The best games played at PAX West 2026
Photo credit: Terrance Pryor
PAX West 2026 delivered a plethora of games throughout the four-day event. Here’s our list of some great games we played at the popular convention. Our photos from PAX West 2026 can be seen here. PAX West returns next year from September 3 through September 6. More information about PAX West can be found here.
Mutant Football League Gwar DLC
Iconic rock band GWAR will head to the football field thanks to Mutant Football League 2 in October. We got a chance to test out the new team in a friendly game against Michael Mendheim of Digital Dreams Entertainment. According to Mendheim, GWAR wanted the team to be the toughest in the game, and the end result is an unstoppable force on the field. In the end of our friendly battle, Mendheim secured the victory but not before losing 18 characters throughout the match. This will be the third musical collaboration for Mutant Football League 2 following Gerard “HipHopGamer” Williams and Lil' Flip. Mutant Football League 2 is out now on consoles and PC.
Take That Mainstage!
Take That Mainstage! joins the rising number of music-themed games hitting the scene today. Reminiscent of Rising Star, the music sim gives you the chance to become the next big rock star, but you'll have to start from scratch in the local music scene. Earn money from work to purchase new gear to help make your performance shine. Performing on stage is the true test as players must deliver a pitch perfect song by hitting the correct keys or else they'll upset the crowd. Take That Mainstage! has no set release date, but you can wishlist it on Steam for further updates.
Piroker
Piroker combines the pirate life with poker for a swashbuckling card game. The goal of the game is being the last person standing, and you'll need the right hand to take down your opponents. Earning a pair, straight, or royal flush will deliver damage to those around you. Throughout the match, special relics can be acquired to increase damage and secure your spot as the top pirate. Piroker has no announced release date, but playtests will be available on Steam in the future.
Wrestle Story
Another wrestling RPG is hitting the squared circle in the future. Wrestle Story follows a wrestler of your creation traversing in a world filled with rivals with hopes of being the first-ever Undisputed Champion. Reminiscent of Dodgeball Academia, the gameplay focuses on timing button presses just right in order to deal more or take less damage. You can dazzle your opponents with powerful solo moves or inflict major pain alongside your tag team partner with team-up moves. A Kickstarter for Wrestle Story can be found here. The game can be wishlisted on Steam right now here.
War of the Western Deep
Based on the comic series Beyond the Western Deep, narrative adventure game War of the Western Deep easily wins for the most visually impressive game seen at PAX West 2026. Its hand drawn animation by Knights of the Light Table (Neon Odyssey, Magnum Bullets, Starlight Brigade) makes you feel as if you're playing in a 80s animated film especially during fight sequences. A demo for War of the Western Deep can be played on Steam right now here. No release date has been revealed yet.
Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered
After years of requests, Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee will make the jump to modern consoles and PC on November 3. Originally released in 2002, the fighting game became a fan-favorite with Godzilla fans worldwide. We had a chance to test out the remastered version, and it runs smoothly on Unreal Engine 5. It felt like being back in high school destroying buildings while engaging in combat with a fellow titan. Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered is destined to be a surefire hit for longtime fans of the game and folks looking to dive into it for the first time. Could this potentially be a side tournament for EVO next year? Wishlists and pre-orders for the game can be made here.
Honorable mentions
Since 2009, MP3s and NPCs owner Terrance Pryor has written about music, conventions, cosplay, and video games for publications such as AXS, Examiner, Fake Walls, and Ranker. Based out of Los Angeles, the former rock concert promoter/radio host can be seen talking about rock music on AXS TV’s Music’s Greatest Mysteries and discussing music and whatever else on their Black Man Talks Rock channel on YouTube.