Steam Next Fest is here again, providing a significant amount of game demos to entice players to add these upcoming games to their Steam Wishlists. With so many options, it can be a daunting task to decide which demos are worth your precious gaming time. However, thankfully for you, we’ve combed through the lineup to bring you a curated list of the top ten game demos that are sure to excite and entertain. So, let’s just jump in and see what we can play today.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn
Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn is a remastered release of a legendary classic. This action-adventure gem from Tengo Project lets players wield a striking katana and an expanded arsenal of weaponry, all while showcasing the acrobatic finesse of a true ninja. With six intricately designed stages filled with devious traps and challenging platform puzzles, players will need to harness their inner warrior to navigate this concrete jungle. Whether you’re a solo ninja or teaming up in the acclaimed two-player co-op mode as Hayate and Kaede, the game promises a thrilling ride.
One of the standout features is the game’s soundtrack, featuring contributions from iconic composer Iku Mizutani. Further, the visuals have also undergone a significant upgrade, with high-quality sprites bringing the deadly foes and stages to life. Players can customize their loadouts using hard-earned points in the tool shop, adding a layer of strategy to the fast-paced action.
Metal Slug Tactics
Metal Slug Tactics brings the explosive charm and nostalgic fun of the cult Metal Slug series into the tactical RPG scene. This game blends classic arcade action with roguelite tactical gameplay, allowing players to lead their squad through strategic battles. The tactical RPG mechanics are enhanced by the ability to accumulate experience after each battle, unlocking new weapons and perks to upgrade your team’s firepower. With iconic characters from the METAL SLUG universe, players can create the perfect team to thwart General Morden’s devious plans.
The game promises a high replayability factor with its die-and-retry roguelite progression. I know, I know, the genre gets a bad rap, but there are still plenty of players who flock to quality roguelite titles, which is why we still see them. Metal Slug Tactics features 110 hand-crafted maps and 20 different mission types with optional challenges to perfect their strategies and adapt to their enemies. The pixel art graphics pay homage to the series’ roots, while the soundtrack by Tee Lopes keeps the adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer, the game’s blend of action and strategy promises countless hours of fun and challenging gameplay.
On Your Tail
On Your Tail is a delightful blend of relaxation and investigation set in the charming seaside village of Borgo Marina. Players follow the adventures of Diana, an intrepid sleuth on a quest for the perfect summer vacation. As you explore the picturesque town, you’ll engage in a mix of investigation, interrogation, and deduction to unravel the local mysteries. The game offers a unique card-game-inspired gameplay mechanic, where players must use clues and leads to solve puzzles and uncover secrets. We were able to play this game on Nintendo Switch not too long ago, and it really made an impact on us with its narrative storyline and detective gameplay elements.
Further, On Your Tail features life-sim elements where players can build relationships with the villagers, engage in recreational activities like fishing and cooking, and enjoy the leisurely pace of life in Borgo Marina. The beautifully crafted 3D environment, combined with a heartwarming narrative, makes this game a refreshing escape from the everyday hustle. It’s a perfect blend of mystery and relaxation, promising an unforgettable getaway.
Afterlove EP
Set in the vibrant city of Jakarta, Afterlove EP is a unique blend of visual novel, narrative adventure, and rhythm game elements. Players step into the shoes of Rama, a young musician struggling to move on after the death of his girlfriend, Cinta. Over the course of twenty-eight days, players will guide Rama through the city, repairing relationships, rediscovering his creative voice, and shaping his future. The game’s narrative is deeply emotional, dealing with themes of love, loss, and personal growth.
The gameplay features side-scrolling exploration, meaningful conversations, and rhythm-based jam sessions with Rama’s band. The streets of Jakarta come to life with distinctive, manga-inspired art by renowned Indonesian artist Soyatu and an original soundtrack by indie band L’Alphalpha. Afterlove EP is a game years in the making, created by a team that saw the game to completion following the loss of developer Mohammad Fahmi. We look forward to experiencing more of this very emotional story.
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure
You’ve probably seen this game in a few recent trailers and showcases, but now you can play it for yourself. Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure follows Jemma, a small-town misfit on a journey of self-discovery in a world ruled by fear and a strange, immovable force. The game’s unique interconnected grid system unites movement, exploration, and combat, creating a playful sense of chaos and thoughtful puzzles. As Jemma moves, everything on the same row or column moves with her, allowing for strategic planning and creative problem-solving.
This story-driven adventure emphasizes a breezy RPG experience without the usual XP or inventory management. Instead, everything is handled in-world, making for a streamlined and engaging journey. The storybook art style and clever puzzle design allow Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure to stand out prominently in the sea of other indies, which is a testament to the game’s charm and quality.
Mirage Feathers
Mirage Feathers takes players back to when Sega kids had a genre to brag about. This pseudo-3D rail shooter has players control Notari, a cybernetic air-superiority fighter, as she battles wave after wave of enemy aircraft. The game’s advanced fire control system locks onto targets automatically, allowing for intense, fast-paced combat. As players progress, they can unlock additional weapon options, each offering a range of playstyles and combat strategies.
The game features both Story Mode and Endless Mode, providing a mix of scripted levels and infinite waves of challenging enemies. Story Mode explores characters and their backgrounds through text-based dialogues and character art, while Endless Mode focuses on relentless combat and survival. We’re fully on board to play this Space Harrier homage, so we’re hoping that highlighting it here will get you to join us.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
There’s nothing cuter than cute rodents acting tough. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo has players explore a crime-ridden world through the 2D top-down retro platforming adventure genre. As Pippit, a budding yoyo master, players face off against enemies using a variety of yoyo tricks and techniques. The game’s innovative mechanics allow players to reinterpret the cityscape, enabling them to reach new areas and solve puzzles using their yoyo skills.
The game features four distinct city districts, each with over 1000 screens of challenges and secrets. Players must defeat crime lords, collect badges and upgrades, and discover hidden treasures throughout the town. This is likely going to be a game you’ll see a lot of, considering others see its charm. So, if you’re one of the few who has yet to check out this very clever and fun game, let’s change that.
Maid Cafe on Electric Street
Maids? Say less. Maid Cafe on Electric Street finds players managing a maid cafe in the otaku haven of Nipponbashi, Osaka. The protagonist, having quit a toxic job, finds himself as the temporary manager of the run-down Fuwa Fuwa Cafe. Players must scout for cute maids, manage the cafe’s operations, and build relationships with the main girls: Shiro, Miyu, Favna, and Honoka.
The game features beautiful pixel art that captures the vibrant atmosphere of Nipponbashi, complete with real stores and locations. Players can explore the town, go on dates with the maids, and enjoy various otaku activities. I mean, I would have recommended this for the Maids alone, but the game actually looks pretty goo.
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter continues the epic saga of the Rats of the South, now facing a new threat from the North. Players control Arlo, the young heir to the Warden of the Wastes, as he journeys through the snow-ravaged lands to defeat the Dark Wings. The game features fully narrated storytelling by RPG-legend Doug Cockle and a vast, wintry kingdom to explore.
During gameplay, players must hunt down giant beasts, master brutal combat, and customize their arsenal of weapons to survive the perilous North. The game also includes settlement management, allowing players to upgrade their base and unlock new items and abilities. We’re glad to see Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter continue this IP legacy because the first entry was honestly a surprisingly good game.
Victory Heat Rally
I’ve been seeing a lot of this game lately, so I’m glad to finally have the chance to play it. I was not disappointed. Victory Heat Rally is a high-speed, 2.5D racing game that combines vibrant visuals with exhilarating gameplay. Players can select from 12 superstar drivers and their machines, each with unique characteristics. The game features an extensive single-player championship, quick-fire Arcade Grand Prix, and up to 4-player split-screen multiplayer, offering a variety of modes to suit different play styles.
Set across dozens of stages in 12 unique environments, Victory Heat Rally challenges players to power slide through dynamic tracks and discover hidden shortcuts. The game also allows for extensive customization, enabling players to tweak performance parts and paint jobs to create their ideal racing machine. With its energetic soundtrack, stunning visuals, and intense racing action, Victory Heat Rally delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience for racing enthusiasts.
There you have it – our top ten game demos from this year’s Steam Next Fest. Whether you’re in the mood for some high-speed racing, intense tactical combat, or a heartwarming narrative, there’s something here for everyone. Let us know what you’ll be playing in the comments below.
I would definitely add Blade Chimera to that list. It’s so good!
you guys should make a curator page on steam
Still bummed out that Shadow of the Ninja – Return’s demo was region-locked, so we couldn’t play it in North America.