Exciting Highlights from PAX West 2026: Konami's Return and New Game Discoveries

The recent PAX West 2026 showcased a vibrant array of new gaming experiences, solidifying its reputation as a hotspot for game enthusiasts. Notably, this year's event marked Konami's first appearance in the U.S. in quite some time, adding an extra layer of excitement.

This year’s offerings were eclectic, featuring a blend of nostalgic favorites and innovative new titles. Here’s a closer look at some standout experiences from the show.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

One of the standout moments at the event was experiencing the upcoming Castlevania entry, Belmont’s Curse, crafted by Evil Empire—the studio behind hits like Dead Cells. Spending 30 minutes with the title turned out to be a thrill.

After its February announcement, I had my concerns about the possible integration of rogue-like mechanics that had characterized other recent titles. However, gameplay confirmed that Belmont’s Curse maintains the beloved non-linear exploration and progression reminiscent of the classic 2D Castlevania installments.

The game stands out for its responsive controls and combat system that feels invigorating yet familiar. There's a noticeable pace—slightly quicker than the original games—striking a balance that captures the essence of Castlevania without devolving into the frantic chaos found in Dead Cells.

What impressed me most was how the game synthesizes elements from classics such as Super Castlevania 4, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, and even Mirror of Fate. It feels like a modern homage while carving out its unique identity.

Aesthetically, Konami went above and beyond with their booth. Walking through it was akin to stepping into a haunted castle, complete with a stunning replica of the spinning cross weapon, handcrafted by a skilled armorer. It was a spectacle.

With Belmont’s Curse launching on October 15th, it’s definitely a title to watch. Be sure to check back for our detailed review post-launch.

Silent Hill: Townfall

Silent Hill: Townfall provided an immersive, walk-through experience that brought players into the haunting atmosphere of St. Amelia, a fictional Scottish town. Visitors were greeted with an elaborate set design featuring various props that recreated the game’s eerie ambiance.

Among the highlights was a unique phone booth where attendees could interact with characters from the game, grasping a glimpse into the story’s depth. The surrounding video devices and radios crafted an authentic Silent Hill eeriness, transporting us deep into the narrative.

Speaking to the art director was insightful; they emphasized how the architecture reflects Scottish heritage while retaining the hallmark macabre elements central to the series, promising fans a familiar yet distinct experience.

Expect a review of Townfall soon as it prepares for release on September 24, which is just around the corner!

Voidwood

We also dived into Voidwood, an engaging co-op multiplayer horror game where players embody four children trapped in a sinister forest. Together, they'll need to gather resources and strategize their way through menacing creatures while aiming to complete a ritual for escape.

The game introduces inventive mechanics, like utilizing the indestructible boss monster that has acute hearing—players can actually divert its attention by talking or yelling, adding a layer of strategy to the game. It’s a unique twist on teamwork and survival.

The blend of cute and creepy aesthetics gives Voidwood its own identity in the crowded horror genre. I found my time spent with the game to be immensely enjoyable, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming public playtest. You can wishlist Voidwood on Steam for more details.

The Final Cut of Lilith Cunningham

The Final Cut of Lilith Cunningham, from Causeway Studios, captivated me with its initial 30 minutes of gameplay, blending live-action cutscenes into its storytelling. The game evokes the eerie vibes of titles like Alan Wake 2 and draws from the styles of David Lynch, creating a unique narrative experience.

This is a direct sequel to their previous title, focusing on a three-generation saga of women haunted by unseen forces. Its exploration mechanics are intriguing, manipulating timelines and objects while delving deep into the narrative through various forms of media.

It's refreshing to see a game center around an older woman protagonist, lending the narrative an immersive quality that sets it apart in video game storytelling. For fans of mysteries, The Final Cut of Lilith Cunningham is one to watch. You can wishlist it on Steam now, with expectations set for a 2027 launch.

Inkblood

Inkblood has emerged as an interesting new title from Critical Reflex. This medieval point-and-click adventure game features stunning hand-drawn visuals with morbid undertones and intricate detective work that kept me engrossed throughout my time with it.

Thoroughly exploring the vibrant scenes while solving deduction puzzles is genuinely engaging. The unique medieval angle combined with compelling gameplay mechanics ensured I never wanted to stop playing. Expect to see more of Inkblood when it launches in 2026, but for now, you can check it out on Steam.

No, I’m Not A Human (IRL)

After enjoying Inkblood, I encountered an inventive immersive experience tied to No, I’m Not A Human. The creators constructed a real-world version of the game environment that captures the unsettling essence of the original.

NINAH thrusts players into a dystopian scenario where unwelcome monsters threaten as they disguise themselves as humans. The physical doorway at the booth, complete with a peephole, offered a fully interactive encounter with real-time visuals that enhanced the experience.

Participants could evaluate the “visitors” through the peephole, deciding whether to allow them in or take action. This engaging setup drew in crowds, providing a fresh take on interaction with games.

This installation won’t tour further but will find a permanent home at Ukiyo Studios’ upcoming game bar in Tokyo. If you’re in Japan, it’s the perfect place to grab a drink and check out indie games.

Wolfhound

BitKid Games, known for their challenging Metroidvania Chasm, displayed Wolfhound, an intriguing new project featuring an 8-bit aesthetic blended with World War II themes and elements of horror. It’s a fresh twist that feels like a darker, more intense mix of Metroid and Bionic Commando.

My 20-minute demo with Wolfhound left me excited about its potential; the gameplay was fast-paced and engaging, which solidified its place on my watchlist. You can check out Wolfhound on Steam for updates ahead of release.

Cresata

Cresata is a promising addition in the world of dark, medieval Metroidvania games, showcasing intricate platforming and a unique blend of 2D sprites with rotating PS1-style 3D environments. The scrolling sections are visually arresting and innovative.

The challenging combat and platforming mechanics are coupled with intense boss battles, making every encounter thrilling and rewarding. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Cresata and look forward to its continued development. You can check it out on Steam now.

Deperson

A visit to the booth for Deperson, the debut title from developer Error Thing, offered a captivating and complex experience. It’s a point-and-click psychological horror game that touches on mental health, reminiscent of Fran Bow and Neverending Nightmares.

Visually striking and deeply unsettling, Deperson has already gained accolades from earlier showcases. If you’re intrigued by the concept, you can check out a demo and wishlist Deperson on Steam now. Anticipation is building for its expected release in late 2026.

Crowsworn

Newcomers Mongoose Rodeo showcased Crowsworn, a game inspired by Hollow Knight. It features beautifully hand-drawn art, intricate combat, and platforming. Despite surface similarities to Hollow Knight, the gameplay felt distinct and an improvement over certain aspects that didn’t resonate well with me in the original.

I'll continue tracking Crowsworn as it approaches its release; you can follow its development on Steam or on Xbox where no release date has been confirmed yet.

Name of the Will

Name of the Will is a psychological horror mystery by Zeitgeist Studios, featuring a unique point-and-click puzzle style. It places players in the shoes of a young boy entangled in a cult that imposes "true happiness" through bizarre practices.

The game’s unsettling art style pairs excellently with its disturbing themes and nonlinear storytelling. If you appreciate thought-provoking horror, this title is worth your attention. There’s a demo available on Steam, and it hints at a launch in early 2027.

Thief: The Dark Project Remastered

Lastly, my time with the remastered version of the seminal stealth game, Thief: The Dark Project, blew me away. Nightdive Studios has painstakingly modernized this classic which remains fundamental to stealth gameplay. The enhancements to visuals and sound are crucial for appreciating the original’s gameplay dynamics.

Playing with updated binaural audio and adaptive controls enriched the experience, especially considering the original’s reliance on light and sound. Bringing this classic to modern consoles is a commendable move towards inclusivity—allowing a new generation to experience a genre-defining title. You can wishlist it on Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox with a release slated for later this year.

As we wrap up another dynamic year at PAX West, gratitude goes out to the organizers and developers who made it possible for us to glimpse an exciting lineup of upcoming titles. There’s much to anticipate in the horror genre and beyond!

The post Rely On Horror’s PAX West 2026 Round-up appeared first on Rely on Horror.