12 Best Steam Next Fest Demos You Need to Try Out
Jun. 20, 2023One thing to clear out is that we have numbered this list based on games I have tried. We are not ranking them based on their gameplay, as it is too early to judge any of these games from the demos. However, all the games featured in this list are the ones I enjoyed playing at 5AM after the event went live.
1. Venba
Give this game a playthrough and add it to your wishlist. Additionally, I don’t want to spoil the experience in the demo, so go in blind and enjoy some soothing Tamil music while you make that perfect Idli.
Try outVenba
The raw gameplay of Fortune’s Run reminded me of various games. From crouch-jumping added in Half-Life to immersive sim gameplay, where you can kill enemies your way, Fortune’s Run has everything. Furthermore, the game is heavily inspired by retro games, down to the cutscenes. However, do not be fooled by that, as this is a feature-rich experience, and the three hours in the demo deserve a playthrough for sure. Did I tell you how you ricochet lasers and bullets using a Katana?
Try outFortune’s Run
I never expected two game studios known for popularizing the current retro boom in Indie space to shake hands and remaster one of the classic shooters.
Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition sees the operatives of HUNT returning with glorious modern-day features like full KB/M and controller support, 4K and Ultrawide resolution support, unlimited frame rates, and three different versions of soundtracks. Furthermore, this version of ROTT also features a new episode made by New Blood, Nightdive Interactive, and Apogee Veterans, new HUD and weapons sounds, and restored content.
The Steam Next Fest demo dubbed the “shareware version” features everything the final release will offer. As for playable levels, you can try the first level from each episode in the game. This release deserves its ludicrous title, and if the demo is any indication, the developers put a lot of love into the game.
Try outRise of the Triad Ludicrous Edition
Ah yes, HyperStrange. A publisher that is near and dear to my heart, thanks to their unique catalog of games. And NecroGolf is yet another one in their already modest catalog of titles. Developed by Sleepwalking Potatoes and published by HyperStrange, the goal of this game is simple – score a hole in a golf match.
However, the developers added a twist to the game and put zombies out to kill you mid-game, which can only die from a headshot using the golf ball. The game allows you to purchase various kinds of balls with status effects, and while the controls can be improved a bit, NecroGolf is fun. Very fun.
Try outNecroGolf
The HD Remaster of the cult-classic Nintendo DS title, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, puts the players in the shoes of a dead detective as he tries to solve his murder while protecting others. The original game is known for its quirky gameplay and unique puzzle system, and this release plans to bring all that goodness in high-definition.
This Steam Next Fest game demo features the first few hours, giving players a taste of what the final game will house. Furthermore, if you have played the Ace Attorney titles by Capcom, you would love this. This was the pet project of the creator of Ace Attorney, and the game featured some of the prolific staff of Capcom, returning for this release. Seriously, do not sleep on this demo.
Try outGhost Trick: Phantom Detective
While most city builders dominate flat surfaces, Laysara: the Summit Kingdom asks you tobuild a thriving community around a hill. Inspired by the architectural prowess of regions like Tibet, you create a fully-functioning community.
You start by building houses for several different clans and progress to making trade routes for items and protection from the occasional avalanches. Everything is done around the hills. While the demo only features one hill map, the final early-access launch will have a few more of them. And I cannot wait to get my hands on the full game when it launches.
Try outLaysara: Summit Kingdom
I am thankful for games like BPM: Bullets Per Minutes and Metal Hellsinger. They made rhythm shooters a reality, bringing in some memorable gameplay experiences. Robobeat takes the perfected aspects of both these games and creates a fast, fluid experience that left me replaying it numerous times.
The demo features a few levels the final game will contain, the rogue-lite gameplay, some sick electro-music, and the fast gameplay. One thing I love about Robobeat is that the gamedoesn’t penalize you for missing beats. Of course, while all the shots are always on the music beat, you can end a room by following the rhythm or just being an FPS god.
The demo certainly left me wanting more. And if the developer can pull off the custom soundtrack feature, this could become one of my favorite rhythm shooters. Give the demo a try.
Try outRobobeat
Kitty cats. The sweetest, yet the menace of an animal living around you. And while Stray gave us a pleasant storyline where we played as a cat, we were confined to an otherwise linear experience. Little Kitty, Big City aims to fix that.
Try outLittle Kitty, Big City
A survival game where you regreen a desert world, Wildmender brings fun gameplay along with a cutesy art style. While survival is the first and foremost gameplay plan here, the other thing Wildmender does is add a gardening feature to the game. Which, by the way, you can do with your friends in co-op.
When not surviving and farming, you can explore the desert to find mysteries, unlock powerful tools, and learn the world’s lore. The demo has sufficient content to understand how the final game will be and a title worth spending some hours in.
Try outWildmender
Torture Star Video embraces their grindhouse inspirations to the heart. And Sniper Killer is no different. While their previously published titles included serial killers, Sniper Killer puts you in the shoes of a serial killer.
Try outSniper Killer
Oriental horror is another of my favorite elements in video games. Without a doubt, Fireworks, Detention, and even Devotion have always been some of my comfort games, and while Sanfu is releasing next month without an English translation, To The Grave comes around in the meanwhile.
The demo features a tense atmosphere, embracing the East Asian legends, a slice of the final game, andbeautiful 2D art and gameplay. Furthermore, the game plans to tell a story that involves the past and the present, allowing us to explore both. A must-try if you are looking for a horror game.
Try outTo The Grave
Puppet Combo released a slasher horror title called Power Drill Massacre years back. While Murderhouse and Stay Out of The House got cult status among horror game fans, Power Drill Massacre never saw a release on Steam and was stuck on Patreon. However, it seems that we might be getting a look at it soon.
The Steam release of Power Drill Massacre brings added content to the original game, such as new areas, new endings, better controls, and more. Furthermore, Puppet Combo is also revamping the gameplay to add puzzles and an inventory system. Puppet Combo also released a demo for Steam Next Fest, showcasing some of these changes.
Yet another game that is worth your time if you are looking for a horror game. And while you are at it, try other titles by Puppet Combo.
Try outPower Drill Massacre
The reason why we haven’t added Lies of P to the main list is that the demo has been out on Steam for a couple of weeks. However, since the game is officially part of Steam Next Fest, we are adding this as a bonus title.
Lies of P is a Souls-likeAction RPGthatreimagines the story of Pinnochioin a more realistic, darker setting. The game forces you to venture into the city of Krat, overrun by the puppets the place was known for. The game takes heavy inspiration from steampunk aesthetics, incorporating it in every crevice of the game’s design. Furthermore, Lies of P features fast-paced combat that is nail-biting and intense and a unique weapon crafting system.
The demo features the first section of Krat and a boss fight for you to conquer. Download the demo if you want to enjoy the experience and prepare yourself before the September launch.
Try outLies of P
Meet Sampad, Beebom’s in-house video game enthusiast and writer. With two years of freelance experience, he has passionately crafted articles about the games he loves. You can find his writings on Sportskeeda, Gamingbolt, and GGTalks.
During work hours, he covers the latest gaming news, creates how-to guides, and occasionally shares video game reviews. In his free time, he enjoys building Gundam model kits, planning his next cosplay, and play his favorite RPG games.
