PAX RISING: THE INDIE GAMES OF PAX AUS Online 2021
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PAX RISING: THE INDIE GAMES OF PAX AUS Online 2021 (CONT...)
Drift (Tabletop) – James Allen
I don’t play a heap of boardgames, so the thought of a racing-themed board game intrigued me. A board of modular tracks is set and then players take turn in moving their vehicles through two laps the course. On each turn, players lay out five (or six if they gain a boost through the collection of Edge Points) interlocking pieces known as TrajecTiles that act as gear changes, with players only allowed to use pieces that are one gear up, one gear down or the same. Each increase in gear allows players to travel further, but with lower gears providing better cornering, a trade-off happens.
Further to that, players gain Edge Points for Drifting (using special Drift and Handbrake Tiles) on certain marked areas of the track. Earning these bonus points will unlock special manoeuvres that can gain a temporary advantage, such as a Nitro Boost that allows players to use an extra piece during their turn or PowerShift that allows players to shift up or down two gears instead of the normal one. These bonuses – inspired by the Need for Speed video game series add a degree of strategy to the game for up to four players.
Check out the virtual version via the Tabletop Simulator on Steam
Mars First Logistics (PC) - Ian MacLarty
Inspired by 1980’s Space Lego and Lego Technic, Mars First Logistics has players designing mechanical creations in order to deliver important cargo across the surface of the newly colonized Martian landscape. Currently containing a mixture of twelve different parts (more still to come), plays build their contraptions similarly to building a Lego model. But each build needs to be specific for each type of cargo. However, once the various parts are unlocked, players are free to create any design they want to get the job done – combining the components in any way they can. Not only do players need to take into account the cargo but need to consider the various landscapes on Mars. Can players create something that will transport the sometimes-delicate cargo over rough terrain without damaging the cargo?
With some cool aesthetics that are not dissimilar to the retro Lego Instruction manuals, and a vast procedurally generated open world, Mars First Logistics has our interest piqued. Combined with the knowledge that players will be able to team up with friends to deliver difficult cargo across the Red Planet in this physics-based delivery game.
Check out and Wishlist Mars First Logistics on Steam
Fantasy Town Regional Manager (PC) – Caps Collective
A city builder with a difference, Fantasy Town Regional Manager has players building up their medieval period town in the hope it will attract adventurers of all types. But of course, in a fantasy world, it is not just adventurers that roam the countryside, and you must prevent monsters from attacking. In a simple turn-based style, players can choose from a selection of cards representing different buildings with their gold and these can be placed within the town limits. Erecting various buildings will attract different classes of traveller to our fair town, increasing the gold that can be gained from those that visit. As each class builds up their presence in the bustling village, players will be able to unlock new rewards.
Humour has clearly been a focus in Fantasy Town Regional Manager, with daily newspapers that have some tongue-in-cheek references to pop culture (both current and historic), and the visual styling gives it a further nod towards not taking itself too seriously. Overall, it has the feeling of a simple, yet addictive town builder for all ages, but one that has enough strategy for those of us who yearn for something more.
Check out and Wishlist Fantasy Town Regional Manager on Steam
Letter Drop (Tabletop) – Cutlass Boardgames
Simply put, Letter Drop is a cross between Connect4 and Scrabble – giving each a fun new twist. Players each begin with a bag of 24 letters – one of every letter bar two. Luckily (or unluckily) their opponent has those two but is missing two that you own. Players draw out seven letters and then alternatively drop a letter into the Connect4 style grid.
Each letter has a point value similar to Scrabble, albeit on a lower scale, with players scoring points for completing words which can contain both yours and your opponent’s tiles. But like Connect4, platers are rewarded for connecting three or more letters of their own – such as three in a row counting as a Double-Letter score. Multiple strategies will evolve depending on the letter you draw and where you can place them. Do you try and complete a long, high-scoring word, or prevent your opponent from doing the same at the expense of a few points? With each letter appearing twice (or once in the case of the letters such as J and Q that are separated between players) it can be a highly strategic affair.
Letter Drop is a game for all ages though, allowing school aged children to combine letters to form words, whilst giving adults a chance to use their vocabulary and strategy.
Look out for Letter Drop shortly on Kick Starter
There were so many great indie titles on show again this year, and although it was disappointing not to have a live event, it was wonderful to chat with the developers and hear their enthusiasm. Here's hoping that we'll be able to catch up with some of them next year in person.