PAX West 2024: Day 1 Overview
It's that time of year again when the Seattle Convention Center (both the Arch and Summit buildings) transforms into a mecca for gamers and indie developers alike. PAX West 2024 kicked off with a bang, and as usual, the energy was palpable from the moment the doors opened. With a packed agenda, I knew I had to hit the ground running if I wanted to make the most of the day. Fellow contributors Sam Kahn and Elliot Karlin were equally busy, so you can expect their insights in separate posts. For my part, I dove into the excitement headfirst, starting with one of the most highly anticipated titles of the event: Monster Hunter Wilds.
Monster Hunter Wilds: A Hunt Worth the Wait
When I arrived at Capcom's booth during the Media Hour, it was already clear that Monster Hunter Wilds would be a major draw. Even with the exclusive media access, the line was steadily growing, a testament to the anticipation surrounding the latest entry in the beloved Monster Hunter series. As someone who has spent countless hours chasing down ferocious creatures in previous installments, I was eager to see what new challenges awaited in this upcoming release.
From the moment I picked up the controller, Monster Hunter Wilds did not disappoint. The demo opened with a stunning cinematic sequence, setting the tone for the epic adventure ahead. The game's visuals are breathtaking, with expansive, lush environments that make the world feel alive and immersive. Voice acting, too, was top-notch, adding an extra layer of depth to the characters and narrative.
Armed with a classic sword and shield build, I embarked on my first hunt. The combat was instantly familiar, yet layered with new mechanics that promise to reward seasoned players. The controls remain intuitive, allowing newcomers to jump in without feeling overwhelmed, while veterans will appreciate the subtle complexities that come with mastering different weapon types and strategies. The stages in the demo were massive, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and strategy as I tracked down my prey.
However, as impressive as the demo was, it's worth noting the logistical challenges that come with its popularity. Even during the relatively quiet Media Hour, the wait was significant. For general attendees, the line could easily stretch to a 2-4 hour wait for a 20-30 minute demo. While the exclusive Monster Hunter Wilds pin offered to those who completed the demo might sweeten the deal, it's something to consider for those with limited time.
Alterium Shift: A Nostalgic Trip Back to the Golden Age of JRPGs
After wrapping up my hunt, I made my way to try out Alterium Shift, a classically designed JRPG that wears its influences on its sleeve. With a pixelated aesthetic reminiscent of the earliest Final Fantasy titles, this game is a love letter to the golden age of JRPGs. The demo offered a choice between three main protagonists, each with their own branching narrative. This structure immediately brought to mind Octopath Traveler, though in Alterium Shift, the stories eventually converge, adding a unique twist to the formula.
The combat was a blast, capturing the essence of turn-based battles with a modern touch. One feature that stood out was the inclusion of a "CRT Mode," which adds scanlines and a slightly curved screen effect, further enhancing the nostalgic experience. It’s a small touch, but one that hardcore fans of retro games will surely appreciate.
That said, I did have one minor gripe: the camera felt too zoomed in by default. It made the experience feel a bit off, especially during exploration. I’m hoping this is something the developers will address before the full release, as it slightly detracted from the otherwise enjoyable experience.
Pizza Bandit: A Tasty New Take on the "Cooker-Shooter" Genre
Next on my list was Pizza Bandit, a game that I'll be covering in more detail in a separate PAX West Spotlight. But for now, let me just say that this "cooker-shooter" is shaping up to be something special. Combining frantic cooking mechanics with fast-paced shooting action, Pizza Bandit delivers a unique and highly entertaining experience. Keep an eye out for my full impressions, as this one is sure to make waves once it officially launches.
Nippon Ichi Software: A Trio of Titles to Watch
My next stop was the Nippon Ichi Software (NIS) booth, where I had the chance to check out three upcoming titles: Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, Reynatis, and Ys X: Nordics.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero
It’s been 20 years since the last Phantom Brave title, and the return of the franchise with The Lost Hero did not disappoint. The game offers a surprising amount of mobility and strategic depth, which took me a few rounds to fully grasp. But once I got into the swing of things, I was reminded of why I spent so many hours with Disgaea and Phantom Brave back in the late '90s and early 2000s. Fans of the original are in for a treat, as this new entry captures the spirit of the series while introducing enough new elements to keep things fresh.
Reynatis
Next up was Reynatis, a unique third-person action title that intrigued me with its unconventional gameplay mechanics. In Reynatis, you control a pair of wizards who must conceal their magical abilities due to the stigma attached to wielding magic. The gameplay revolves around managing your magic gauge, which depletes as you use spells. Once your gauge is empty, you’re left vulnerable, requiring skillful dodging and maneuvering to absorb excess mana and resume your powerful attacks.
The flow of gameplay was interesting, though it took a bit of time to fully appreciate the strategic balance required. It’s a game that I’m eager to spend more time with, as I feel like there’s a lot more depth to uncover.
Ys X: Nordics
Finally, I got my hands on Ys X: Nordics, the latest adventure featuring the series’ iconic red-headed hero, Adol. This time around, Adol is joined by a new ally, Karja Balta, and the game introduces a unique "linked" maneuver system that allows the two characters to execute powerful attacks together. Unlike previous Ys games, where you could control a variety of characters, Ys X focuses on the dynamic between Adol and Karja, encouraging players to switch between them to take advantage of their unique abilities.
One of the highlights of the demo was the block/parry mechanic, which, when executed correctly, opens the door to some incredibly satisfying takedown animations. The emphasis on timing and strategy adds a layer of complexity that makes the combat both challenging and rewarding. Overall, my time with Ys X: Nordics was a blast, and I left the NIS booth excited for the full release.
A Dumpling Break and Afternoon Demos
After an intense morning of demos, I took a break to refuel with some delicious dumplings. The energy at PAX West is infectious, and even during lunch, it was clear that everyone was buzzing with excitement about the games on display.
The afternoon saw me diving into a handful of additional demos, including Ender Magnolia, The Chronos Event, Let's Build a Dungeon Game Dev Simulator, and Fowl Damage. Each of these titles brought something unique to the table, and I’ll be diving deeper into them in separate PAX West Spotlight pieces. Suffice it to say, there’s a lot to look forward to from these developers.
Wrapping Up Day 1
All in all, Day 1 at PAX West 2024 was a whirlwind of incredible games and unforgettable experiences. From the exhilarating hunts in Monster Hunter Wilds to the nostalgic journey of Alterium Shift, and the strategic challenges in Ys X: Nordics, there was no shortage of highlights. I’m eager to see what the rest of the weekend has in store, and I’ll be back with more coverage, including a sneak peek at some upcoming Square Enix titles. Stay tuned!
