Steam Next Fest: June 2025 Edition

Tried Dispatch, it's pretty fun. It's from ex-Telltale staffs.

Tried this too, never played the series even though it's from my country lol

 


For the low, low price of FREE, you can try out as many demos as you like during the June edition of Steam Next Fest! All kinds of games, from developers all over the world; and you can play them before they even launch. Steam Next Fest is June 9th - 16th at 10am Pacific!
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God I love the demo fucking bonanza of NextFest

Real talk, a good amount is either not for me and shit, but... checking out games and finding new awesome projects to look forward to just rocks.

Yeah, I don't need to see bull shot "real gameplay" in the big shows.

I just need a playable demo and finding many games with potential or leans me to wishlist/instabuys.
 
Plague Doctor said:
God I love the demo fucking bonanza of NextFest

Real talk, a good amount is either not for me and shit, but... checking out games and finding new awesome projects to look forward to just rocks.

Yeah, I don't need to see bull shot "real gameplay" in the big shows.

I just need a playable demo and finding many games with potential or leans me to wishlist/instabuys.
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It really is a great thing.

Absolutely love that Steam is embracing playable demos. Reminds me of the glory days of pc demos coming on cds in gaming magazines. A great "evolution" of it anyways.

I'll be back with some recommendations and links as well here shortly. :messenger_sunglasses:
 
Single screen platformer in the style of Bubble Bobble and such. It's decent but pixels look very chunky and artist committed a lot of bad practices for pixel art. The outlining is hideous!



Lemmings + Settlers, it's not for me.



Action Rogue-lite similar to Vampire Survivors. I'm kinda of got fed up with the genre, but this is great. Fun setting, great graphics and you can assume direct control if you want to focus on a specific enemy. Oldest fungi joke ever.



This rogue-lite got next-gen pixel art graphics. The artist(s) FLEX on the player, I'm literally blown away. Sick setting and it's plays great too.
This one gets a gold star - 🌟


 
Plague Doctor said:
God I love the demo fucking bonanza of NextFest

Real talk, a good amount is either not for me and shit, but... checking out games and finding new awesome projects to look forward to just rocks.

Yeah, I don't need to see bull shot "real gameplay" in the big shows.

I just need a playable demo and finding many games with potential or leans me to wishlist/instabuys.
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Yea these have gotten better and better. Very smart idea from Valve.
 
I've been really busy last two days and been downloading way more demos than I've actually been able to play but the two demos I have spent some time with is Ninja Gaiden Ragebound and Mina the Hollower and both are insta-buys for me when they become available for purchase.
 
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bender said:
Because you are half Rottweiler?
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Kinda GIF
 

Anyone played this? Dorfromantik developers created a game together with kurzgesagt. Seems to be a relaxing puzzle/automation game about automating extracting minerals from asteroids for a group of birds in a spaceship with the kurzgesagt illustrative style.
 
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What's been everyone diamonds they discovered so far?

Like legit impressed by the demo even in its early state?
 
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i'm having a blast with ninja gaiden
the second character was a surprise and great addition, nice mechanics, superb gameplay
i'm definitely getting this

by the way if you disable vsync game caps framerate to 60
 
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I've played quite a few of the demos to tide me over until Stellar Blade releases tomorrow. Best ones I've played:

1. BALL X PIT - I was addicted, got all the characters & blueprints after about 2.5 hrs. Can't wait for it to come out.

2. Absolum - only played about 20 minutes but loved my time with it. Reminded me a lot of Dragon's Crown.

3. Holstin - fantastic throwback to 90's survival horror/adventure while still feeling very modern. Can't wait for the full release.

4. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound - way better than I anticipated (and I figured it would be good). July/August are a little packed for me but will definitely be picking this up in the fall.

5. Phase Zero - one of the better RE-likes I've played. I'm interested in seeing where they go with the full game.

HM: Hell Clock - Really solid, polished Diablo III/IV esque roguelike. Seriously felt like it was made by blizzard just in terms of presentation and art.

HM2: Moonlighter 2 - this reminded me I need to finish the first one. I played just enough to manage the shop and stopped there. Really enjoy how they're evolving the gameplay from the first.

There've been a few I've played that didn't click too:

Baby Steps - I'm probably not the target audience for this but I was bored after about 15-20 minutes and the humor wore off

Cairn - the first 15 minutes were really cool… then the novelty factor wears off and it's pretty boring.

Mina the Hollower - I'm sure I'll get flack for this but I just didn't find it to be very good aside from the music. It wasn't bad it just wasn't on par with Shovel Knight. Might give it another go on my Steam Deck to see if it feels better handheld rather than on the tv.

MIO - like Mina this wasn't bad it just didn't do much to set itself apart in a very competitive genre. I love metroidvania's but it's so saturated that you have to be really discerning and aside from visuals/personality this really didn't have much that screamed must play.
 
My advice to the developers of Baby Steps: stop development today. I can't remember another game that annoyed me this much.
 
That Ninja Gaiden is so damn good. Went back to clear that last level. Rarely does a modern reimaging of a classic side-scroller hit the mark this hard. I'm sure many of you wrote this off like I did, but you should really give it a chance. I hope it's priced decently because I want to support it.
 
ChoosableOne said:
My advice to the developers of Baby Steps: stop development today. I can't remember another game that annoyed me this much.
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But that fat guy at the Sony thing said he laughed so hard that he almost puked!

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jshackles said:
But that fat guy at the Sony thing said he laughed so hard that he almost puked!
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Maybe it's funny to watch, especially if the jokes are going to get better, but only if you watch it at 2x speed and someone plays it perfectly. I was actually curious about the story and wanted to see what would happen, but controlling the character is absolutely no fun—it's pure torture. It looks like the walking sections will make up the whole game, so there's no way I could put up with that for hours.

By the way, I also tried Hirogami and enjoyed it—it's a good platformer, but it's the kind I'd only play if it came to Gamepass, sorry🤷‍♂️
 

Haven't tried this demo so I dunno if they've made changes from the previous one. Great retro survivor horror game complete with cheese.
 

BRUTAL JOHN 2
A "old school throwback game" to the great fps games like Duke Nukem and Serious Sam.

The demo is highly polished and plays extremely well. Couldn't wishlist this one fast enough.

NOTE: There is no "Brutal John 1". It's a joke in keeping with the classic games like Duke and Doom and the numerous sequels they had.
 
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Came here to repeat what others have said. Ball x Pit is crack and probably in my top 5 demos from this event.
 
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So far, I am really liking Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Absolum. Didn't know that Holstin got a new demo and I'm trying that out this week, as well as Ball x Pit.

FYI: The Game Kitchen devs are pretty awesome. Loved Blasphemous 1 and 2. So I knew NG: Ragebound was gonna be a banger.
 
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Images link to store pages.


BALL x PIT - Completed one run and that was all I needed to know that this is going to be super fun and addictive. I can easily see this blow up like Vampire Survivors as it takes that formula and puts its own spin on it. The meta progression upgrades seemed very unique in execution as well. So looking forward to the full game!


Flick Shot Rogues - More finicky and frustrating than fun. Got 'stuck' on the first boss as the dude kept teleporting and spawning in new mobs which just made things even more drawn out and monotonous. Overall it seems rather basic and does not scratch that 'roguelite itch'. Pass.


Hell Clock - A Diablo x Curse of the Dead Gods mix that is surprisingly enjoyable. However besides the unfortunate name it could also do with some more QoL features. For example I wish it would just auto-potion you whenever you're low on health as the damage output by enemies can quickly escalate. It has potential but for all its flair and style it also seems kind of basic. Good not great, so far.
 
Updates from what I played last night:

Bangers:
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound
Mina the Hollower

Not bangers:
Herdling (this might actually be good but I just wasn't in the mood for whatever slow / contemplative gameplay was going on here)
Morsels

More on the docket for this evening.
 
Holstin's gameplay was cool and unique(rotatable isometric view that switches to third person when aiming)but I didn't like the setting at all. But I added to my wishlist anyway.
Ninja Gaiden was ok but not that great imho. Ost especially; sounded cheap. Maybe The Messenger has spoiled me too much.
The drifter-- I didn't like this one. It's like a boring noir movie.
 
Images link to storepages.


VOID/BREAKER - Good fun but not too happy with the performance just yet. It's a FPS roguelite that seems to have more meat on its bones than I initially suspected. Very impressive stuff from a single developer in any case. Sticking it on the ol' wishlist.


The Bornless - Absolutely abhorrent. I actually had this on my wishlist but have quickly removed it. Amateur hour in every way. I'll wait for Killing Floor 3.


FEROCIOUS - Utterly lifeless and generic. Alt + F4'd after about 10 minutes of suffering through annoying gameplay mechanics and aimless wandering.
 
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here's my opinions on some games i've tried today

vextorial - fun and cute puzzle game where you can switch between a two and a three dimensional camera to solve the levels. you can also change the direction of gravity by landing on the edges of the cube. i had a lot of fun with it and looking forward to full release. it's on my wishlist now

mythrealm - game has floaty and clunky controls. it has directional attacks but I didn't feel like they had any use in combat. it's also really easy to just hold shield endlessly, it probably needs a stamina mechanic. can't say i had much fun with this

ferocious - this one really has some decent visuals for an indie game. it seems to be very linear and simplistic. it has survival elements but they're really basic. you get pet dinosaurs to distract enemies and get to new areas. combat is not good at all. mixed feelings
 

Darkenstein 3D - Very poor sound design (the pistol sounds way off) and the gameplay itself didn't grab me either. Quit playing after I become stuck in some cave/underground area and couldn't turn on my flashlight.


Rogue Point - Was really hyped for this as it's made by the Black Mesa people with this being their first proper game after that. It generally performs well and seems polished enough (some dodgy enemy animations notwithstanding) but unfortunately I couldn't find a public match. I'll leave it installed for now and see if I can get some online action this weekend.


Wildgate - This was a lot more accessible and enjoyable than I had expected. Yes pre-made teams will stomp all over the competition as 4 players working together will make quick work of everyone else but as far as 'something different' in this genre I was pleasantly surprised. It basically does everything Marauders does but better imo and I am kind of hoping the full game delivers on its potential.
 
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Macabre - Another one of these co-op horror things. The trailers from a few years ago made this look very exciting, however the actual game (or this demo rather) is dull as dishwater. Also, what's with all these games and their bog standard UI elements? It's a pet peeve of mine but man, some solid UI design goes a long way in making your game have some more identity. Pass.


Holstin - This single-handedly breathes new life into the genre. The combination of classic Point & Click pixel graphics and the seamless over-the-shoulder gameplay is a stroke of brilliance. It looks amazing and makes you wonder why it's taken this long for this genre to go '3D' and add third person horror mechanics. Loved it!


The Drifter - Excellent from start to finish. This isn't your daddy's Point & Click adventure game as it seems they're definitely going for a more fast paced experience rather than bogging you down with nonsensical puzzles. I very much loved its style and the soundtrack + VO are top tier. I have high hopes for the full game (that launches in a mere 5 weeks!).
 
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Banger:

Gecko Gods. I actually really liked this demo, creative idea for a platformer, great art design, and ran like butter on Steam Deck. Will be checking out whenever it arrives for sure.

Star Birds looks really cool but no controller support so didn't actually play.

That's all, got sucked in to Mario Kart or the rest of my playtime last night.
 

Just played for a bit, nice little city builder. Seems it's made by one guy if I didn't miss something in Steam discussion boards.
 
Man, I downloaded a ton.

I skipped a bunch of games of known titles, like Moonlighter 2, because I loved the first, I will probably like the 2nd. I want to try some of this weird shit. Also skipped any co-op games, FPS shooters. Not really interested. I was going to skip all the Metroidvanias, because I inevitably buy any that get good reviews. But, I started to download some demos.

I liked the Dead as DIsco game, it's Arkham fighting with rhythm in the mix. It hit for me just right. I hope the full game has more a robust move set.

Here's a few other rhythm games I tried. All the other rhythm tagged games did not interest me.

Unbeatable is really fun. If you do the arcade mode. I tried the story and it's just dialogue forever. I quit and went back into arcade mode.


Rhythm Storm is a Survivors-like with Geometry Wars visuals and everything is on a techno beat. Cool demo, fun.


Bits and Bops is a cutesy little rhythm game with just mini games, probably good for a kid, if they like that kind of thing. It's really well done and kind of simple.


KILLBEAT is a roguelike shooter, you shoot to the beat and get upgrades and new guns. Kind of fun. Not 100% sure about it.




I'll post more when I try more.

Craftlings looks cool, like old school Lemmings, with a bit more functions. Playing that next.
 
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Yerd said:
Man, I downloaded a ton.

I skipped a bunch of games of known titles, like Moonlighter 2, because I loved the first, I will probably like the 2nd. I want to try some of this weird shit. Also skipped any co-op games, FPS shooters. Not really interested. I was going to skip all the Metroidvanias, because I inevitably buy any that get good reviews. But, I started to download some demos.

I liked the Dead as DIsco game, it's Arkham fighting with rhythm in the mix. It hit for me just right. I hope the full game has more a robust move set.

Here's a few other rhythm games I tried. All the other rhythm tagged games did not interest me.

Unbeatable is really fun. If you do the arcade mode. I tried the story and it's just dialogue forever. I quit and went back into arcade mode.


Rhythm Storm is a Survivors-like with Geometry Wars visuals and everything is on a techno beat. Cool demo, fun.


Bits and Bops is a cutesy little rhythm game with just mini games, probably good for a kid, if they like that kind of thing. It's really well done and kind of simple.


KILLBEAT is a roguelike shooter, you shoot to the beat and get upgrades and new guns. Kind of fun. Not 100% sure about it.




I'll post more when I try more.

Craftlings looks cool, like old school Lemmings, with a bit more functions. Playing that next.
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Thanks, going to give Bits and Bobs a go. Seems super charming.
 

Morbid Metal - Bit of an odd one. It's basically a 3D Beat-Em-Up with roguelite elements, published by Ubisoft. It looks and runs great but on the other hand the combat got stale fast and the camera was always too close to the character as well (or did not move around fast enough). The other character you unlock is cool and all but I've no idea why you would pick him over the first one as he seems worse in every way. I'm intrigued but at the same time I wouldn't be surprised if this comes out and fails miserably.


NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound - Only completed the first level to know that this will be an excellent action platformer, one that I will enjoy a lot more than the clunky Blasphemous games in any case. Wasn't too sure about these devs handling a franchise that's known for fast and frenetic action but I admit they have pulled it off. Good stuff!


Absolum - Really need a co-op partner for this one to make it really shine but I can see myself putting in many hours into this. The visuals are outstanding and infusing Beat-Em-Up with roguelike elements is right up my alley. Perhaps this will be a nice palate cleanser for me and the boys for when we tire of Ravenswatch.
 
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A few more I tried.

Craftlings seems like it could take some getting used to. It was requiring more involvement than I wanted for a demo. I might come back to it, but I wanted to try some others. It seemed like the steps needed for upgrades weren't exactly straight forward. Gotta be in the right mood for that one.

I tried out Ball x Pit, definitely fun. You've all heard it already.

SCAD another survivors clone. Video seemed better than the demo. Not my cup.

Almost everything I'm trying has roguelite aspects to it.


One of the coolest ones I tried was Galactic Outlaws. It's a SHMUP with roguelite upgrades. Addictive.




Tax-Force is a cool comic book art platformer, again with roguelite aspects. I didn't spend too much time. The art and funny idea drew me to it. You have to go collect taxes from billionaires or something.

 
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