PAX Aus 2024: Indie Games That Stole My Show

After spending countless hours exploring the indie section at PAX Australia 2024, my top 5 picks changed multiple times. The sheer variety and creativity on display made it incredibly challenging to narrow down my favourites. Each game offered something unique, from stunning graphics to innovative gameplay mechanics, making the decision even tougher.

The indie developers showcased an impressive range of genres and styles, each bringing their own flair and passion to their projects. Whether it was a visually striking platformer, a deeply immersive RPG, or a quirky puzzle game, there was something for everyone. The dedication and hard work of these developers were evident in every detail, making the experience truly memorable.

After much deliberation and several rounds of playing and replaying, here’s what I finally settled on as my top 5 picks:

1. Skiers Landing

Link

Developer: Platypus Peak

A casual skiing game where the goal is to get down the mountain as fast as you can. Expect spectacular crashes, picturesque views, and that one rock that’s always in the way. It’s the skiing time of your life.

My thoughts: This game is a hidden gem for snowboarding fans. One of my biggest pet peeves with skiing games is when checkpoints mess up your flow. Skiers Landing addresses this issue beautifully. The developers have clearly put a lot of thought into making the gameplay smooth and enjoyable. The graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is engaging. Plus, the team is almost ready to release it on Steam, which is exciting news. I can’t wait to see how it evolves.

2. Servonauts

Link

Developer: MAXART Games

You are the Servonauts, a team of enthusiastic and replaceable service station attendants. Work together to refine fuel, build pipelines, and manage mayhem across the galaxy. Launching in 2024!

My thoughts: If you’ve ever rage-quit Overcooked but still crave a fun, cooperative game, Servonauts is for you. It takes the teamwork aspect we love from Overcooked but removes the stressful time clock. This means you and your friends can focus on enjoying the game without the pressure. I played with two randoms and one of the game developers, and it was a blast. The tasks were clear, and the graphics were impressive. It’s a game that encourages collaboration and fun, without the frustration.

3. Super Bawk! Bawk! Chicken

Link

Developer: Daytime Devs

Run, jump, dash, and bawk your way through this quirky infinite runner. As a charming chicken with superpowers, you’ll collect wacky items, catch rowdy rascals, and soar to new high scores.

My thoughts: The branding at PAX immediately drew me to this game. It’s rare to see indie developers put so much effort into their presentation, and it paid off. The game itself is a delightful infinite runner with a twist. You can control your speed, which adds a layer of strategy. Whether you want to dash like the Flash or take it slow, the game accommodates your style. I played it on my Samsung S24, and it was easy to install and play. The quirky items and characters keep you coming back for more.

4. Design and Conjure

Links

Developer: Tiny Kiwi Games

Join Dalia, a young witch, in her cozy adventure to fix her hometown. Reconnect with nature, clean, decorate, solve light puzzles, and help magical creatures affected by mysterious corruption.

My thoughts: This game feels like the update we always wanted for Unpacking. You can place items anywhere, change colours, and even control the weather. It’s incredibly calming and therapeutic. During the demo at PAX, I found myself completely immersed, forgetting I was in a crowded convention centre. The ability to customize your environment to such an extent is a game-changer. It’s a perfect blend of creativity and relaxation.

5. Burger Bois

Link

Developer: Mischief Makers Studio

A food truck simulator game about flavour, not Labor. Design burgers to match your customers’ vague requests, manage your stock, and build up your truck’s reputation.

My thoughts: This was my top pick in the indie area. The game is fun and engaging, focusing on the taste and feedback from customers rather than just making money. The developers are working on making it less error-prone, which shows their commitment to player experience. I had a hilarious moment when I accidentally put spicy jalapenos on a burger instead of pickles. The customer feedback was both funny and helpful. This game has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to see the final product.

Honorable Mentions

• Untethered: Build, operate, survive.
• Guardian Maia: If Tomb Raider was set in New Zealand, I had this in the top 5 until I played others it’s that good would-be 6th for sure.
• Red Echo: Mars was calling, graphics looked good
• Fables of Fur: I like cats and was keen wasn’t available to play
• On Orbit: looked like a fun space game but was no one at booth to test it.
• Death of a Partisan: looked like a game along the lines of the order and I was keen but not the target audience?
• Roving Rovers: can you tell I like space games it seemed cool but just didn’t have the thrill to engage me to it.
• Brides of Bloodbane: The graphics impress and draw you in, but the game itself was repetitive, and I hope they offer more storylines.

The indie section at PAX Australia 2024 was a testament to the incredible talent and creativity within the gaming community. It was a joy to experience such a diverse array of games, each with its own unique charm and appeal. I can’t wait to see how these games evolve and what new surprises the indie scene will bring in the future.