Valve’s Steam Next Fest is underway, and hundreds of new and upcoming games are getting free playable demos for everyone to download this week. Through February 13, 2023, Steam store covers will take part in a “celebration of games to come,” featuring developer-led live streams of titles, as well as the chance to personally experience a piece of what’s to come next on the Steam store. the world PC game store. Of course, with all these new games available for samplers, it can be difficult to decide which one to try in the limited time available. Some demos may remain live after the festival, but the general assumption is that they will not be available for some time after the festival ends.
To that end, we’ve gone ahead and picked out a handful of titles that we think are worth trying out, via their Steam Next Fest playable demos. Check them out below and recommend your own favorites in the comments.
Note: The following games were chosen by Siliconera staff from the Steam Next Fest selection. The full lineup can be seen at this link and through the Steam client. System requirements and availability may vary by title or region.
Afhogato
Afhogato combines coffee, conversation and tower defense in a new style of RPG. Gameplay uses a “reverse tower defense” style, with players helping a witch grow her new cafe business by helping customers battle their “inner demons”. Between battles, they’ll chat with customers, build relationships, and use a realistic coffee brewing model to brew the perfect cup.
Check out their Steam page and get your Steam Next Fest demo at this link. The full launch is scheduled for 2023.
Shadow Guardians: Demonic Purge
A new title from Inti Creates, shadow keepers is inspired by gothic horror in the “Metroidvania” come to. Two sisters must challenge a demonic castle that has consumed their school, hunting down demons through the multi-story 2D maze. They will obtain weapons and equipment by defeating bosses which will unlock more areas to visit. Players will control brothers as a team, swapping sisters depending on the situation.Jump co-op also allows two players to control the two on-screen Kamizono sisters, if the mood strikes.
shadow keepers launches on February 23, 2023. Its store page and demo are here.
Sr Saito
Sr Saito courtesy of Laura Shigihara, the singer-songwriter best known as the mega-hit’s primary songwriter and sound designer Plants vs. Zombies. It is a continuation of their previous game, the story-based adventure. Rakuen, and focuses on the titular Mr. Saito. He’s your average white collar worker struggling to find meaning in a daily existence. An accident lands him in a strange fantasy world, leading him to unexpected adventures and friends. Shigihara says that Sr Saito is “short and sweet”, with a non-combat story and soundtrack.
Check Sr Saitothe store page on this link. The game will be released on March 24, 2023. Its Steam Next Fest demo is in English only, but the full version will support multiple languages including Japanese, French, Dutch, Korean, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese simplified and Turkish.
BrujaPrimavera R
A new title of WitchSpring3 Re:Good Kiwiwalk developer, BrujaPrimavera R return to the witches’ breeding pit. It’s a story-based RPG that combines everyday life simulation, gathering, crafting, and battle. Players control Pieberry, a rabbit-eared witch who lives in a remote, monster-infested forest. You’ll help him reach the outside world to walk among humans, and you’ll have to help him gain power, find resources, and train his attributes.
The game doesn’t have a release window, but Kiwiwalks says the Steam Next Fest demo will last 2-3 hours and include a tutorial. Check it out at this link.
Pocket Mirror ~ GoldenerTraum
From AstralShift and VisuStella developers, Pocket Mirror ~ GoldenerTraum This is a “remastered” edition of pocket mirror, a legendary horror RPG. Although it was created in RPG Creatora set of popular game development tools for indie developers and hobbyists, pocket mirror impressed by its images and its history. Goldener Traum further updates the visuals, as well as adding features such as a new ending, 2D animated sequences, New Game+ mode, and additional content. Players will be able to switch between new and classic art styles.
According to its store page, the game doesn’t have a release window yet, but you can get the Steam Next Fest demo at this link.
radio the universe
radio the universe This may sound familiar, and it should be. Its creator, known only as “6e6e6e” (or “sixe”), has been working on it for almost ten years. It was first funded via Kickstarter in 2013 and has been in development ever since. It’s now playable on Steam Next Fest, though it doesn’t have an announced release window (it was last expected to be ready for Winter 2020). Players take on the role of an immortal wanderer, traveling through the ruins of a mysterious city, facing dangerous enemies and fighting for survival.
Here is its Steam store page, from where you can download the playable demo.
Banchou Tactics
A tactical title inspired by Japanese high school tough guys, Banchou Tactics has been in the works on Secret Character. It is inspired by both games and fantastic final tactics and titles like River Town Rescue. Players take control of various school-aged street fighters caught up in a gang war to determine who is the toughest and strongest criminal in town.
The demo is available at this link. No release date has been specified, but it was last set for a Q1 2023 debut.
wandering sword
A role-playing game developed in China that features visuals in the vein of recent Square Enix “HD-2D” productions (such as octopath traveler there Triangle strategy), wandering sword promises wuxia-inspired adventures in its STeam Next Fest demo. Players take on the role of Yuwen Yi, a warrior recovering in a mountain village from a near death. Players will guide Yuwen on her journey across the land, learning various martial arts and weapons, and mastering her meridian points in pursuit of pure martial prowess.
The game is slated for release in 2023. You can get your Steam Next Fest demo on this page.
1000xRESIST
A narrative adventure set at the end of the world, players take on the role of the Watcher, a clone member of a secret brotherhood who lives in a closed facility called the Garden. The brotherhood worships “The Allmother”, the last surviving human being. When the Watcher’s closest sister, the Fixer, uncovers a dangerous rumor, the Watcher must explore history through a time-shifting tool to uncover a lie thousands of years old.
1000xRESIST it can be played as part of Steam Next Fest and is fully released in 2023. Check it out on its store page.
shadow of doubt
An entry into the venerable “immersive simulation” genre, shadow of doubt it uses low-poly imagery to “fully simulate” a working cityscape in an alternate 1980s timeline. Players take on the role of a private detective and use gadgets and detective skills to solve cases. Players can encounter any of the game’s hundreds of NPCs, each with their own daily routine, and take a variety of routes to complete their objectives.
Visit the store page to access the playable demo. shadow of doubt doesn’t have a release window yet.
The current Steam Next Fest runs until February 13, 2023.