Steam is currently giving players a chance to try out some of the most exciting upcoming indie games through their Steam Next Fest. Players can download demos for a variety of upcoming games in all different genres. Playing a game ahead of release is one of the best ways to get a feel for its mechanics and decide whether it is worth picking up when it eventually comes out. It also lets players see through the hype and decide for themselves what games they do and don't enjoy.
Though there are hundreds of demos, a few of them stand out from others. If players are struggling to sort through the overwhelming number of game demos available, these would be a good starting point. Of course, if there's time, players may still want to explore some of the other options on Next Fest, as there is a plethora of exciting upcoming titles for gamers of all types to explore.
Planet of Lana Is a Pretty and Innovative Platformer
2D platformers have changed a lot since games like the original Super Mario Bros. Planet of Lana is an interesting take, focusing more on puzzle solving and stealth than jumping over cavernous pits. Players also have a small cat-like animal for a companion that is necessary for navigating through each level. Gamers will need to keep their companion safe as well as themselves, which will require precise timing and problem-solving skills. Apart from its fun and innovative gameplay, Planet of Lana also looks gorgeous. Much of the environment is akin to a painting come to life, and the world has surprising depth for a side-scrolling game.
Fabledom Is a Cozy City Builder With Romantic Elements
Fans of games like Sim City looking for a more intimate city-building experience should check out Fabledom. Set in a storybook fantasy world, players take on the role of a prince or princess sent out to settle a new part of the world. Players get a choice of the type of environment they'd like to settle in and can then begin building their new civilization. As their civilization grows, players can begin diplomatic or even romantic relationships with nearby rulers with the ultimate goal of achieving their happily ever after. Fabledom is perfect for gamers who want a more personal aspect added to titles like Civilization.
Darkest Dungeon II Adds a New Spin to Its Series
Darkest Dungeon was a hit with players for its well-designed strategic combat and punishing difficulty. Darkest Dungeon II retains some elements of the first entry, like its turn-based combat system, while also creating a new way to approach the game. While Darkest Dungeon afforded players more control over preparing and executing a specific plan for their dungeon runs, its sequel challenges players to be a bit more reactive to encounters. Gamers who enjoy making decisions on the fly and jumping into gameplay more quickly should definitely check out Darkest Dungeon II. Fans of the original game will also likely enjoy experiencing this new take on the series.
Voidtrain Drops Players Into a Unique World
Voidtrain is a first-person crafting and survival game. While there have been plenty of these in recent years, like The Forest and Valheim, Voidtrain stands out due to its wholly unique world. The game transports players into a seemingly endless void full of floating debris with their only anchor being a small train cart. Players can collect raw materials floating around their train to help craft useful items and expand their vehicle. Players will also have to fight off flying void beasts and other travelers equipped with their own trains. Gamers will be able to play with up to four friends to build the perfect train and survive the dangerous void.
Dark and Darker Is an Action-Packed Dungeon Crawler
Dungeons & Dragons fans looking for a video game version of the TTRPG will likely enjoy Dark and Darker more than some official D&D games. The game faithfully recreates some of D&D's most popular classes and spells, giving players a chance to experience D&D-like combat in real-time. Players venture into a dungeon alone or in groups of two or three, try to collect as much loot as possible, and then escape through a portal before being killed by other gamers, NPC enemies, or an ever-approaching swarm of carnivorous bugs. The game is great for players looking for a fantasy alternative to games like Warzone or Fortnite.
Steam's Next Fest has a wide-reaching variety of games that can cater to many different interests. While these five games are a good jumping-off for players, another good way to browse is by clicking through the different categories on the Next Fest main page. Players who have had Steam accounts for a little while will also get some recommendations based on the types of games they have played in the past. There is likely at least one or two Next Fest demos that meet each player's specific taste.