The PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) events aren’t just known for drawing big game communities, but also various developers and publishers as well. Whether it’s big AAA titles or more savvy independent productions, there’s a lot to see and play at the event, even if you have to wait a little while to get your hands on particular titles.
If you want to know what the best stuff is right away, look no further than our handy little guide. We’ve got ten games that you shouldn’t miss while going through all four days of PAX Prime.
Far Cry 4 (Ubisoft)
Ubisoft will have a huge presence at the event this weekend, including such games as Toy Soldiers: War Chest and the multiplayer racer The Crew. However, Far Cry 4 is a must-play, an open-world adventure that’s bigger and better than the previous efforts. Besides, where else are you going to engage in a firefight with soldiers while riding atop a rugged elephant? Certainly not in Assassin’s Creed…
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor (Warner Bros.)
With the latest Lord of the Rings game set to hit shelves in just a couple of months, you may want to get an idea of what you’re in for with Shadow of Mordor. This open-world adventure game has plenty of enemies to track down, as well as great gameplay that lets you take advantage of stealth just as much as slicing open a few Orc necks. Plus, the growing chain of command gives you no shortage of enemies to hunt down.
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (Square Enix)
Originally announced earlier in the year, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris has presented itself as an enjoyable sequel to the downloadable Guardian of Light. At PAX Prime, you’ll not only be able to go hands-on with the highly anticipated follow-up, but also get to take part in a four-player co-op session, where you and your friends can pummel enemies and loot alike. Who says a treasure hunt is a one-person activity?
Super Smash Bros. (Nintendo)
Nintendo will have a big presence at PAX Prime this year. Along with a dedicated Hyrule Warriors event, the company will have plenty of Super Smash Bros. units for both Wii U and 3DS for players to enjoy. This should be a huge draw for the company, especially with the promise of multiplayer action and, for good measure, maybe even a couple of additional character reveals. Our money’s on Rayman joining the party. After all, he has a Trophy in the game already.
Geometry Wars 3 (Sierra)
Although an official gameplay trailer hasn’t been revealed for it just yet (that’s why we posted the winning clip from Geometry Wars 2 above), Geometry Wars 3 should have no trouble living up to the hype when it becomes playable at the event. Players will experience the thrilling new 3D setting for the game, as well as the addictive twin-stick shooting action that the series has become known for. Expect the competition to be fierce amongst Prima staffers when it releases later this year.
Game 4 (The Behemoth)
We’re still trying to determine just what the heck The Behemoth’s Game 4 actually is, but all we know is that it involves a planet-sized bear wreaking havoc on a community…and that’s good enough for us. Plus, Game 4 gives everyone an excuse to pay a visit to Behemoth’s booth at the show, and check out the Alien Hominid and Castle Crashers arcade cabinets. Count us in.
Tales From the Borderlands (Telltale Games)
Telltale Games won’t have too many games to offer at PAX Prime this year, but the big one to watch out for is Tales From the Borderlands. This spin-off series will have a lot of promise, between the introduction of new characters (mixed in with ones from Borderlands 2) and a compelling story that only the likes of Telltale can deliver. This one should be an adventure worth savoring.
Evolve (2K Games)
Even with its recent delay into 2015, Evolve is easily one of the most anticipated multiplayer games out there. Its presence at PAX Prime should definitely draw huge audiences, whether they prefer playing as a fortified monster or one of the four hunters chasing after it with their special array of weaponry. Expect a big line for this one, but one that’s well worth it.
Dead Island 2 (Deep Silver)
Deep Silver has plenty going on at its booth this year at PAX Prime, but perhaps the biggest draw will be the much-anticipated follow-up in its Dead Island series. This time around, the game should be a lot more fun, with a focus more on killing zombies than a dramatic storyline. Furthermore, there should be a co-op set-up with the game, so you can experience mauling through the undead with your friends. Let’s hope these guys have a mop handy.
Costume Quest 2 (Midnight City)
There will be a ton of great indie games available at PAX Prime, and you should definitely try them out, but make sure you save some room for the long-awaited sequel Costume Quest 2. Featuring a larger world to explore, memorable battles and the level of sense of humor we’ve come to expect from Double Fine (and Midnight City), this should be one title worth trick-or-treating for.
