During the recent Steam Next Fest, I found myself in a whirlwind of game demos, downloading and testing out a multitude of titles in search of the ones that truly stood out. With a strict criteria of giving each demo fifteen minutes to capture my interest, extending to thirty minutes for the more engaging ones, I delved into the world of gaming to uncover the gems hidden within the vast array of offerings. After playing a staggering 83 demos during this year’s Steam Next Fest, I have narrowed down my top five favorites that left a lasting impression on me.
Badlands Crew: A Surprising Gem from Runner Duck
One of the standout demos from Steam Next Fest was Badlands Crew, a game that took me by surprise with its innovative approach to gameplay. Developed by Runner Duck, the masterminds behind Bomber Crew and Spaceship Crew, Badlands Crew immerses players in a post-apocalyptic wasteland setting where they must build and maintain a war rig to navigate through treacherous terrain. The game mechanics involve a mix of strategic decision-making and crew management, as players must fend off enemy attacks while ensuring the survival of their own crew.
What sets Badlands Crew apart from other games is its potential for diverse gameplay experiences within the post-apocalyptic setting. From escorting civilians to taking down marauding gangs, the game offers a range of missions that keep players engaged and challenged. The blend of strategy, action, and resource management makes Badlands Crew a top contender for fans of the genre, promising hours of immersive gameplay in a unique and captivating world.
Skin Deep: An Immersive Sim Like No Other
Skin Deep, developed by Blendo Games, offers a fresh take on the immersive sim genre with its unique premise and gameplay mechanics. In the game, players take on the role of a protagonist who is tasked with reclaiming a spaceship from pirates after being thawed out from frozen storage. Armed with only a pistol and a lack of shoes, players must navigate through the ship, sabotaging security checkpoints and outsmarting enemies to survive.
The game’s emphasis on stealth, subversion, and sabotage adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the gameplay, as players must think on their feet to outwit their adversaries. With a wide range of interactions and possibilities, Skin Deep promises a dynamic and engaging experience for players looking for a challenge in the immersive sim genre.
Shape of Dreams: A Unique Blend of MOBA and Roguelike Elements
Shape of Dreams offers a refreshing take on the MOBA and action roguelike genres, combining elements of both to create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. Developed by Lizard Smoothie, the game features isometric gameplay reminiscent of Risk of Rain, with a focus on combo-driven mechanics and cooperative play.
Players can embark on roguelike runs either alone or with friends, with each character offering a unique set of skills and abilities. The game’s smooth gameplay mechanics and customizable skill sets add depth and complexity to the experience, allowing for strategic decision-making and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. Shape of Dreams is poised to become a favorite among players seeking a challenging and rewarding multiplayer experience.
By Jon Bolding, a seasoned games writer and critic with a passion for strategy games, the top five Steam Next Fest demos offer a glimpse into the future of gaming with innovative mechanics and captivating gameplay. Whether you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic warfare, immersive sims, or cooperative action roguelikes, these demos have something for everyone. So grab your controller, keyboard, or mouse, and dive into the exciting world of gaming with these top picks from Steam Next Fest 2025.
