Steam Next Fest returns with ‘hundreds’ of demos, so here are some promising places to start

Steam Next Fest, Valve’s semi-regular extravaganza Future game-related thingsreturns for another week of developer chat, livestreams, and an intimidating stack of “hundreds” of demos that are likely to stifle even the most dedicated completionist.

The lawsuit is now proceeding steadily and will continue until next Monday, June 26th, when Valve will Full list of demos and live streams available However, if your decision-making is paralyzed, you can find some potentially promising starting places based on some of the games Eurogamer has been building excitement on lately.

Of course, this list is far from exhaustive, and all the games I’ve covered are pretty much a known number – by the time Steam Next Fest’s latest batch of hidden gems are revealed, it’ll be a long way to go deep underground in Valve. Will need to explore further. But in the meantime, while the poke continues, perhaps the following will provide some initial inspiration – and whatever catches your eye as you dig deeper yourself. If so, feel free to share in the comments.

Jusanto

Life is Strange studio Don’t Nod’s impressive puzzle adventure is all about finding a way Up, takes players on a ‘mediocre’ mountaineering journey as they scale immeasurably tall towers and attempt to unravel the mysteries behind a long-lost civilization. Christian has already played the demo and was fun. [Demo link]

Botany Manor

Botany Manor by Balloon Studios (another one) caught the eye of christian) is truly a painting of tranquility, transporting players to a titular 19th-century English farm for plant-based puzzle-solving and plant conservation. Exploring the mansion and its extensive grounds allows them to dig up seeds, plant them in pots, and find ideal habitats. Letters, newspaper clippings, and other helpful information can help guide you on how to proceed. [Demo link]

viewfinder

Sad Owl Studios’ Viewfinder is another game built on a premise that will truly daunt puzzle lovers. Players can take pictures and overlay them around them, and whatever is in the image becomes part of his navigable three-dimensional world. We’ve been excited about this for some time. [Demo link]

Bemba

Visai Games’ Venba is a food-based narrative adventure about an Indian immigrant mother who immigrated to Canada in the 1980s and reconnects with her heritage by cooking South Indian cuisine. It is described as a story of love and loss that unfolds through cooking and branching conversations. If that sounds appetizing, Eurogamer contributor Emad Ahmed said: chatted with the developer In 2021, we can learn a little more about Venba’s background. [Demo link]

jump light odyssey

Steam may not be short of starship management sims, but Armello developer League of Geeks’ Jumplight Odyssey is an engaging roguelite progression and ’70s science-inspired adventure. It’s a fusion of art styles that immediately catches the eye of old genre big fans like myself. Fianime. Oh yes, you can also pet a pig. [Demo link]

Sayonara Volcano High

Goodbye Volcano High is still some time away. recent delaysBut for those wanting to sample developer KO_OP’s intriguing “hybrid cinematic narrative/rhythm game/coming-of-age story/interactive cinematic experience”, a group of teenage dinosaurs live in a world on the brink of destruction. , depicts learning to love. With the newly updated Steam Next Fest demo, you can do just that. [Demo link]

Shadow Gambit: Cursed Crew

This pirate adventure by Mimimi Games builds on the stealth strategy action at the core of the studio’s acclaimed Desperados 3 and Shadow Tactics: Blade of the Shogun by taking players to the Caribbean in search of the lost treasures of legendary captain Mordecai. It’s the ultimate in fun combined with a fantastic adventure that explores the ocean. . [Demo link]

Stray Gods: Role Playing Musical

Produced by Dragon Age creator David Gaider’s Summerfall Studios, Stray Gods is a “narrative-driven adventure and interactive musical.” The piece tells the story of Grace, a young woman whose life changes after the last muse of ancient Greek mythology dies in her arms, and features music by renowned composer Austin Wintory. It’s brought to life by a star-studded cast that includes Felicia Day. Laura Bailey, Rahul Kohli, Troy Baker. [Demo link]

wargroove 2

Inspired by Chucklefish’s Advance-Wars, the turn-based strategy game Wargroove has a sequel, courtesy of Pathway developer Robotality. That new (and pleasantly bootleg) adventure spans three interwoven campaign arcs that promise things like new unit his types and new commanders, presumably at least some of them in the new Steam Next. It will be featured in the Fest demo. [Demo link]

mediterranean inferno

Mediterranean Inferno is a stylish and uncompromising tale of “friendship, lust and sorrow” from 2022 creator Lorenzo Redaeri. powerful Milky Way Prince – Vampire Star. This time, Redaeri focuses on three male friends in their twenties who reunite in southern Italy for a sensual summer after the 2020 pandemic quarantine. The story gradually develops into fear, obsession, revenge, and retribution. [Demo link]

cart life

More than a decade after its original launch and subsequent discontinuance, Kurt Life, a retail sim that recreates portions of Richard Hoffmeyer’s critically acclaimed everyday life, is being “loved” by Ad Hoc Studios for its imminent re-release. “Restored with care”. This new version stays true to the original, allowing players to experience the lives of his three different street vendors, each with very different backgrounds, but with new art, story, and an updated version of his content, mechanics, and more. Promise more control. [Demo link]

underground blossom

It’s no secret that we love developer Rusty Lake’s surreal series of point-and-click and room escape-style adventures. And now the studio is preparing to return with Underground Blossom, another of his depressing oddities that sees players stumped on the road. Through the life and memories of Laura Vanderboom, it is gradually revealed as you travel through Rusty Lake’s underground system from station to station. [Demo link]