PAX Rising - The Indie Games of PAX AUS 2024
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PAX Rising - The Indie Games of PAX AUS 2024 (CONT...)
Me, You and Kaiju - Sleepy Coast Games
VR games are heaps of fun…but not so much fun for the rest of the family or your friends who are sitting bored on the couch spectating whilst you have your turn. Me, You and Kaiju solves this issue by having the non-VR users become the defenders in an action-packed, asymmetric, local-multiplayer party game. The VR gamer takes on the role of the Kaiju, a giant monster that is terrorising the city, whilst the four non-VR gamers take control of various vehicles to take down the Kaiju in split-screen action.
Currently in development for Steam since February (with a targeted end-of-2025 release), the game has simple controls that everyone in the family will be able to use (although controlling the helicopter can be tougher than other vehicles). The game has four different game modes and a variety of maps ensuring that players will keep coming back for more Kaiju action.
Wishlist Me, You and Kaiju on Steam
Which Way Up: Galaxy Games - Turtle Flip Studio
Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is a four player party game for players of all ages. With twelve different mini games, players will perform graceful gravity gymnastics, outrun the relentless pull of a black hole, and launch their friends into space as they compete across multiple events in the Galaxy Games.
The game features four cute characters and bright visuals - inspired by Nintendo style games such as Super Mario Galaxy - which will immediately attract a younger audience. The simple, accessible controls further accentuate this as do the quick and fun mini games. There is also a single-player adventure that has players rescuing the other characters in the game. This adventure mode acts as a pseudo tutorial or can be used to practise your skills. With an expected release window of Q1 2025 on Steam and Switch, we can't wait to compete in the Galaxy Games.
Try out the demo now, or Wishlist Which Way Up: Galaxy Games on Steam
Dungeons and Dining Tables - Catalyst Games Pty Ltd
Dungeons and Dining Tables has players taking on the role of an Axolotl in this cosy action RPG. Players will delve into dungeons and will hack and slash their way to various treasures - which just so happen to be furniture. With this furniture, our Axolotl hero will be able to fit out their cosy abode. With each chair, dresser or dining table that is placed, the cosier the home becomes, boosting our heroes’ abilities.
The game, which has been in development for about 18 months, has beautiful stylised visuals and a cute unique main character that will appeal to most gamers. This Animal Crossing meets Diablo game is hoping for a Steam release around the end of 2025. We'll definitely be keeping an eye on this one.
Wishlist Dungeons and Dining Tables on Steam
Max Mustard - Toast Interactive
Max Mustard is a VR platformer with a gorgeous Crash Bandicoot vibe that has players controlling the titular character, Max - a famous inventor known for her outrageous equipment. Players will explore the vibrant 3D world in search of a manipulative mastermind. Stubbins, the game's antagonist, has been capturing the adorable creatures roaming the Max Mustard realm.
With 40 unique levels, players will help rescue these creatures known as mudpups from Stubbins before it's too late. Max will use her power boot along with other useful contraptions to jump and shoot her way through the levels and players will even take part in VR mini-games that will test players skills. Already released for Meta Quest, this AGDA winner will be heading to Steam shortly.
Wishlist Max Mustard on Steam, or pick it up on Meta Quest.
Adaptory - StormCloak Games (NZ)
Adaptory has come a long way in the last twelve months since PAX AUS last year, and has seen updates and improvements in the new systems, art, gameplay, and quality-of-life improvements. Amongst other things, the game has a cleaner and much improved user interface, characters now have the ability to grow more food types, the developers have added a hunger mechanic for the survivors as well as improved animations and the ability to set goals for your explorers.
The aim of the game still remains the same - keeping your crew of four distinct explorers alive long enough to figure a way back home.
Try out the demo now, or Wishlist Adaptory on Steam