The Steam Next Fest showcased an impressive array of game demos, offering a glimpse into the future of gaming. As I delved into 83 demos, my mind became a swirling blend of game mechanics and creative worlds. From monster trains to eco-friendly survival games, the variety was both overwhelming and exhilarating. Below, you’ll find a collection of brief reviews on 70 standout demos that caught my attention and left a lasting impression.
Engaging Adventures and Creative Concepts
Monster Train 2, a sequel to the popular original, offers a more complex gameplay experience for fans of the franchise. The blend of Noita and Factorio in Sandustry creates an intriguing pixel-physics factory game that promises hours of entertainment. Meanwhile, Deliver At All Costs introduces a unique concept of delivering packages amidst crafting gadgets for your delivery truck, adding a fun twist to the gameplay.
As I navigated through the demos, Machine Mind stood out with its Borderlands-style wasteland setting, focusing on automating resource gathering and base defense. In contrast, Solarpunk’s survival game with an eco-friendly theme fell short, lacking depth beneath its glossy surface. Tempest Rising attempted to revive the spirit of classics like Command & Conquer, showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of the genre.
Innovative Gameplay and Whimsical Worlds
RoadCraft surprised me with its laid-back approach to big truck logistics, a departure from traditional vehicle simulation games. Grit and Valor – 1949 offered a promising diesel-punk mech micro-RTS experience, allowing players to control a handful of units on tiny battlefields. Drop Duchy, a tile-plopping city builder demo, displayed potential despite struggling with randomization issues.
Among the demos, Is This Seat Taken? stood out as an adorable logic puzzler, challenging players to fit needy characters into specific seats. Urban Jungle offered a relaxing experience of maximizing houseplants in a tiny apartment, blending simplicity with charm. Dagger Directive’s deliberate lo-fi style as an Operation Flashpoint successor intrigued me, showcasing the developer’s unique vision.
Compelling Stories and Thrilling Adventures
Starless Abyss, a deckbuilder game about sci-fi scientists and occultists battling eldritch horrors, captured my attention with its thematic richness and challenging gameplay. Wanderstop, a life sim from the developer of Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide, delivered a wholesome experience worth exploring. Fumes, a lo-fi vehicular combat game, came close to making it into my top five picks, standing out with its engaging gameplay and unique concept.
As I journeyed through the demos, I couldn’t help but appreciate the creativity and diversity of experiences offered by developers. From fantasy mecha Monster Hunter adventures to quirky city builders, each demo brought something unique to the table. The Steam Next Fest truly showcased the innovation and passion driving the gaming industry forward, promising exciting times ahead for gamers worldwide.
