S1E83 - Best of PAX West 2026 [ft. Bret Griffen] (Episode 83)
Summary
Hosts Luke Lewis, Jacob McCourt, and Clara Lewis, joined by guest Brett Griffin, discuss their experiences at PAX West, critiquing the show floor layout and the cramped indie incubator area. They highlight standout titles including WrestleStory, Lazy River, and Double Fine’s Thank You Bus Driver, while also recommending Abyssal Merge, Giga Turtles, and I Need Space. The group shares their enthusiasm for these indie games, noting their unique mechanics and charm, and reflects on the evolving landscape of gaming conventions.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest Brett from Relatively Gaming
PAX West impressions: layout, crowds, and personal spending
Critique of PAX West booth sizes and indie representation
WrestleStory: wrestling RPG gameplay and highlights
Costume Quest vibes and indie game excitement
Lazy River: co-op survival and zombie combat demo
Thank You Bus Driver: Double Fine's quirky driving sim
Abyssal Merge: roguelike fishing and quick-run gameplay
Killer Queen: fast-paced card battler and build variety
I Need Space: rhythm game with charming dialogue and art
Co-op platformer with human companion and dark themes
Mystery walking sim with FMV cutscenes and corkboard clues
Polyfighter: single-player roguelike fighting game
Speed round: Claytime, Blue Bayou, and Godzilla Melee
Lightning round: dog finding game and Ladder Lad
Dream Painters and first-person Souls-like demo
Alice in Wonderland, poker games, and Hades 2 speedrun
Joseph Hooper joins: PAX West scale and industry trends
Rebounder: art direction and gameplay analysis
Claire's picks: puzzle game and Dungeon Lurker
Belmont's Curse: Castlevania license and combat feel
Stepwell and Ninja Gaiden-inspired action game
Photogrammetry horror game and narrative structure
Fractured Blooms: gardening sim with horror elements
Final shoutouts, plugs, and outro
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