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 2: February 6, 2024 |
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | Zillo Games |
| Publisher | Zillo Games |
| Genre | Action Roguelike |
| Release Date | 2024 |
| Platform | PC |
Margoq’s Lair is a dark, 2D roguelite dungeon crawler. Engage in action-packed combat with an exciting and dynamic spell-casting combo system at its core, acquire mythical artifacts, and face epic bosses and elite creatures on your quest to escape the evil wizard’s stronghold without dying once!
At its essence, Margoq’s Lair is a difficult roguelite dungeon crawl. Players fight through dynamically generated stages, facing swarms of foes and fearsome bosses. The dynamic spell combination technique is what sets this product apart. Players can combine basic spells to unleash powerful strikes, which require skill and strategic thinking. The sample shows a promising diversity of spells and combos, pointing to fascinating potential in the complete game.
I had a lot of fun with the game; the only difficulty I had was with the aiming and shooting, which the developers stated they were working on. As a result, it shows that the developers are listening and making changes to the game, which is a positive thing because some developers don’t do this. Overall, if you enjoy hard roguelikes with creative fighting mechanisms and beautiful graphics, Margoq’s Lair is well worth keeping an eye on.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | Bromantic Games |
| Publisher | Tribal- Storm |
| Genre | Exploration City Builder |
| Release Date | Coming Soon |
| Platforms | PC macOS SteamOS/Linux |
Players are invited to set out on a leisurely and contemplative settlement-building adventure in Folklands. Though it may not have the fast-paced action or intricate systems of other city builders, its allure is found in its emphasis on building a successful and serene society within an imaginative, hand-drawn environment.
Folklands’ basic gameplay is around founding and managing a settlement. Starting with a modest town center and a few eager-to-please citizens, you’ll guide them through the process of gathering resources, constructing buildings, and developing production chains. The process is simple and understandable, thanks to clear tutorials and well-designed options. Building houses, farms, workshops, and other constructions is rewarding, especially when your community grows and thrives organically.
The game’s visuals are delightful, with a soft, pastel palette and beautiful character designs that inspire a sense of calm. The audio is equally soothing, creating a wonderfully pleasant environment while playing. Unlike some city builders, who can become stressed out over resource management and optimization, Folklands promotes a relaxed approach, allowing you to enjoy the process of constructing and nurturing your town at your own speed.
Folklands is a pleasant and soothing city builder with a distinct emphasis on the well-being of its residents. It’s the ideal choice for those looking for a stress-free and uplifting experience, thanks to its intuitive gameplay, attractive visuals, and serene environment. If you’re seeking for a deep and complicated city builder with limitless challenges, you should look elsewhere. Folklands, on the other hand, is absolutely worth exploring if you’re looking for a relaxing and fulfilling experience where the ultimate goal is to develop a happy community.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | SRG Studios |
| Publisher | SRG Studios |
| Genre | Action Roguelike |
| Release Date | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Platform | PC |
Prepare to unleash mythical heroes and their powerful vehicles in this exhilarating co-op action roguelike. Champion Shifts allows you to seamlessly transform into automobile form, construct builds with unique skills, and battle countless adversaries to defeat the wicked Dominion. Take on high-octane missions, defeat huge bosses, and become an incredible legend!
When the developers of Champion Shift asked if I would be willing to play their demo during Steam Next Fest, I gladly accepted. Not only is it a roguelike game, but you can morph into vehicles, and who wouldn’t want to transform into a car while also mowing down enemies? Champion Shift is an action roguelike game with bullet hell features in which players controlled legendary heroes who battled unending waves of opponents, explore branching stages, and unlock new skills to vanquish the evil Dominion.
The demo had three different heroes, each with its own learning curve and difficulty. For my first few playthroughs of the game, I used Athena and Son Goku, and I like them both. As with any roguelike, it all rests on whether the RNG is generous enough to provide you with what you need and want. I love the shifting into the car aspect as it helped shift the gears of the game [I know got to stop it with the puns] and made if even more fun.
Overall, I thought Champion Shift was a fantastic game, and I’m definitely looking forward to its release, which has now been set for February 29, 2024. If you’re searching for a unique roguelike adventure, I definitely recommend Champion Shift.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | FairPlay Studios Co. Ltd |
| Publisher | Dear Villagers |
| Genre | Strategy Roguelike |
| Release Date | Coming Soon |
| Platform | PC |
The Land Beneath Us is a turn-based, rogue-lite dungeon crawler inspired by Welsh folklore. Annwn’s Underworld allows you to unleash skill combos and wield gorgeous weapons. Conquer the Seven Lords, save the Creator, and recover critical Soul-Tech.
The Land Beneath Us was one of those games I wasn’t exactly sure if I would like it or not, but it excels at its fundamental gameplay. Each run takes you through dynamically generated dungeons, pushing you to adjust your approach on the go. Combat is turn-based, yet dynamic. You combine strikes and skills with various weapons to weave through opposing attacks and maximize damage. The combat feels fluid and satisfying, necessitating strategic thinking and rapid reflexes. The rogue-lite features add flavor, as death returns you to the beginning with only permanent advancements in tow. This promotes exploration and mastery, requiring you to learn from each failure.
While dungeons are generated at random, the overall design can get repetitive after a long period of time. The upgrading system, while effective, might benefit from greater variety and depth. Overall, The Land Beneath Us is an excellent rogue-lite with a distinct atmosphere and entertaining gameplay. It is a hard and rewarding experience for lovers of the genre looking for something different. However, monotonous level design and limited character growth may deter those expecting more depth. If you enjoy strategic turn-based warfare and Welsh mythology, this indie gem is worth giving a go.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | Orchid of Redemption |
| Publisher | Lamplight Forest |
| Genre | Puzzle |
| Release Date | Coming Soon |
| Platforms | PC macOS Steam OS/Linux |
After Light Fades, is a mysterious and enchanting puzzle game about letting go. Following the death of her beloved companion, Alice is left with seven emotionally charged artifacts. She goes on a mission to return to seven of their favorite spots and cast each artifact into an abyss, so she can finally be free.
The game’s visuals are beautiful and the soundtrack is equally evocative, combining mournful piano melodies and ethereal chimes to precisely capture Alice’s emotional state. Each place seems unique, reflecting the memories attached to it, making exploration enjoyable. The basic gameplay is based on sokoban-style puzzles, in which you push and pull objects to navigate the landscape. However, After Light Fades extends beyond mere block-shoving. You’ll interact with elements such as fire, ice, lightning, and magic mirrors to create a varied and more complicated puzzle experience.
Although I like the game, the demo left me a little annoyed with the controls because it did not fully explain how certain features worked, or at least not very effectively. So I found myself becoming dissatisfied with the game. One of the major concerns I had was with the controls, so I’m hoping they’re fixed before the game comes out.
After Light Fades is a stunning and thought-provoking game. The innovative puzzle design, amazing sights, and heartfelt story make the journey worthwhile. Again, I hope the controls are smoothed out a little more before the game gets released however, if you want a game that challenges your head and warms your emotions After Light Fades is a must-play.
| Game Name |  |
| Developer | Hyper Luminal Games |
| Publisher | Little Nook |
| Genre | Wholesome Exploration |
| Release Date | Q1 2024 |
| Platform | PC |
Pine Hearts welcomes gamers to the picturesque Pine Hearts Caravan Park, a small refuge situated among rolling hills and bright nature. We play Tyke, a young adult who returns to the park after a long absence and embarks on a journey of exploration, puzzle solving, and self-discovery. The game’s appeal stems from its cozy ambiance, which has gorgeously hand-drawn images that induce feelings of warmth and nostalgia. The soundtrack nicely complements the pictures, producing a relaxing atmosphere that invites introspection. Plus, the first task allows you to pet the dog, therefore this game is already a 10/10 in my book.
The world of Pine Hearts is populated by a cast of eccentric and fascinating individuals, each with their own story and personality. Interacting with them adds to the overall charm and opens up opportunities for further exploration and side tasks. Small things, such as collecting pins for your rucksack and decorating your caravan, lend a sense of personality and investment to the trip.
I truly enjoyed what I played of the demo, and I was disappointed when it ended. Pine Hearts is a lovely and moving experience that honors the power of nostalgia and self-discovery. Its stunning graphics, relaxing soundtrack, and emotional narrative make for an unforgettable voyage. With its emphasis on exploration, mild puzzle solving, and character interaction, it’s ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful and introspective experience.
