PAX South 2015: Capsule Force, Just Shapes and Beats, Speedrunners

PAX South was a surprisingly good con for local multiplayer games. Given how much consoles seem to be shrugging off local multiplayer, it was wonderful to see so many games designed to be played in a room while screaming at your friends. Here’s a collection of our favorite new games that are sure to drive a rift in your friendships.

Capsule Force

The first time we saw this game was at RTX and it’s only gotten better since. The issues we had last time, namely not being able to tell what was happening on the screen at all times, were all but alleviated this time around. New, more unique characters, clearer environment hazards, and a less cluttered screen all add up to a less muddled experience. It’s still crazy platform-grabbin’, laser beam-shootin’, galaxy-stealin’ fun straight out of an 80s anime, just better. And now that they’ve partnered with Iron Galaxy for publishing, it should really take off in to the mainstream. Be on the lookout for it later this year.

Platforms: PC, PS4

Release Date: Early 2015

Just Shapes and Beats

It’s just a game about shapes and beats, how intense could that be?

SUPER FREAKING INTENSE.

Essentially, you’re one of four shapes trying to avoid pink environmental hazards that show up to the beat of a song. You can play with one all the way up to four players, though trust me, it’s so much more fun with friends. The resulting panic and chaos of pink beams, explosions, and vibrato circles leaves you screaming for help from your teammates, all the while nodding your head to the songs. It’s hard to explain. Take a look at this:

The game also features excellent music from chiptune/house artists like Danimal Cannon. Even if you’re losing horrendously, it’s hard to not enjoy the music and bob your head to the beats/obstacles. There’s no release date or platform yet, but definitely keep an eye on this one.

Platforms: TBD

Release Date: TBD

Speedrunners

What is it with these games and their intenseness? It’s a theme!

Speedrunners is essentially a mix of 2D Mario Kart and Smash Brothers. You choose a character and make laps around a map filled with speed boosts, obstacles, and items. The way you win is by either touching the edge of the screen because you’re so far ahead of everyone, or everyone else behind you touches the other edge of the screen because they’re so far behind. The game quickly becomes one of skill and path optimization at its core, though that’s all thrown out the window with the right items. A quick claw arm grab or in the way box can provide a huge advantage, turning a one sided match into anyone’s game in a matter of seconds.

Though the game has been on Steam in early access for over a year, it’ll soon be released in its full version for both PC and Xbox One. You can buy it now (again, early access) by clicking here. If you can get four friends to play together on a couch, this is one you’ll want to try in various states of sobriety.

Platforms: PC, Xbox One

Release date: Out now for early access, full game early 2015