24 Games Showcased at PAX West

While the expo hall was a bit lighter this year, there were still plenty of games to play at PAX West in Seattle this year. From vampire hunters hell-bent on revenge to universes that needed saving, PAX West was rich in indie games that had many stories to tell and unique gameplay mechanics to be immersed in. There were many games to play this year, but these 24 games made my list.

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse

The highly anticipated Castlevania: Belmont's Curse had an appearance at PAX West and cast its spell over all who played it. This newest iteration of the long-running and legendary game franchise is being helmed by the team behind Dead Cells and The Rogue Prince of Persia. Featuring a stellar presentation and sharp gameplay, Castlevania is poised to put its doom on the gaming world.

My 20-minute demo was incredible! Rose Belmont is fast and fluid, and the special abilities were fun to use. This game is all about the Tarot cards earned by downing bosses, of which there are plenty. The demo's first boss fight was a hell of a foe, but using his power made dispatching the other enemies a ton of fun! Castle: Belmont's Curse launches this coming October 15th, 2026, for all platforms.

Gravhounds

Doggos and guns mix together in this out-of-this-world shooting epic! Coming off its Gamescom reveal, Gravhounds made an appearance at the Seattle MiX at PAX West. Gravhounds is an action builder, combining shooting, resource gathering, and crafting towers to meet the quota and survive the alien onslaught in a hostile star system.

My time with Gravhounds was very good. The game featured a bevy of systems to manage, from building a pipeline to manage towers to co-op shooting. The aliens were tough, but our pack of dogs was tougher, using a variety of weapons and towers to fight the hordes back. While Gravhounds has yet to enter Early Access, the game looks promising.

Dungeon Lurker

13 AM Games have quite the reputation for making fun, colorful games! These include the wonderful Dawn of the Monsters and the mysterious Missile Command: Delta. Dungeon Lurker is their next big game, and it plays like a blast from the past. Featuring a refreshing hybrid of sprites and early 3D graphics, along with strong combat, I had a great time playing Dungeon Lurker at PAX West.

A roguelike with a dark twist, Dungeon Lurker plays like a game from a lost era, but with a sinister mystery that will have you questioning if the game should have been released. Featuring sharp graphics and wonderful gameplay, Dungeon Lurker is shaping up to be a fantastically good retro-inspired game when it launches in 2027.

Fangtopia

Everyone needs a home, even monsters. That's where Fangtopia comes in! Fangtopia invites players to build their own land to accommodate our favorite Transylvanian monsters kike vampires and werewolves. Using the hexagonal format, players balance resources to accommodate monsters while creating a breathing, living world.

My time with Fangtopia was good and cozy. The game was at the Seattle MiX during PAX West, and I had a good time solving the puzzle and building my own lands. The visual style is delightful, and the gameplay is easy to understand. Build your own lands and see what you can come up with when Fangtopia launches on October 26th, 2026.

Kidbash: Super Legend

I love when indie game developers introduce new visual styles and create homages to games of the past. Kidbash: Super Legend is a game made in the spirit of platformers like Mega Man, but the game features a stop-motion style animation that makes it charming and aesthetically pleasing. Taking place on a hard drive of forgotten video game characters, Kidbash: Super Legend is a game about discovery.

I had a good time playing Kid Bash at the Seattle MiX. Kid Bash has an interesting premise, with the game taking place in a world of forgotten video game characters. Additionally, it features boss fights and village building. There's plenty to discover in this digital world. Kidbash: Super Legend looks very promising.

Croak

When the entire kingdom is turned into hungry beasts, the King fights to save the day. The problem is, he's a frog, but that won't stop him. Croak is a precision platformer made with love and care from Montreal. With a wonderful tongue mechanic, this game is great for those who yearn for the days of platformers and for the hardcore players who want a brutal challenge.

I played Croak and loved it! The animation is tremendous, the platforming is fun, and the boss fights are delightful! Croak's tongue-twisting mechanic is intricately well-made and unlike anything I've seen in a platformer. This is sure to draw in those looking for a fun and challenging platformer, but for those looking for a hardcore challenge, Croak provides that too for those who dare.

Ballgame

Life revolves around the ball, and Ballgame is the game that wants you to have a ball. In a world of balls, players discover who they are, why they are here, and find out why there is a hotel for lost balls. Ballgame is a game that combines platforming with golf, making for a truly unique experience.

I played Ballgame at the Seattle MiX and found myself immersed in this interesting world of forgotten balls and interesting platforming. It was nostalgic in a way, reminding me of the mini golf games I used to play on my computer in grade school, but elevated to be more challenging. It's nonetheless a fun and intriguing game to play. Ballgame is currently in development.

Truckful

Described as "Dredge on wheels," Truckful challenges players to uncover a dark mystery deep within a forest. No weapons or special training. All you have is an old, reliable pickup truck, and your skill in transporting the goods. The game features physics- focused driving and a multitude of quests to complete.

Truckful has a haunting atmosphere and colorful visuals, with plenty of challenges to face along the way. Players can upgrade their truck as obstacles like quicksand and wetlands impede their path. It's a game with intriguing mystery and solid visuals, making for quite the journey. Start your engine when Truckful launches October 9th, 2026.

Stranger Than Heaven

This is a story about belonging and finding a home in a broken world that refuses to accept you. Stranger Than Heaven takes place across several decades of Japan's history, including several renowned cities. Piecing together the best musicians around, Stranger Than Heaven is a game about forming music and fighting for change in a chaotic world. Stranger Than Heaven comes from RGG Studios, the team behind the Yakuza franchise.

My demo focused on the combat, which was surprisingly deep and sophisticated, but understandable. I used martial arts in 1915 Fukuoka and clobbered enemies with a pipe in 1951 Shizuoka. The fights were tough, but the game looked and sounded brilliant. Stranger Than Heaven launches Jan 15th, 2027 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, including Xbox Game Pass.

Sister Other Paranoia

Serenity Forge has always given us games worthy of thought and discussion, such as Lifeless Moon, Lisa, and To The Moon. Sister Other Paranoia is a visual novel that evokes that kind of thought and discussion. It's a classic visual novel set not in a fictional reality, but in the real world. The catch is that the protagonist can read people's minds and will do anything to protect his sister.

Playing Sister Other Paranoia felt like a game from a lost time, straightforward and filled with text. It was a stark contrast coming off of playing Schrödinger's Call. However, the rich text and premise, coupled with the mystery and the fact that it takes place in the real world, kept me intrigued. Furthermore, the protagonist is a light novel author, which furthers the story and mystery. Sister Other Paranoia is available now on Steam.

Springs, Eternal

From Fullbright, the team that brought games like Tacoma and Gone Home, comes another short but poignant mystery game about a strange lodge and the springs they hold. Mysterious souls have gathered together there, each with their own purpose. Why are they there, and what is your purpose of being there too? There is something deep within this place that is calling to you.

Springs, Eternal looks like a strong narrative game that is sure to be quick but profound. The game promises a 3-4 hour playtime with the low-poly aesthetic, as well as a cast of characters to interact with, and a narrative that is compelling. Springs, Eternal is a game that encourages connection and remembering. The game is slated for release in 2026.

Obakeidoro 2

Described as "Dead by Daylight" for kids, Obakeidoro 2 is the sequel to Obakeidoro and invites casual players and families to either escape or capture each other. It's a fun and captivating asymmetrical multiplayer game, derived from Japanese folklore. One player selects a monster. The remaining three have to avoid being caught and stay alive.

I played the game at PAX West with several total strangers, and we had a blast trying to capture and escape each other. Interestingly, some monsters were better suited to certain stages than others, and it made for an interesting and fun multiplayer game. Obakeidoro 2 launched on the Nintendo Switch in the late summer, and more content is promised for those who already own the game.

Wolfhound

Metroidvania? Check. 8-bit graphics? Check. Nazi experiments and monsters? Big Check! Wolfhound was at the PAX Rising booth at PAX West, being shown as among the finest of indie games. Wolfhound is a labor of love. Created from the games that he loves, the developer wanted to make a game that was challenging, aesthetically pleasing, and fun. Wolfhound sees players as a WWII soldier who crash-landed in the Bermuda Triangle and now has to fight German fascists and their evil experiments. 

Wolfhound was a blast to play. While the demo was short, I loved how vulnerable the game makes you feel. You have to be wary of ammo and reload when the ammo clip runs dry. It’s a formula that works. The small tease I got was wonderful, complete with a machine gun and a giant crab-like monster. Wolfhound is slated for release in 2027.

Ladder Lad

There is nothing except the ladder. The ladder is love. The Ladder is life. The ladder is everything. Featuring a cartoonish presentation and a ladder salesman encouraging you every step of the way, Ladder Lad is a new step for platformers, where a ladder can be anything you need it to be, from crossing gaps to ascending to new heights. From the minds behind Let's! Revolution! comes a game about conquering fears and tribulations through the power of the ladder.

Ladder Lad was a fun time. Using this unique tool kept my mind thinking hard about what to do and how to maneuver. There was a strong sense of comedy throughout as the game challenges players in outrageous ways, but wants to remind players that with the ladder, anything is possible. Ladder Lad has a ways to go before release, but every step up is a step up a ladder and a step towards release.

The Pink Robot

Trauma is a complicated ordeal. It fragments and paralyzes the mind. To fix it, the mind has to be pieced back together. The Pink Robot is a game about healing from the pains of the world, and fighting to reclaim a life, all through the power of the digital world and an anthropomorphic warrior cat.

Inspired by the feelings during the recent loss of his cat, the developer wanted to create a strong action roguelite. Having played it, the game has a strong foundation, filled with action and depth. The story seems promising as well as each run pieces together a memory. The Pink Robot enters Early Access in 2027, but I cannot wait to dive into more.

Freestyle Football 2

The World Cup has come and gone, but that doesn't mean you can't still play some football. Freestyle Football 2 is the sequel football fans have been waiting for. This is a game where players aren't numbers but pivotal roles to the entire team. Using special perks and tactics, Freestyle Football 2 is shaping up to be an exciting globe-trotting sports adventure with unique characters and engaging gameplay.

My time with Freestyle Football 2 was enjoyable. I liked being part of a team and working together to achieve the goal, while also using special abilities to outsmart the other team. It was a fun game, keeping football to 5v5. The game promises a strong single-player career mode and a robust multiplayer mode. Freestyle Football 2 is set for release in Q4 2026.

Lazy River

Ever wanted to live in a waterpark without the rules and lifeguards barking at you? Check out the newest friend co-op game, Lazy River, where players work together to make their own makeshift raft out of pool equipment and survive a lazy river teeming with traps and zombies. In a massive water park in the middle of outer space, anything and everything can happen.

Everything from tubes to noodles is on the table. Make a raft out of tubes and use it as a platform to cook healthy food like onion rings. Steer the raft down paths and avoid the army of zombies and drones chasing you. This is a game built from the ground up for cooperative play, with various mechanics and challenges. Lazy River is hoping for an Early Access release in 2027.

Mutant Football League 2

Carnage, Mayhem, football, and bodily humor collide in this sequel to Mutant Football League. The legacy franchise that can trace its roots back to the 90s is back and better than ever. Players can create their own team, mutate their players, and customize their tactics. Mutant Football League 2 is all about mutantmaxxing and having fun.

It was a great time playing Mutant Football League 2! I played with the developer, and we both fought, cheated, and pulverized our way through a great game! It's possible to win by destroying players as well, which is what happened during my time with it. Mutant Football League 2 is out now on all platforms. Get your carnage on today!

Don't Wake The Beast

Sometimes, the loot is too good to give up. Don't Wake The Beast combines a rougelite with stealth to create an incredibly intense game, in which the goal isn't to fight but to loot and escape. Filled with puzzles and challenges, Don't Wake The Beast will test the mettle of players and their coolness under pressure.

I had a good time with Don't Wake The Beast. The game incorporated sighs and sounds into its gameplay mechanics. It's important to stay out of sight and tread lightly, as well as use the grapple hook for tight moments. Don't Wake The Beast is a different and profound experience so far, and I'm sure it'll be the next hot indie when the game is ready to go.

Spirit of Midnight

Point-and-Click games are rare these days, but they were abundant back in the earlier days of PC gaming. They were known for their animation and storytelling, but sometimes, they were quite a challenge in their puzzle mechanics. Spirit of Midnight is a charming, hand-crafted game that seeks to recapture the spirit of those early 90s games.

My time with Spirit of Midnight was just as promised. Cozy, heartwarming, and wonderfully animated. I felt relaxed during my brief time with the game but curious to see what would happen next. The hint system worked well, striking a balance for those who want a more relaxed adventure and those who want something a bit more challenging. Spirit of Midnight launches March 7th, 2027 for Steam.

Desolus

The universe is broken and fractured. A cataclysm threatens to collide the past and the present. Using black holes, there may be a chance to heal the world and save the universe. Desolus uses simple but complex black hole mechanics to warp and manipulate two planes of existence. The game is about mystery and uncovering what cataclysm caused this world to collapse.

My time with Desolus was meditative and interesting. A piano carried me through my time with the demo, and the puzzles became increasingly more complex as the demo went on, introducing new mechanics with the black holes. Winner of multiple awards, Desolus is aiming for a release on October 15th, 2026.

I Need Space

A galaxy is dying. The environment is polluted. A lone space traveler stares into the black gulfs of space until one day, a cosmic kitty cat crash-lands onto their home. Determined to find a home, the space traveler and the cosmic cat set off into space to find home and potentially rekindle the galaxy. With charming visuals, a cozy atmosphere, and wonderful gameplay, I Need Space is using its colorful intergalactic presentation to bring awareness to real-world issues.

I Need Space had a short demo that I happened to play at PAX West, and between the handcrafted graphics and simple gameplay, I was very invested. The demo had a charm to it, and the tease at the end leaves a larger solar system to explore. The team is passionate about making a game that is fun to play but, most importantly, one to learn from. I Need Space is hoping for a launch sometime in the future.

T.W.I.R.L.

Horror video games have a means to touch upon various social, cultural, and religious themes. In the case of T.W.I.R.L., this is a game with a low-poly aesthetic that tells the tale of a young boy facing various issues of identity and religious conformity. T.W.I.R.L. isn't a complex game, but it's a game that sticks with you, even if you play it for a short time.

T.W.I.R.L. is a game that wants players to confront their own aspects of conformity and identity. It's a game all about sneaking out and discovering what is happening in the year 2006. No smartphones or social media. Just yourself and a demon that seems to want to put you in your place. T.W.I.R.L. is only $6 and is out now on Steam.

Aether & Iron

Releasing this past Summer, Aether and Iron is a narrative-driven RPG in an alternate 1930s world, where anti-gravitational technology revolutionized the planet from flying cities to flying cars. The game has been met with positive acclaim for its narrative elements, dice-rolling elements, and story, featuring talent that previously worked on Mass Effect and Far Cry. Coupled with turn-based vehicular combat, Aether and Iron has been met with positive praise. 

I took a look at the improved combat system and other new features and am proud to see developer Seismic Squirrel taking feedback to heart and making positive adjustments to an already stellar game. Aether and Iron has been exclusive to Steam, but console players will get their chance to enter the world of Aether and Iron when it launches for PS5 and Xbox in 2027.