PAX Australia 2026: Alien Isolation 2, Persona 4 Revival & Our Favourite Games [Arcade Couch Podcast]

We’re reflecting on our time at PAX AUS 2026 & MIGW!

SHOW DOT POINTS

• PAX Melbourne drew around 90,000 attendees on Friday.
• The indie section had more space, allowing for better crowd management.
• Community engagement at PAX offered attendees a different experience.
• The TCG market has grown exponentially since COVID.
• The Game Awards faced criticism regarding their nomination process.
• Big events were noticeably lacking during Melbourne International Games Week.
• The hosts felt fatigued by the end of the week, underscoring the event’s intensity.
• Hands-on experiences with new games revealed mixed feelings about gameplay mechanics.
• The hosts said they want more space for TCGs at future events.
• Overall, PAX was a good time with lots of cool stuff to explore. Stranger Peasant’s health bar is record-themed.
• Learning to block and dodge is crucial in gameplay.
• The game feels heavier than typical Yakuza games.
• Persona 4 Revival features updated graphics and combat.
• The new monitors at the Persona booth had privacy screens.
• Total Warhammer 40K appeals to franchise fans.
• Nintendo Switch Sports Resort offers a variety of engaging sports.
• Fun Wars is surprisingly enjoyable despite initial scepticism.
• Alien Isolation 2 looks promising and is nearly ready for release.
• The demo experience can vary widely depending on how you play. The demo for Alien Isolation’s sequel offers a unique exploration experience.
• Mission Delta stood out as a top indie game at PAX Oz.
• Co-op gameplay in Finch and Archie adds a fun twist to detective games.
• Innovative puzzle mechanics can create engaging gameplay experiences.
• Real Life Party combines FMV with quirky humour for a unique narrative.
• Cozy Game Restoration taps into classic gaming nostalgia.
• Roguelite elements can enhance traditional genres like pinball.
• Hellheartbreaker blends dating sims with action-RPG mechanics.
• Upcoming game releases are shaping the gaming landscape for November.
• GTA 6’s release is anticipated to significantly impact the industry.

YOUR HOSTS
🎙️ Dylan Blight
🎙️ Ashley Hobley
🎙️ Ciaran Marchant

CREDITS

• 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
• 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
• 🎨 Artwork: Explosion Network
• 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM

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