PAX Aus is over for another year and three days later I am still recovering. Long days filled with amazing people and above all else we got to try out some amazing titles that are in development and coming soon. My PAX experience is talking to people and hearing the passion that especially the teams from the below spoke of their work was amazing to see. There may be the next big breakout hit in the list below and either way here are a couple of games that you need to get onto your Wishlist right now.
End of Ember
The brainchild of some seriously talented individuals at Bad Plan Studios, this one took home my game of the show, even though only early in development. Young Ember tragically dies suddenly on her birthday and is sent to hell. But hell is not a punishment for Ember, it is her playground. A twin stick shooter full of gore that pays homage to horror icons of the past with a really cool art style this should be top of your list to check out. Luckily a playtest is happening right now on Steam.
Lighthaze World
This cozy puzzler from Radiobush caught my eye with its simple art style but the story made me stay. You play as an anxious hero who imagines the world around them into something they can better understand and move through. Set within the Tasmanian countryside the story has a lot of depth and the non linear puzzles provide the right amount of challenge. Bonus is it is available now!
Lunars – An Ultimate Zodiac Party Game
Anubis Arts brought this gem to the show with a competitive chaos driven party game for up to 8 online players or 4 locally. Different play modes from dice driven classic to a nonstop blitz where everyone takes their turns simultaneously turned my quick go into a manic laugh fest as I tried my best to destroy the random people I had just sat down with. Coming this year and there is a demo available on Steam right now.
Project Storm
This one has been on my Wishlist for 12 months already after seeing it at last years PAXAus. Transformative Games brought more info and more to play this year. You take on the role of a Storm Chaser chasing some of the biggest and most extreme weather systems. Complete contracts to level yourself and gear up. Playing solo or with a friend this adventure sim might look a little way off at the moment but is one to keep an eye on.
How Was Your Day
I am not sure why, but this one struck a chord with me. A narrative point and click adventure set in 1980’s New Zealand, 13-year-old Diya is stuck in a time loop after her dog Beans goes missing. Each day resets with a little more of the mystery unfolding and uncovers dark truths about her neighbours. Featuring a deeply touching story, beautiful visuals and soundtrack this one feels like something a little more.
“With her frustrating day stuck on repeat, ending with the same tired question from her parents — “How was your day?” — Diya realises that solving this mystery means breaking out of her comfort zone, confronting her fears, and…ugh, talking to her parents!“
