Valve has kicked off the latest Steam Next Fest, which, as usual, brings hundreds of demos to the platform for you to play around with. This June, Steam Next Fest is pretty packed with some anticipated games. You’ll be able to test out Hell is Us, for example, and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. It is also the first time you’ll be able to dive into Moonlighter 2.
The June Steam Next Fest runs from today up until 16 June, so you have a good week to download and play all these demos. I spent the evening fiddling around with some myself and wanted to recommend ten you might enjoy. Here’s my list:
Hell is Us
First off, we have Hell is Us. Steam Next Fest is the only place to test out the game in this demo ahead of its launch in September. The demo doesn’t disappoint. It showcases the game’s uncomfortable setting, some of its mind-bending narrative, and pretty much made me buy a ticket for its hype train. Check out the demo here.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Next up, we have Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. This year is seemingly filled with the Ninja Gaiden series, but this game is a little different. It takes you back to the old-school Metroidvania days of the series and features gorgeous sprite artwork, fluid and addictive parkour and combat mechanics, and of course, the intense difficulty we love from the series. Check out the demo here.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault
Another anticipated game on my list for this year is the new Moonlighter. During Steam Next Fest, you’ll be able to play the sequel to the excellent shopkeeper X dungeon crawler game. Moonlighter 2 has gone 3D and it looks stunning. It has also expanded on its shopkeeper mechanics while also providing deeper gear systems and dungeon crawling than before. Check out the demo here.
Absolum
Absolum is a beat ’em up roguelite with some impressive button-mashing combat. Dotemu is the team behind the game. They are best known for TNMT: Shredder’s Revenge. They are also working on the Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound game, which is also on this list. I know Absolum is yet another roguelite game, but after the demo, I can definitely see myself picking it up. Check out the demo here.
Ratatan
Seen as the spiritual successor to the Patapon series, Ratatan is no doubt the modern rhythm game you need to play. It is charming, packs an impressively deep gear system, and of course, the music is ridiculously funky. Screw the neighbours, turn your speakers up, and relive your early 2000 childhood memories. Check out the demo here.
Dispatch
Ever wanted to know what it would be like to run your own superhero dispatch call centre? no? Me neither, but after playing Dispatch, I can totally see a world where this works. The demo sees you go through the seemingly busy life of managing superheroes across a city overrun by crime. Choosing the correct person for the job is key to ensuring the safety of the people, but at the same time, there is a deep overarching story here that I can’t wait to experience. Don’t sleep on this. Check out the demo here.
Baby Steps
Baby Steps is likely the dumbest game I have played this year, but I absolutely love it. Who knew that learning to walk could be so much fun? You take on the role of Nate, a grown-ass adult who has suddenly learnt that if you put one foot in front of the other, you go places. Sadly, Nate walks like a 6-month-old (or whatever month of age you are when you start walking— I don’t have kids, so no clue here). It is stupid fun. Check out the demo here.
Henry Halfhead
Henry Halfhead is unlike any other demo on this list. Players assume the role of Henry, who can merge with everyday objects and control them. Henry is half a head, as the game’s name suggests. Taking control of objects then gives you new ways to get around, and you’ll need to figure out how these objects work and interact with other items around you. It is fun and really just a pretty chilled and relaxing demo. Check it out here.
Mina The Hollower
Developed by the team behing Shovel Knight, Mina The Hollower promises the same retro appeal that we loved from the studio. The game merges classic Zelda and epic RPG together to deliver a rather stunning experience. Check out the demo here.
