, Ra Ra Boom is a game that is loved by many.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a top-down adventure game inspired by the Game Boy Advance games. It offers fast-paced gameplay, satisfying combat, and inventive gameplay mechanics.
You can bounce your yoyo off of corners to solve puzzles, ride it across water, use it to snag items, and more. The game’s charming art style, up-tempo music, and unique gameplay make it a fantastic experience that captures the essence of classic games.
Slime Heroes
Slime Heroes is a game that combines elements of beat ’em up and platformer genres. It follows a magical forest that is overrun by a strange corruption, and it’s up to your little slime hero to save the world.
The game’s combat is fast-paced, crunchy, and fluid, and the ability to customize your character’s magic spells adds a unique twist to the gameplay. With a charming art style and a great soundtrack, Slime Heroes is a game that is loved by both players and critics.
Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days
Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days is a polished side-scrolling game set in a zombie apocalypse. It offers a thrilling and challenging experience where you must scavenge for supplies and save other survivors.
The game’s immersive gameplay, intense combat, and gripping storyline make it a standout among zombie games. With its impressive graphics and engaging gameplay mechanics, Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Deathbound
Deathbound is a visually stunning game with weighty and satisfying combat mechanics. The game’s party system adds depth to the gameplay, allowing you to switch between characters and utilize their unique abilities.
With its intriguing world and story, hand-drawn cutscenes, and innovative party mechanics, Deathbound offers a unique take on the genre. The game has the potential to become a standout title in the gaming community.
Heartworm
Heartworm is a fusion of horror games such as Silent Hill, Dino Crisis, and Resident Evil. It offers a creepy and atmospheric experience as you explore a supernatural house and unravel its mysteries.
The game’s clever writing, unsettling ambiance, and retro PS1 aesthetic make it a memorable and enjoyable horror game. With its combination of horror and adventure, Heartworm is set to captivate players when it releases.
Lunar Lander Beyond
Lunar Lander Beyond is a unique and immersive game where you take on the role of a captain guiding pilots and a lander across planets to complete various missions.
The game’s challenging mechanics and stunning hand-drawn art style make it a standout in the genre. With a bumping synthwave soundtrack and intriguing gameplay features, Lunar Lander Beyond is shaping up to be a remarkable gaming experience.
Pioneers of Pagonia
Pioneers of Pagonia is a relaxing city-building game with a warm and inviting art style. It offers a deep simulation experience, with every object and resource accounted for.
Whether you enjoy micromanagement or prefer a bird’s-eye view, Pioneers of Pagonia caters to different playstyles. With its engaging gameplay and attention to detail, the game promises to provide enjoyable hours of gameplay.
Disco Samurai
Disco Samurai is a rhythm-based action game set in a cool cyberpunk world. It offers addictive gameplay where you must time your attacks, dodges, and parries to the beat of the music.
The game’s stylish art and electrifying soundtrack create an immersive experience. With its unique combination of action and rhythm, Disco Samurai is sure to delight action game enthusiasts.
Kriegsfront Tactics
Kriegsfront Tactics is an indie game that brings back the joy of tactical gameplay. Set in an alternate 1970s Southeast Asia, the game offers intense battles and strategic decision-making.
With its gritty low-poly visuals, catchy soundtrack, and enjoyable gameplay mechanics, Kriegsfront Tactics is bound to satisfy fans of the genre. The game’s unique party system adds depth and complexity, making each battle a new challenge.
Dustborn
Dustborn is a game that combines adventure, action, and storytelling. Set in an alternate history United States, you lead a crew with special powers on a mission to transport a mysterious package.
The game’s diverse gameplay elements, captivating storyline, and stunning visuals make it a standout experience. Dustborn is a game that garnered immense attention at PAX East and is eagerly anticipated by gamers.
Phantom Fury
Phantom Fury continues the story of Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison in an action-packed boomer shooter. With its charismatic protagonist, interactive world, and outrageous guns, it offers a thrilling and satisfying gameplay experience.
Phantom Fury’s stylish graphics, satisfying gunplay, and intense action make it a must-play game for fans of the genre. With its unique blend of action film and road movie, the game is set to captivate players when it releases.
Enter the Chronosphere
Enter the Chronosphere is a roguelite tactics game where time moves when you move. With its unique gameplay mechanics, engaging characters, and stunning artwork, it offers a strategic and exhilarating gaming experience.
The game’s diverse weapons, stages, and enemies ensure that each playthrough is different. With its captivating synthwave soundtrack and visually appealing design, Enter the Chronosphere is a game that stands out from the crowd.
