If you’re looking to try something new, here are a few good options
The Steam Next Fest demo party is currently on, with many studios showcasing their upcoming games. From big to small, solo devs to publisher-backed projects, there’s a lot to explore.
I took a browse through the selection over the last day or so, and now I’m back with a list of some demos that seem worth checking out. Keep in mind: this is, by no means, an exhaustive list. There are atonof demos to find, and if you’re looking to fill a specific need like “deck-building roguelike” or something, Steam’s tag system will get you there.
These are just the ones that caught my eye, and might catch yours too. Some I’ve even already played, as you’ll see in the writeup, at previous expos and demo fests. But with the selection here, there are plenty of cool upcoming games to try out.
Metal: Hellsinger
The rhythm-FPS genre isquickly filling up, butMetal: Hellsingerhas been garnering some attention for its extremely metal approach. I imagine many people who playedDoom (2016)found themselves entering a Zen state of chugging guitars and splattering demons, andHellsingeris the meeting point of the two. It’s currently set to launch in full on Sept. 15, 2022.
Signalis
Maybe arena shooters aren’t your thing. Maybe you prefer your nostalgic, retro-vibes games more in the vein ofResident Evil, with a twist of existential cosmic dread and cyber-horror. Well,Signalishas it in spades. It’s atmospheric, moody, utilizes shifts in perspective and audio pips extremely well, and is easily one of my most-anticipated indies headed into later 2022. And it’s slated just in time for Halloween, onOct. 27, 2022.
Cult of the Lamb
Okay, so maybe dark-and-creepy is your vibe, but you want a splash of cute. Maybe some isometric roguelite action, and asurprisingly compelling base management system. You should head over to theCult of the Lamb, Massive Monster’s adorably chaotic game about a cute lil’ lamb starting a cult. Slay the false prophets, reclaim the forest, and convert the critters to your belief system so they can work while you’re away.Cult of the Lambarriveson Jun 03, 2025.
Gloomwood
Okay, dark and grimy, but maybe a little more immersive sim. How about a survival horror game with a heavy heaping of theThiefseries inGloomwood? It’s set in a dark Victorian city where guards with bright, glowing eyes patrol. Plan your route, escape with stealth and ingenuity, and deploy all kinds of fun tools along the way. Just don’t get caught.
Escape Academy
Okay, I get it. Let’s lighten the mood a bit, while sticking with the escape theme. Escape-the-room games have always been quite popular, butEscape Academybrings a little something extra to the table. It’s got a narrative twist, as you’re a new student at the titular school for escape artists, learning to get out of any sticky situation and meeting classmates and professors along the way. What I really dug about the demo, which is one of my favorites in the Next Fest lineup, is that it has online co-op. It was remarkably easy to hop into a room with a friend in another state and play through the demo together, and we had a blast. The release date is right around the corner on July 14, but I can’t recommend this demo enough for co-op folks looking to try something new.
Potion Permit
Sometimes, you just want to hang out, hunt for some ingredients, and brew some potions.Potion Permitis one of the cozier games in the Steam Next Fest, and I really dug its small-town alchemist sim setup. It’s definitely one of the slower starts compared to other games on this list, but if you want to just hang out and brew some potions with your dog, who’s a very good boy, thenPotion Permitseems up your alley.
Terra Nil
This city builder that’sactually a nature builderhas been top of my to-watch list for some time, and for good reason. Free Lives turns terraforming and restoring the scorched earth into an extremely pleasant experience. With each new installment and fixture, you get some gorgeous animations of grass flowing out across the soil, or water filling desolate canyons. Then, when it’s all said and done, you pack up and leave.Terra Nilis beautifully serene and definitely worth your time.
Anger Foot
And now for something completely different from Free Lives, it’sAnger Foot. Jordan recently declared this might be Devolver’smost unhinged game yet, and after playing the demo, I’m inclined to agree. That’s not a bad thing, though.Anger Foothas powerful kicks and speedy runs through brutal, blistering chaos, but its bass-pumping, pulse-pounding pace can really put you in the zone. It’s fast and bizarre, and might be a bit much for some, but I have to admit I do love how the gators break it down after bringing you down.
Naiad
Okay, wheel it back around. Let’s go back to the comforts of nature.Naiadis a gorgeous, almost dreamy game about being a river guardian and hanging out with your river pals. HiWarp has crafted some incredible visuals here, and it makes the whole experience wonderfully serene and flowing in a way that really sticks.Naiadwas aDay of the Devs standout, and I’m happy to see it’s got a demo in the Next Fest.
Goodbye World
Another Day of the Devs standout for me wasGoodbye World, from solo developer Yo Fujii. It is a narrative adventure about the life of two indie developers, who struggle to make their hit game while juggling part-time jobs. Interspersed throughout, you actually get to play their game, a cute little puzzle platformer. It’s a great concept with wonderful art and huge potential for drama.
Frogun
Another nostalgic surprise isFrogun, a throwback 3D platformer about a girl with a frog gun. This seems like it should be on the radar of anyone who dug the Nintendo 64 or PlayStation 1 era of platformers. But the bonus is now, with modern technology, we’ve got a frog-themed grappling gun. Molegato’s game seems both adorable and pretty interesting for platformer fans.
WrestleQuest
I’m sorry, did you think I’d write a whole Steam Next Fest demo roundup andnotinclude wrestling RPGWrestleQuest? I was pretty surprised and entertained by the demoI played at PAX East 2022. Mega Cat Studios is combining the world of wrestling with action figures andSuper Mario RPG-style combat for something that, somehow, works. Works pretty darn well, actually. Pump up the hype and pin some fools (or be pinned, if need-be) in RPG fashion.
Find thedemo here.
Those are all the games I’m keeping an eye on and checking out. But if you’ve got any cool demos you like from the Steam Next Fest, please shout them out in the comments! Summer showcases are always a landslide of info, but these demo fests are a really great opportunity to test the waters, expand horizons, and add some cool new indie projects to your Steam wishlist.
