We’ve spent a great deal of time wandering around the lively exhibition hall, checking out demos from well-known companies and lesser-known indie studios showcasing their new projects. After sifting through the best parts, we’ve put together a list of our top picks to help you find what’s worth paying attention to in the future.
Mind Diver
Have you ever found yourself struggling to recall something you knew just moments ago? That’s essentially the central enigma you’ll be tackling in Mind Diver, an engaging detective game where instead of examining physical evidence, you delve into someone’s mind to crack a case. In this role as a mental detective, you navigate various regions within a character’s brain, revisiting pivotal moments, discovering obscured hints, and ultimately reconstructing the facts.
In the demonstration I experienced, I moved through detailed but stationary environments, listening to dialogues and hunting for vital objects such as a laptop, bicycle, or bloodied bottle. These finds helped fill in missing puzzle pieces, advancing the conversation and revealing new locations to delve deeper into the investigation. The characters are portrayed with remarkable authenticity, making each revelation feel significant and intimate as you gradually piece together their tales.
Mind Diver offers an exceptional mix of mental investigation and detective tasks, presenting a captivating and engrossing gameplay experience. Set for launch later in the year, it’s certainly a title worth watching out for.
Mind Diver on Steam
Fresh Tracks
Created by Buffalo Buffalo Studio, Fresh Tracks is an unexpectedly captivating blend of skiing and rhythm gaming. At first glance, it may seem like a peculiar combination, but don’t be fooled—it’s incredibly well-executed. Among my top favorites from PAX, this game is surprisingly easy to learn, but requires quick reflexes and precise timing to excel on each course.
Experience a thrilling ride where you’ll navigate snow-covered terrains, dodge hazards, lean into sharp curves, and even use a sword to hack through trees, all rhythmically in tune with an impressive soundtrack. As you advance through progressively difficult stages, the game’s roguelike design and captivating narrative offer opportunities for customization, enabling you to pick upgrades and mold your adventure according to your preferences.
Fresh Tracks stands out with its focus on music, shaping the gameplay around an outstanding soundtrack. From infectious pop melodies that echo in your mind to soothing electronic rhythms that ease you into a rhythm, it’s a musical journey that keeps you engaged… until the music unexpectedly intensifies and the enemies attack in sync with the beat.
In a captivating tale reminiscent of Scandinavian mythology, where you engage in battles with deities and eventually recruit their strengths for your journey, you’ll discover something extraordinary. Fresh Tracks isn’t merely trendy—it’s memorable and is slated for release shortly.
Fresh Tracks on Steam
God Save Birmingham
In the turbulence of a 14th-century Birmingham zombie outbreak, I was plunged headfirst into the turmoil during a demo of an upcoming survival game at PAX East. Although it’s not yet fully developed, my hands-on session dropped me into a bustling sandbox village teeming with the undead. This brief encounter provided enough insight to grasp the tension, gameplay mechanics, and the unforgiving necessity of constantly moving lest I become another zombie’s meal.
From the very beginning, I immediately snatched whatever was within reach (like a rake) and started poking at incoming zombies to keep them at a distance. Aiming for their necks could cause their heads to detach! This game requires more than sheer strength, it’s an intense survival ordeal. Maintaining your stamina, health, and hunger is vital. After rummaging for food and water, I had to locate shelter before the sun set. At night, it becomes pitch dark—so dark that you can’t even see what’s right in front of you.
Regrettably, my survival abilities proved limited. Mistaking a supposed sanctuary for safety, I stumbled upon a group of ravenous creatures lurking in the darkness. The outcome was less than ideal, but it has certainly sparked my curiosity and fueled my anticipation for more. God Save Birmingham is set to arrive soon for Early Access.
God Save Birmingham on Steam
Dreamless Kingdom
One fascinating game I tried at PAX was named “Dreamless Kingdom“. The game captivated me with its charming art design, giving the impression of entering a vivid pop-up book. As a player, you guide a 2D character through intricately layered settings that cleverly give an illusion of depth, even though all elements reside on a flat, storybook surface.
Fundamentally, “Dreamless Kingdom” is an adventure game primarily based on storytelling. In this game, you’ll engage with peculiar characters, help them accomplish their tasks, and gradually reveal a world that intricately combines elements of spirituality, creativity, and the subtle charm of defiance.
Hyperdense Developer unveiled two demonstrations highlighting different gameplay aspects: one emphasizing free-roam exploration and another modeled after a hidden object game. Both presentations displayed the game’s intricate, plant-themed graphics, with characters that resemble fungi or foliage, each boasting a unique, enchanting otherworldly appeal. Although the character movements are sparse at the moment, the developer hinted at adding more life to the environment in the future.
Even though there was silence all around, the quietness lent an enchanting, fairy tale-esque ambiance to the scene, making it all the more captivating. At present, this game is available for backing through Kickstarter, and you can add it to your wishlist on Steam.
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Although everything was peaceful, the tranquility imbued a magical, storybook vibe that heightened its appeal. The game is currently being crowdfunded on Kickstarter, and it’s also available for addition to your wishlist on Steam.
Dreamless Kingdom on Steam
The Berlin Apartment
Experiencing The Berlin Apartment at PAX was one of my most unforgettable moments, as it provided a profound and introspective look into a story that encompasses various generations. This game follows numerous characters who inhabited the same Berlin apartment at different points in history, sharing a unique connection.
Similar to Gone Home, this game encourages you to delve into the lives of its characters by examining their private spaces, discovering their possessions, understanding their thoughts, and reconstructing their tales. However, The Berlin Apartment takes it a step further, interweaving its story across different time periods. This creates a deeply personal experience for each character and potentially roots their journey in historical events.
In the demonstration, I took on the role of a youth attempting to reach out to someone beyond the Berlin Wall by making a paper airplane to toss over the barrier. In another instance, I became a Jewish individual rushing to gather my cherished possessions before departing from my apartment amidst the Nazi regime. The concluding part had me in the current era, playing as someone restoring the apartment; this section acted as the central storyline that linked all the tales.
The developing game, “The Berlin Apartment“, offers a deep emotional resonance, rich historical background, and a tranquil, contemplative ambiance. It’s evolving to become a genuinely captivating narrative journey—one that continues to resonate even after the demo concludes. I recommend experiencing it in its original German version for a more immersive exploration.
The Berlin Apartment on Steam
Hank: Drowning on Dry Land
In this intriguingly dreamlike game, all the action unfolds within the subconscious mind of the main character. It offers an extraordinary mix of imaginative storytelling and mind-bending gameplay mechanisms, even allowing you to physically encounter multiple versions of your character at certain points.
The demonstration commenced within a cathedral, and a menacing adversary delivered a terrifying demand: locate and press three concealed switches, or one of Hank’s abducted companions would meet their end. Before I had a chance to respond, he unleashed his canine, prompting me to understand that this game wasn’t shy about crossing boundaries. It turned out that I could have fled the scene prior to the villain completing his speech. A valuable lesson was gained.
After barely managing to flee, I found myself dashing along winding paths, constantly pursued by the relentless dog. I made a mistake—unaware that I possessed the power to rewind time, change direction, and start anew. Before long, I became proficient at manipulating this time-reversal feature, navigating perils, solving spatial riddles, and dealing with a surprising menace: alternate versions of Hank. Running into myself triggered a paradox and an instant game over, introducing an exhilarating and tactical aspect to the gameplay.
The demonstration concluded with a dreamlike journey on a roller coaster through Hank’s mind, featuring distorted imagery and private thoughts. Initially, I wasn’t certain about the experience—but eventually, I became captivated and craved to explore more of Hank’s dark psyche. The upcoming release of “Hank: Drowning on Dry Land” is just around the corner.
Hank: Drowning on Dry Land on Steam
SwapMeat
In contrast to many roguelike shooters that focus on weapon and loot collection, SwapMeat takes this concept a step further by having you gather body parts. This game, reminiscent of Frankenstein’s creation, allows you to construct your character from the ground up by exchanging limbs, torsos, and other components. Each piece comes with its own special abilities.
The game is as thrilling as its title implies. You join forces with other players to accomplish tasks spread across various planets, battling strange creatures en route. In the PAX demo, I played individually in a personal universe, which allowed me to try out diverse character setups and finish missions according to my own speed.
According to the creator, the game SwapMeat was developed with a similar dark humor as shows like Invader Zim and Rick and Morty. It embraces absurdity wholeheartedly, and it does so effectively. Each body part you gather alters both your appearance and gameplay mechanics. If you’re aiming for a harmonious match, feel free to collect a full set. On the other hand, if you fancy a bizarre combination of alien limbs and robot components, there should be some benefit or reward associated with that unusual assembly.
Absolutely, playing a roguelike game like SwapMeat means nothing is permanent. My Frankenstein-like creation could disintegrate in the heat of battle, leaving me no choice but to improvise, rebuild, and keep the mayhem rolling. Anticipating its release later this year, SwapMeat promises a chaotic, creative, and endearingly peculiar experience – exactly what I crave as a gamer.
SwapMeat on Steam
Constance
In this game, Constance invites you to explore her inner mind as an artist seeking inspiration for her next grand work. However, don’t be misled by the introspective theme. Hidden beneath its thoughtful exterior is a fashionable and demanding Metroidvania adventure filled with precise platforming challenges, imaginative battle mechanics, and intriguing secrets waiting to be discovered around every bend.
In the demo I tried out, navigating and swiftness were crucial. Jumping wasn’t just for moving around; it was vital for dodging dangerous traps and striking enemies that could easily knock you off a ledge. Constance uses a paintbrush as her main weapon, beginning with a basic melee attack. As I advanced, I unlocked abilities that required “paint power”, such as a dash forward and a special move that allowed me to clean corrupted platforms, making them safe to land on – introducing an intelligent twist to regular movement mechanics.
The world seemed vibrant with hidden mysteries. Frequently, I uncovered concealed nooks and secret alcoves that held precious power-ups for my health and color palette. Just as its Metroidvania influence suggests, I also found areas meant to be revisited once I’d acquired the necessary skill, indicating a complex, intertwined world worth delving into.
As a gamer, I must say, one smart aspect I enjoyed in this game is the option it offers upon my demise – either restart from the same spot with reduced health or rewind to the last checkpoint. It’s a subtle yet powerful mechanism that enhances strategic complexity without disrupting the overall experience. The blend of familiarity and novelty makes Constance worth keeping an eye on as it approaches release later this year.
Constance on Steam
Bytebond
Bytebond is an engaging cooperative puzzle game where two players become cute cybernetic mice venturing into the internal universe of a computer. Whether playing together in person or online, you and your partner will have to communicate effectively and work together to conquer clever puzzles—exchanging energy, activating switches, and holding doors open for each other as you maneuver through intricately designed stages.
In this game, the environment is separated into creative PC-inspired zones, each representing various computer parts. For instance, the cooling system turns into a frozen tundra, and the graphics card morphs into an extraordinary, dreamlike setting. These whimsical representations not only give character to these areas but also shape the dominant puzzle theme you’ll need to conquer in them.
As I advance in the game, Bytebond’s puzzles become increasingly intricate, requiring more precise synchronization and a deeper grasp of its workings. Just when I think it’s all about solving calm puzzles, the game suddenly introduces nail-biting escape sequences where I have to rush through corrupted zones before they crumble, hinting at a looming danger lurking within this digital universe I’m navigating.
If you’ve enjoyed games like Split Fiction or collaborative puzzle experiences, you’ll probably find Bytebond enchanting at first sight. With its charming visual style, cleverly designed levels, and focus on cooperation, it offers a journey that is both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. Keep an eye out for its release later this year!
Bytebond on Steam
Last Caretaker
I was privileged to preview an exclusive version of “The Last Caretaker” at PAX East, escorted by AnttiIlvessuo, co-founder of Channel37—and I found myself captivated by a striking, eerie landscape that I eagerly look forward to delving deeper into. In this future scenario, Earth has been submerged and mankind has sought refuge in space. As the solitary robotic caretaker, you’re entrusted with an essential mission: find the seed vaults, cultivate new life, and propel it across the cosmos to safeguard the remnants of humanity.
As a gamer, diving into the demo’s opening 20 minutes felt like a gentle introduction to the intricate controls and crafting systems of The Last Caretaker. This game, drawing inspiration from classics like Half-Life 2 and Breath of the Wild, seamlessly combines tranquil exploration with an undercurrent of tension.
The vast ocean surrounding me serves as both a breathtaking backdrop and a crucial means of travel between outposts. As I journey through this game, I uncover relics of a long-lost humanity, while constantly guarding against both natural and mechanical dangers that lurk in the shadows.
Managing resources wisely is crucial for every voyage; monitoring your energy and wellbeing is equally significant to the treasures you discover on far-off destinations. Even though you may be traveling solo, the experience never feels barren. Instead, there’s a quiet sense of purpose and untold tales about humanity’s history lurking beneath the surface.
The Last Caretaker currently exudes a grand scale, captivating players with its immersive ambiance and the heavy emotional significance of its objective. Slated for an Early Access launch on PC towards the end of this year, I’m eagerly anticipating the unfolding of its storyline—uncovering additional mysteries hidden in the ocean depths.
Last Caretaker on Steam
Birdigo
Being fond of word games and anything bird-related, the game named Birdigo instantly piqued my interest at the exhibition, and it certainly lived up to expectations. This creative, avian-themed spin on word-construction games offers more than just a bird-themed version of Scrabble. Instead, Birdigo integrates strategic card-building with a migration-based advancement system that’s both intriguing and endearing.
In this game, you assume the role of a migratory bird, flying from stopover to stopover. Each stage presents a required word score for you to advance further in your journey. Your primary tool is a deck of letter cards, and mastering the art of creating the optimal deck becomes crucial for survival. During your flight, you’ll pick up feathers and power-ups that either multiply letters or boost your overall score – these bonuses can significantly impact your progress and potentially determine whether you succeed or fail in a run.
Along the way, you’ll find shops strategically placed for you to buy new cards or enhancements, enabling you to customize your deck or take a risk with what you currently have. It’s all about finding that balance: take risks or play conservatively? Additionally, each migration path presents different lengths and complexities, introducing fresh obstacles and replay value as you strive to create the most valuable words during your transcontinental adventure.
Birdigo offers a tranquil yet tactical experience with its distinctive blend of nature themes and wordplay, creating an enjoyable and innovative atmosphere. Expected to launch on Steam towards the end of this year, it’s a must-see for enthusiasts of word games.
Birdigo on Steam
Glaciered
The game titled “Glaciered” is an awe-inspiring, moody production, taking place 65 million years in the future when Earth has transformed into a frozen globe, entirely covered by glaciers. Life, however, persists beneath these icy layers. In the demo, I assumed command over the Tuai – a graceful, advanced bird-like species resembling both dinosaurs and penguins, effortlessly navigating through the submerged world.
The adventure begins as my character initiates a mental conversation with an elusive entity, setting off on a path to uncover the secrets of this puzzling icy landscape. Although many aspects of the plot are still veiled in secrecy, it’s evident that a dangerous peril to the ice poses a threat to the precarious harmony of life dwelling beneath—and it’s the Tuai’s task to thwart impending disaster.
As a gamer, I found myself immersed in the demo’s underwater world, where the swimming controls felt like an extension of my own movements, making maneuvering through the submerged environment a breeze. The gameplay wasn’t just about exploring; it was also about surviving encounters with hostile sea creatures. I used my blade-like wings for close combat, swiftly fending off enemies, and fired spikes from afar to keep them at bay when things got tough.
The glaciered landscape radiates an enigmatic, captivating aura, stirring my curiosity to explore its backstory, gameplay tactics, and vividly created universe. This upcoming game is anticipated to debut later in the year, making it a must-see for enthusiasts of immersive, story-focused adventures.
Glaciered on Steam
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2025-05-21 12:37