Steam Next Fest, as a successor to the Steam Game Festival, is a great way to get a sneak peek at upcoming games. This event, which happens several times a year, allows players to test out demos of games that are still in development. The current festival, running from October 14 to 21, features some standout titles worth checking out.
One demo that stands out is Citizen Sleeper 2, the sequel to the popular TTRPG-influenced sci-fi adventure. Set to release in early 2025, this demo lets players experience the game’s opening hours. With new mechanics like crew management and dangerous missions, as well as a break system that changes dice rolls, fans of the first game will not want to miss out on this demo.
Void Sols offers a unique take on the soulslike genre, presenting tough combat and navigation in a minimalist top-down adventure. Despite its basic shape visuals, the gameplay stays true to the genre’s core mechanics, requiring players to memorize enemy patterns, navigate environments, and level up stats.
Keep Driving takes players on a road trip across the country in a beat-up car, offering a mix of management simulation and exploration. This game captures the essence of life on the open road, where players can take on odd jobs to pay for gas and other necessities.
Proverbs is a puzzler inspired by Bruegel the Elder’s painting “Netherlandish Proverbs,” offering a giant game of Minesweeper with over 54,000 squares to solve. As players unravel the puzzle, they learn more about the painting and its proverbs.
Mushroom Musume is a unique narrative-driven game that combines elements of a visual novel, TTRPG, farming sim, and roguelike. Players raise a mushroom daughter in a fairytale setting filled with beauty and horror, making choices that impact the story’s outcome.
Are You Kidding Me presents a cozy version of WarioWare, with microgames and character interactions set in Nowhere Space. The demo showcases the game’s blend of high-energy gameplay and laid-back conversations, offering a refreshing take on the genre.
Heartworm is a retro-inspired horror game paying homage to classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. With striking environmental design and a camera as a weapon mechanic, this game creates a dreamlike atmosphere that horror fans will appreciate.
Building Relationships is a quirky game where players control a house on an island, aiming to find love by interacting with other structures. The game’s absurd premise is complemented by great writing that explores themes of love and connection in a unique way.
These demos from Steam Next Fest offer a diverse range of gaming experiences, from sci-fi adventures to retro-inspired horror. Players looking for something new and exciting should definitely check out these must-play demos before the festival ends.
