Okay, it’s that time of year. We are already in the second month of 2024, and the Steam Next Fest in February 2024 has come and gone. I planned to limit the number of demos I looked at. I resolved to do so many demos every day, a mix of live streams and gameplay footage, and before I realized it, I’d covered 50 demos. So I decided to share my impressions of each demo I played. Because there are 50 demos, I’ll attempt to keep them to at least a small passage per game. Also, to avoid one long article, I am splitting it into seven articles. So, let us continue our adventure through the 50 demos I played during Steam Next Fest.
| STEAM NEXT FEST DAY 4: FEBRUARY 8, 2024 |
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | Cellar Vault Games |
| Publisher | Chorus Worldwide Games |
| Genre | Exploration Interactive Fiction |
| Release Date | 2024 |
| Platform | PC |
Inspired by Southeast Asian Joss-Papercraft, Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is a narrative adventure game featuring a distinct “paper theatre” graphic style. As you take on the role of Ting, a young child with the capacity to sense spirits, you will encounter obstacles and mysteries throughout her upbringing.
I thought the papercraft aesthetic was visually appealing and engaging, and I liked how the game is based on Malaysian customs and folklore, providing a true insight into a culture that is unique. I believed Ting was a well-thought-out character, and that players would identify with her challenges as she learns to harness her powers and understand her role in the world. I also liked that this wasn’t just a visual novel, but rather a game with fascinating puzzles that required you to utilize your intellect and observation skills to overcome obstacles and continue through the story.
However, if you don’t enjoy narrative adventure games with puzzle components, this may not be the game for you. It’s also worth noting that, while the tale is intriguing, there may not be much motivation to play through it again once you’ve completed everything. Overall, Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open appears to be a delightful and unusual adventure game with a strong emphasis on storytelling and cultural immersion. If you’re searching for something visually striking and emotionally intriguing, it’s worth a look. However, if you enjoy action-packed gameplay or are not a fan of narrative adventures, you may want to look at other possibilities.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | CodeRed Studio |
| Publisher | CodeRed Studio |
| Genre | Action Roguelike |
| Release Date | Coming Soon |
| Platform | PC |
Have you heard the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease?” The developer of Little Scavenger had a problem with no one playing their game and made a big deal about it on Twitter, so despite the fact that it was an action roguelike, I felt compelled to give it a try, just to show the developer that people are interested in their game.
In Little Scavenger, you can fight, explore, and die in a kingdom of corrupted robots. Find armor, use trinkets, and rescue NPCs to improve your combat odds. Learn the world’s secrets, the causes of corruption, and why you are immune.
I had a lot of fun with Little Scavenger and don’t understand why no one else is playing it. I was very glad that the game supported DualShock controllers, because at the start of Steam Next Fest, my XBOX controller quit working, so a big thank you to the developer for programming the DualShock controllers. I had no problems with the controls when I played, and I found the gameplay to be really enjoyable. Little Scavenger appears to be a promising roguelite with engaging combat, exploration, and a unique setting.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | Pixel Dominus |
| Publisher | Pixel Dominus |
| Genre | Metroidvania |
| Release Date | Coming Soon |
| Platform | PC |
In Princess Pomu and the 5 Moons, you play as Princess Pomu, who has recently lost her kingdom and her family, and is now possessed by an evil spirit! Master the basic but satisfying combo system, gain new abilities, pick up weapons, and explore Illeh’s bizarre environment in this adorable metroidvania with a violent twist.
I was quite fascinated by Princess Pomu and the 5 Moons, and I liked the way it looked, but the game left me bewildered. The demo began with the option of following the tale or getting right into the action. To save time on the stream, I decided to go right into the action. I’ll confess that I like the combo system and was anxious to play the game, but after I got started, I was even more confused about what to do. The developer eventually revealed what was meant to be done.
Not that I enjoy having my handheld, but it would have been helpful to know that you could throw enemies into the wall and tear it down. So, adding that as an extra tidbit could aid individuals who are confused, or even include it during the game’s tutorial section. Overall, I would say that if you like Metroidvania’s then you may want to give Princess Pomu and the 5 Moons a try for yourself.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | Balloon Studios |
| Publisher | Whitethorn Games |
| Genre | Exploration Immersive Sim |
| Release Date | Apr 9, 2024 |
| Platform | PC |
Welcome to Botany Manor, a magnificent mansion in nineteenth-century England. You take on the role of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist. Explore your home and grounds, armed with information, to discover the right habitat for neglected flora. Grow each plant to uncover the strange traits it possesses.
I would admit that I loved playing Botany Manor; in fact, I enjoyed it so much that I finished the demo on stream and was sad when it ended because I wanted to play more. I adore exploring the lovingly reclaimed manor, discovering hidden notebooks, deciphering botanical notes, and gathering unusual seeds. I particularly enjoyed how each seed is a puzzle: figure out its optimal environment, pot it carefully, and then find the appropriate position in the enormous gardens to coax it into blossom. The puzzles are never stressful but rather provide a pleasant feeling as you see the bright consequences of your green thumb.
Overall, Botany Manor is an excellent choice for people looking for a calm and visually spectacular vacation. If you prefer exploration, light riddles, and the peaceful delight of fostering life, then come to this charming house and let your love of nature bloom. I’m greatly looking forward to the game’s release.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | Moonloop Games LLC |
| Publisher | Firestoke |
| Genre | Adventure Exploration |
| Release Date | Q2 2024 |
| Platform | PC |
In Hauntii, you will discover the mysteries of a vast and fascinating world, haunting both the environment and its inhabitants, to devise clever solutions to the numerous problems that await you.
Hauntii is perhaps one of the most powerful and visually appealing games I’ve played since GRIS. Initially, Hauntii was not on my list of games to play, but one of the games no longer had a demo available for Steam Next Fest, so Hauntii took its place. I’m glad I did, because I was blown away. Eternity had a visually magnificent atmosphere, combining eerie beauty with a hint of melancholy. The soundtrack complements the setting well, resulting in a truly immersive experience.
I also believed that the mystery surrounding the Eternians and the purpose of Eternity kept you interested, propelling you onward to seek the truth. While the tale allows for some interpretation, it provides enough complexity to be thought-provoking. I did encounter some performance issues with Hauntti, which caused my stream to drop frames, and I had to stop the stream due to the performance issues. Hopefully, these issues will be addressed in the future. However, if you are not streaming the game, I strongly recommend playing Hauntii; you will not be disappointed.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | BlackMoon Design |
| Publisher | BlackMoon Design |
| Genre | Roguelike Deckbuilder |
| Release Date | Q2 2024 |
| Platform | PC SteamOS/Linux |
Ahoy, mates! Prepare to set sail—or should I say, blast off—in CosmoPirates, a quirky card-battling roguelike with a strong dose of fun.
Each playthrough presents a distinct dynamically created galaxy teeming with loot, bizarre characters, and strategic problems. Set your own trajectory, selecting battles that complement your deck and playstyle. You can also build your ultimate spacefaring crew from a large selection of cards. Gadgets, weaponry, gambits, and strategems provide countless tactical options. Experiment to create combos that will send your adversaries flying!
I also think the comedy in the game was wonderful and not overdone. The cartoonish art design and funny language contribute to a pleasant mood that compliments the ferocity of the card battles. However, if you prefer your space adventures to be more serious, CosmoPirates’ absurdity may fall short.
CosmoPirates is a fantastic combination of card-battling tactics, roguelike aspects, and hilarious humor. Whether you’re an experienced deckbuilder or new to the genre, there’s a cosmic adventure waiting for you. So raise the anchor (or start the engines!) and set sail for the skies in this distinct and fascinating indie masterpiece.
