I think it's safe to say that PAX 2022 was a mission successful. I know like many others, I'm still reeling in and recovering from a massive 3 days. I flew to Melbourne on the 7th, then headed right to MCEC as soon as I landed, then left Sunday night. So, it's been quite an exhuasting quest but all worth it.
The last PAX was in 2019, so after a long 2 years it was a happy, warm welcome back for new and old players alike. Filled with video games of course, PAX also featured an array of cosplay, tabletop games, tournaments, competitive gaming, streaming, freeplays, a career expo, a pub (of course), painting and even speed running - so, there's a bit of something for every type of player.
Now that I've collected myself (kind of) I'm ready to share my post PAX thoughts about what and who I got to see, and of course what I got hands on with! So much to do, so much to see, so let's dive in;
Games I got my little hobbit hands on;
Ricochet Rodeo - Reckon you're the fastest shooter in the pixel West? Ricochet Rodeo is a 2D pvp platform bawl where chaos ensues and death is just 1 hit away. I had such a fun time with this, and I played with three other people (shout out whoever you were). It's plenty chaotic, fun and it's a game anyone can jump into. Whether you're hosting a party or need an ice breaker - this is a great game to use for that! This title comes out sometime 2023. Ricochet Rodeo
Justice Sucks: Tactical Vacuum Action - A killer robot out for vengance for their family. Justice Sucks is a stealth action title where you'll stalk your enemies, hack objects and consume your enemies once you've defeated them. I had a tonne of fun playing this, so much in fact I'm currently in the middle of reviewing the game. The game is out now! samuraipunk.com
Vlad Circus: Descend into madness - Put your sanity to the test in this pixel art survival horror set in the 1920's, following a freak circus that burned to the ground. This game was a particular highlight for me, I'm intrugied to see the whole story unfold. The planned release is early 2023. Blowfishstudios.com
Goat Simulator 3 -Headbutt, annoy and destroy everything in your way in this 2nd - err, I mean 3rd chaotic goat sim. You won't have to wait very much longer, as Goat Simulator 3, (not 2!), releases November 17. I know I'll be having a heap of fun with this title. Coffeestainstudios.com
The Godfeather - The Godfeather is a mafia pigeon roguelike title that combines stealth elements with open world exploration, and poop. No, you read that correct - there's lots of poop involved. Ever wonder why Pigeons truly poop on people? Well, now you know. I had a tonne of fun pooping and causing havoc. Drops sometime soon, but in the meantime you can play the demo on Steam! Facebook.com/HojoStudio
Spies and Soldiers - Not a genre I play too much of, but I enjoyed what I played. Spies and Soldiers is a fantasy strategy title that plays out visually across a watercolour map of a procedurally generated kingdom, alongside simple mechanics. There's a demo still avalaible for you to check out, and this title comes to early access next year. Spiesandsoldiers.com
Grist - Esentially a digital boardgame inspired by 1980's games. In Grist, you take on the role of a Starship Captain. There's a cybernetic plague going around, and your goal is to search for a cure. Recruit, recover and battle in this universe as you search for the answer. This title will release sometime in 2023. Chironexstudios.com
There was so much more to play and check out, but thankfully you can also check out the rest of the PAX 2022 demos here, and a list of all the studios who were there.
Of course as well as dedicated game studio booths, there was quite a variation with expo booths including ROG, JBL, Bluemouth and Allied Gaming. Here's a list of everything that was there PAX AU
And in case you wanted to catch up or if you missed it, you can also check out PAX on twitch for live streams of the event.
Panels
While there was a good variation of diverse panels to go to, there were quite a few panels of my interest that clashed. So, I wasn't able to see everything I wanted to check out. Panels ranged from Storytime with Shuhei Yoshida, Video game hot takes featuring hot chillies, How to Pitch a game featuring Devolver, trivia based panels and even panels with science behind video games! Of course it was impossible to check out every single one, but it was good to see a variation of different things.
In the spare time when I wasn't busy with other things though, I did thankfully still manage to catch;
Press Start's What The Wiki Game Show Extravaganza
ABC Gamer Trivia: What's the worst that could happen?
Let's Talk Spicy Mass Effect Characters: Defend your love (This one was particularly hilarious)
Being a woman in Gaming with the TOS girls
Chatting with Inferno Gaming
I enjoyed all the panels and people I met, and it was just great to see the gaming community together again. Here's a list of all the panels and things that went on
And then just like that, the weekend was over and back to Adelaide I went. There were still a few things I didn't get to check out or play - but I was just happy even to be there and with what I did check out. Overall, the PAX team did an incredible job organising everything and putting together Australia's largest gaming expo in person after 2 long years. Thank you to everyone involved - I hope you can rest for a while now.
This was also my first PAX representing Gaming Australia, so I was over the moon and extremley overwhelmed (but so worth it). I can't wait to see what's in store for next year. Until the next time, keep safe, be kind and happy gaming!
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