We were on the scene for all four days of PAX West 2018, and there was a ton of amazing games on display. The event was absolutely packed with video game fans, cosplayers, media, and exhibitors that were all there to geek out and show their passion for video games. There weren’t a ton of announcements at this year’s PAX, but we did get to spend some hands-on time with games that were announced at events earlier this year.
We got to see some impressive AAA titles like Resident Evil 2 Remake, but the big stars at PAX were the indie titles. We were blown away by games like World of Horror and Damnview: Built From Nothing, and got to meet some pretty awesome developers. There was a little something for everyone at PAX West 2018, and we think you’ll find a game in our top 20 that fits you like a glove.
PAX West is a more fan-centric affair than E3 and Gamescom, so the demos there were a bit shorter. However, pretty much every game we got an opportunity to play made us thirsty for more.
It was hard to pick a top 20 games of PAX West 2018 since there were so many there that showed the massive creativity and talent of the studios behind them. This list is by no means definitive, and if we had the time, we could have easily thought of a top 40 or top 60. However, for the sake of brevity, the 20 games above are ones you definitely want to keep an eye on.
PAX West brought us into the fall event season, and there are only a few more big shows left in 2018. AAA release season is right around the corner, and those games are guaranteed to take up a lot of your time. Make sure in between Red Dead Redemption and BLOPS 4 sessions to check up on these games. You won’t regret it.
Top 20 PAX West Games
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Damnview: Built From Nothing
This sandbox game was announced right before PAX and blew us away when we saw it. You have to grind against the tedium of modern life in a style that's reminiscent of Stardew Valley with a gritty, realistic veneer. Also, the art is absolutely amazing. -
Devil May Cry 5
Devil May Cry 5 addresses some of what fans of the series didn't like about the reboot DmC. If you loved Devil May Cry 3 or 4, you'll adore 5. We were thrilled to see the return to form when we played it at PAX West, and it's great to get that sense of familiarity, even if we did like DmC. -
Dying Light: Bad Blood
Dying Light was an amazing zombie game, but we were skeptical how its parkour heavy gameplay would translate into a battle royale game. However, having to power up by absorbing hives before you turn your attention to other players gives a unique PvE and PvP battle royale experience that you can't find elsewhere. -
Just Cause 4
If you want straight action and explosions without pretense, Just Cause is the go-to series. Just Cause 4 ups the ante by adding lightning, sandstorms, tornadoes, and blizzards that tear through the game. Just Cause 4's simulated wind system means you'll experience inclement weather like never before. -
Killer Queen Black
This unique two-versus-two game has one player as the queen and the other either as a worker or a warrior. There are three ways to win each match which gives you a ton of room to strategize. Killer Queen Black takes place on one screen, but it contains an amazing amount of depth. -
Knights and Bikes
This nostalgia-filled romp lets you explore a fictional island based on England as two young girls who have met over a Summer break. The art style is gripping and portrays what the world looks like through a child's eyes. Knights and Bikes is a chill co-op adventure which will be perfect for playing with a friend or loved one. -
Life is Strange 2
The original Life is Strange tugged on our heartstrings with an amazing story and interesting time travel mechanics. The sequel looks to be an even richer experience from the demo we got to play and is sure to be one of the most enthralling narratives in gaming this year. -
Mega Man 11
Mega Man 11 features a blend of classic Mega Man gameplay with a sprinkle of Mega Man X thrown in for good measure. This is more of the same, but if you're a Mega Man or a platformer fan, that's a good thing. -
Metro Exodus
Artyom finally leaves the metro and enters the wide world in Metro Exodus. However, even though the world has somewhat healed from the apocalypse, as Artyom travels east on the locomotive Aurora, he faces far more danger than he ever did in those dark subway tunnels. We loved the crafting and open-world gameplay, and this looks to be a big hit in the making. -
My Friend Pedro
If you've ever wanted to play as Deadpool, but didn't want all the quips, My Friend Pedro is your dream game. You've got to gun down thugs in as stylish a way possible, and you accumulate points for particularly graceful kills. It's zany, bloody, fun with fantastic controls and it's one of the indie darlings of PAX West. -
Neo Cab
Neo Cab has you playing a taxi driver in a dystopian, cyberpunk-inspired future. What starts with you just looking for a friend leads to a narrative told through a multitude of taxi fares that examines corporate control and privacy. Beautiful, exciting, and unique, we can't wait to see more of Neo Cab. -
Ooblets
Have you ever played Pokemon and wished for it to be cuter and less violent? Ooblets scratches that itch with what might be the most adorable game I've ever seen. You'll spend your time in the game growing little creatures called Ooblets that get in dance battles with each other. It's just darling. -
Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
We've been looking for a proper successor to Freelancer for over a decade, so our elation when we saw Rebel Galaxy Outlaw was palpable. This accessible space sim is dripping with wild west style and a ton of excellent throwback references to classic entries from across the genre. It also has what may be the most extensive ship paint shop ever created. -
Resident Evil 2 Remake
The Resident Evil 2 Remake might be the winner at PAX West 2018. The line to try the demo stayed full our whole time there with people waiting over 2 hours to get a chance to play. After our time with the demo, we'd say that wait is a small price to pay. Capcom's retelling of RE2 is simply amazing. -
Streets of Rage 4
Streets of Rage is an iconic beat-em-up series, but it's been on hiatus for over 20 years. Dotemu is bringing Axel, Blaze, and Adam back though in a title that mixes classic beat-em-up action with more modern gameplay conventions. The hand-drawn sprites look amazing, and we can't wait to see the final product. -
The Quiet Man
The Quiet Man takes an interesting concept, a narrative about a hearing-impaired fighter told without sound, and matches it with acting schlock that would be at home in a Tommy Wiseau film. Fortunately, it strikes the same chord of "so bad it's good" that The Room does and it's hard to tear your eyes away from the experience. -
Windjammers 2
Windjammers is an oft-overlooked multiplayer gem that until last year was only available on Neo Geo and Neo Geo CD. Windjammers 2 looks to build on the original's fast-paced, disc-slinging action with some of the most intense Pong-like gameplay I've ever seen. It's deceptively simple, easy to pick up, and hard to master, and we're all about it. -
World of Horror
Imagine creating intricate art in MS Paint. Pretty tough, huh? Now imagine doing art for an entire game in MS Paint. That's what the developer of World of Horror has done, and the result is a haunting set of mysteries that are reminiscent of Junji Ito's work. Very unique and very unsettling. -
YIIK
This RPG has been on the radar for years, and it's finally nearing its launch date. The demo we played of YIIK at PAX West featured a weird tale of mermaid babies and ulterior motives. The humorous and somewhat creepy tone and the modern setting make this a title to keep an eye on. -
Young Souls
This dungeon crawler has two teens, Tristan and Jenn, as they tackle dungeons looking for loot. The co-op gameplay is a ton of fun, and the equipment system allows a ton of customization options.
