PAX West, the popular Penny Arcade Expo, made a triumphant return to the Pacific Northwest, treating fans to a plethora of exciting new games and experiences. With so much to see and do, attendees were buzzing with anticipation from the moment they stepped onto the show floor.
Among the many highlights, one standout was the revival of a long-dormant space ship franchise. Fans were thrilled to once again embark on epic intergalactic adventures, exploring the far reaches of the cosmos. The game’s stunning graphics and immersive gameplay left attendees mesmerized and hungry for more.
Another notable attraction was the spine-chilling experience of terrifying animatronics in virtual reality. The state-of-the-art technology transported players into a nightmarish world where they had to survive encounters with lifelike, haunted robots. This heart-pounding VR experience had attendees on the edge of their seats, screaming and gasping in equal parts fear and excitement.
Additionally, a brand new way to continue the adventures of Persona 5’s beloved Phantom Thieves was unveiled. Persona 5 Tactica offered fans a thrilling XCOM-style tactics game that seamlessly integrated the game’s beloved turn-based RPG mechanics. Players were immersed in a slick and simple interface, allowing them to strategically command characters in battle and plan efficient routes to victory.
The show floor also showcased some of the most anticipated games of the year. Seven titles stood out as the best of the best, including Desktop Explorer, Big Boy Boxing, Lunar Lander Beyond, Super Mario Wonder, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2, Persona 5 Tactica, and Monster Hunter Now.
Desktop Explorer, a hidden gem, transported players back to the mid-’90s with a Windows desktop-like interface. Players embarked on a text-based adventure while simultaneously searching the computer’s file structure for hidden information. The game offered a unique and nostalgic experience that left gamers eagerly exploring every nook and cranny.
Big Boy Boxing combined the classic video game boxing experience with the zany antics of a Tom and Jerry cartoon. Challenging matches against expressive pixel-art opponents promised hours of fun and laughter.
Lunar Lander Beyond reinvented the classic arcade game, offering an intriguing story mode, upgrades, and a stress system that added hallucinations and pink elephants to the gameplay. This fresh take on a beloved title had fans lining up to save the moon from imminent disaster.
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 had horror enthusiasts trembling with excitement. The highly anticipated sequel for PlayStation VR2 had players resetting breakers while avoiding the menacing threat of Freddy and managing limited resources. The combination of virtual reality and horror had fans eager to face their fears head-on.
Monster Hunter Now, developed by Niantic, made a splash with its mobile edition of the long-running series. Players were able to traverse the real world, encountering monsters and engaging in battles with friends. The game’s unique blend of reality and fantasy had fans itching to embark on epic quests.
Last but not least, Super Mario Wonder delighted fans with fast-paced platforming and unique mechanics. The game, available to play at Nintendo Live, offered a touch of challenge and a destructible ceiling that added an extra layer of excitement to the classic Mario formula.
Overall, PAX West 2021 presented gamers with a diverse flood of titles to look forward to. From hidden gems to highly anticipated sequels, there was something for every type of gamer. As attendees left the convention, their minds were filled with anticipation and excitement for the future of gaming.
