Top 5 Games of PAX East 2026

PAX East 2026 has wrapped up in Boston, Massachusetts, and I'm already eager for next year. This year saw thousands of players come out for the love of the video game. As I write this, I am on a train filled with the fond memories of the people I met and the games that I played. While it may not have been as packed as in years past, there were nonetheless many video games to play, with some releasing soon.

From tactical military games to physics-focused action titles, PAX East 2026 saw no shortage of games to play. I came away intrigued and satisfied with many of the games I played, but these top 5 made the cut of being the best ones I played on the show floor at PAX East.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzdHmHiWqhQ

Awaysis

Awaysis blew me away with its vibrant colors and physics-based gameplay. The team previously worked on Galak-Z: The Dimensional and Song in the Smoke, but the team wanted to make something that could build a rewarding gaming experience and make memories along the way. Awaysis is a game that succeeds at both objectives, and the game isn't even out yet.

Using a physics approach to combat and gameplay, everything has heft and momentum. The weight of the sword, the feel of the water, the sensation of bashing an enemy. It all feels remarkably satisfying and fun. Add in a legendary composer for the soundtrack, local and online co-op, and several gameplay modes, Awaysis is sure to be an oasis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REtZamD8kyA

TINY METAL 2

Your mind is as good as the weapons of the battlefield, and TINY METAL 2 is shaping up to be that type of game, now with naval support units. This energetic and charged turn-based combat military game is the sequel to the 2017 release, TINY METAL, and its sequel, TINY METAL: Full Metal Rumble. TINY METAL 2 is aiming to be great for seasoned veterans and new recruits.

Playing it felt great and enjoyable! I had a blast using the new naval support units and even landing my troops around an island to flank and overwhelm the enemy. The game also features anime cutscenes with voicework and an upgrade to its presentation. TINY METAL 2 isn't quite at the finish line yet, but it's getting there, and it is looking great!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkBd9ygZg8E

Never's End

Tactical turn-based tactics games are a dime a dozen these days, but to me, they all stand out in one way or another. Never's End is one of those games. The game features an absolutely incredible presentation and a new take on battle: Using the weather to take down and eliminate your enemies.

Never's End is shaping up to be an exciting game for those who want to delve into more Tactics-inspired games. The hybrid of using pixelated artwork and 3D graphics is stunning, but using the weather to knock down and set enemies ablaze was incredibly intriguing. Never's End needs a little more time in the oven and a small adjustment to its difficulty, but this exciting RPG is one to keep on your radar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEruovfOaKY

We Were Here Tomorrow

Co-op adventure games have been getting a spotlight thanks to games like A Way Out and Split Fiction. There's something very rewarding and wholesome about going through an adventure together with a friend, solving puzzles, and figuring out obstacles. We Were Here Tomorrow takes the established formula set by its predecessors and amplifies it to a whole new level, from the charming visuals to the great gameplay.

I had a blast playing We Were Here Tomorrow. It was enjoyable to figure out the various mechanics and also solve some of the puzzles. The synthwave music and humor made me feel like I was on an adventure to Disney World. We Were Here Tomorrow is shaping up to be a great game for those who want to save the world with a friend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZAmH2te7rM

High Times

You know what lifts your mood? Food. Sometimes, it just feels good to have an ice cream sundae on a rough day. Forget about the calories. It's all about that ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup. Donuts can do the same thing, if done right, and High Times is shaping up to be a game that looks good and feels good.

High Times features dozens of characters to build a relationship with, all focused on making delectable and delightful donuts. These donuts can improve someone's mood, leaving the question of whether you can change someone's life with a donut. With the game's charming visuals and excellent voicework, this is shaping up to be a very fun game that will charm, delight, and leave you wanting donuts.