Although Microsoft has been relatively successful in copying Valve’s original[email protected] Demo Fest initiative, but Steam Next Fest is special. It’s also a celebration of good central ideas as millions of enthusiasts flock around Steam to try out relatively small indie titles that garner attention they never dreamed possible.
This is a great idea to draw people to a particular demo and celebrate them. If an indie project has a solid look, a great gimmick or fine mechanics, it’s like Steam Next Fest put it in the spotlight.
I actually threw myself into Steam Next Fest for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. I let my curiosity get the better of me and downloaded a number of exciting demos to experience mostly on my Steam Deck, which I’m spending more and more time in the palm of my hand.
In fact, I’ve had so many great experiences that I’ve decided to put together the best demos I’ve ever had and recommend you put them on your radar. Ok, let’s get started.
moonlight stone island
After Stardew Valley, it’s kind of like the formula was mass-copied, and it’s actually quite easy to come across a solid “Stardew Valley-esque”. Whether it’s Kynseed, My Time at Portia, or something else entirely different.
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I love the Moonstone Island demo, though, a game that captures the glamour, the beauty of setting up routine everyday life and a wonderful world just waiting to be explored.
pizza opossum
Like Untitled Goose Game, the premise behind Pizza Possum is really pretty simple. You are a possum and you have to navigate a small island to find food. You’ll have to alternate between running, hiding, and avoiding guards and dogs while gathering food.
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Watch the trailer and you might be convinced.
Shadow Games: The Cursed Crew
This game is from Mimimi Games, they were previously responsible for Desperados III, and you can get a sense of the tactical depth of that game from here.
It’s actually released on August 17th, so there’s every reason to put it on your Wishlist and check it out as we get closer.
Engard!
Colorful graphics, charming main character, variant of the combat system of the Batman Arkham games, and a great pirate setting. This is En Garde! What was provided, I was immediately hooked on a solid gameplay loop, probably mostly the combat system that made it feel so responsive and personal.
Lear Guard
Imagine Papers, Please in a fantasy setting where it’s mostly about asking people who want something from the town guard. You can contact various members of the town council, cross-check information and more, and it all ties into a Cartoon Network aesthetic that really gets me.
The demo is short, but there’s no question that there’s a strong opening here.
I hope you’ve been inspired not only to attend next year’s Steam Next Fest, but to keep an eye out for these games and check them out when they arrive.
