Steam Next Fest is here and for the first time, I have some downtime between games to check out demos! I usually just add games to my Steam wishlist to keep an eye on the ones I’m interested, but this year I’m shaking things up!
In case you’ve never heard of Steam Next Fest, it’s “a week-long celebration, featuring FREE playable demos as well as developer livestreams and chats” (Source: Steam). Steam Next Fest is happening now, February 24 to March 3.
Here are the games I’m most interested in!
// Wanderstop
Genre:
Cozy Narrative Life/Farm Sim
Description:
Wanderstop is a narrative-centric cozy game about change and tea. Playing as a fallen fighter named Alta, you’ll manage a tea shop within a magical forest and tend to the customers who pass through. But Alta does not want to be here. And if she gets her way, the tea shop will be nothing but a brief and painful memory.
Wanderstop is a tea shop management ritual. Grow and harvest the ingredients needed for tea, and then mix them together in an unusual tea-making contraption. Along the way, speak with the many travellers who pass through the shop, learn their stories and make tea that’s just right for them. (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
I’ve had my eye on this game for a while now, as I’m a sucker for cozy life/farm sims. It also has an art style that appeals to me. A lot of the cozy sim style games I end up playing are 2D pixel style, as many of the 3D games have artistic styles I’m not a fan of for numerous reasons (the main one being character designs). I have a hard time playing games if I’m not a fan of the artistic style, so I’m really looking forward to this one!
I do wonder if there’s something more to this game once you play it more. The description gives me the vibe there could be more than what meets the eye, but if I’m wrong, I’m okay with that too. There’s more than enough here, from farming, to taking care of your tea shop, to tending to the needs of your customers, to keep me interested.
You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Seeds of Calamity
Genre:
2D Pixel Cozy Farming Sim RPG
Description:
Take part in healing after the Great Calamity. Tend your farm, complete quests for the villagers, and explore dungeons filled with challenge and treasure in this cozy, solo-developed farming sim. Build a new life in a recovering world with your fluffy Spellbook Companion. (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
Like I said in my reason for Wanderstop, I play a lot of 2D pixel farming sims. There’s just something about the art style that really grabs me. Seeds of Calamity scratches every itch–it’s a cozy farming sim AND an RPG, with turn-based battles! It’s got farming, it’s got festivals, it’s got a cute animal companion. It’s almost like this game was made for me.
And it’s being made by a solo developer.
Very excited to try this one out! You can, too, and watch the trailer, here!
// Cattle Country
Genre:
Cozy Wholesome Cowboy Farming Sim
Description:
Howdy partner! Welcome to Cattle Country, the Cozy Cowboy Adventure Life Sim. Become a determined pioneer traveling west to start a new life. Make a home in the mountains, take on bandits, discover dastardly plots, build a farm, develop your town, and make friends with fellow residents. (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
If it’s not apparent by now, I am a farming sim addict. I will play them all.
Cattle Country‘s got farming, it’s got romance, there’s adventure, hunting, and, because you’re a cowboy, it’s also got bandits too! Cattle Country seems like it has a bit of a twist from some of the farming sims I’ve played, so I’m excited to check it out. I really love the art style for this one, too–especially the character sprite art and the crops you grow.
You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Tailside: Cozy Cafe Sim
Genre:
2D Pixel Cozy RPG Cafe Sim
Description:
A charming RPG where you’ll discover the joys of running your own cozy cafe. From brewing the perfect cup of coffee to making friends with the locals, experience a blend of relaxation and adventure during your own coffee break. (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
This is another game I’ve been following for a long time now. I saw a post on social media a while back from the developer asking people what worked best for their logo. Ever since, I’ve been keeping an eye on Tailside. The art style looks interesting, especially its animal characters. Like many of the other games I’ve mentioned so far, I do like that it has both life sim and adventure elements, which is what I look for in these kinds of games.
Cafe sims aren’t the type of games I usually go for, but there’s enough in here that has me interested.
From the description, the demo is fairly short so if you’re interested, you can also check both the demo and the trailer out here!
// Solasta II
Genre:
Turn-Based Tactical TTRPG
Description:
In a Mana-infused land, a dark force led by the enigmatic Shadwyn threatens Neokos. Bring your party of adventurers together across perilous realms in this Turn-Based Tactical RPG based on the SRD 5e ruleset. You make the choices, dice decide your destiny. (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
See, I just don’t play farming sims! I’m into other things! I don’t know if I’m 100% sold on the art style, but I’m still going to give this one a shot. You get a party to travel with, you can freely roam the world, battles are turned-based, and there’s even dice rolls! After playing a few TTRPG video games, my interest in this one has been piqued.
You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Tales of Seikyu
Genre:
Farming Life Dating Sim
Description:
Settle into your magical new life in a world of Yokai! Harness your powers of transformation to manage your farm and explore the world, grow bonds with extraordinary islanders, and uncover the secrets of Seikyu. Adventure, magic and romance await in this enchanting farming life-sim!
Why I’ll Be Playing:
I think by now you probably have a general idea of why this one has made my list. I really like the exploration stuff I’ve seen on the Steam page, it’s very different for this genre. It looks more open world than others I’ve played. Not to mention, Tales of Seikyu has Rune Factory vibes, as instead of farm animals, you have Yokai who can be used to battle and explore with as well as take care of your farm. Tales of Seikyu also has romanceable NPCs, which I’m a glutton for in these games. I love all their portrait art and cannot wait to meet them in game.
You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Sugardew Island
Genre:
Cozy Shop Keeper Farming Sim
Description:
In this cozy farming game, you have to run your own farm shop. Take care of your animals and your farm, sell your goods to the cute Forest Folk, upgrade the island and fulfill small orders from the Harmony Tree to fill the island with life again. (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
Don’t judge my farming sim addiction. These games bring me great joy. So yes, I will be checking this one out too. It does seem slightly similar to Wanderstop as you’re not just farming, you’re also taking care of a shop. It sounds like Sugardew Island has way more farming than Wanderstop, though. I like that there are quests and animal raising, because who doesn’t like animals?? There’s even a pet companion, and romance, too!
The art style for the characters does throw me off a bit, but I’m still willing to give this one a chance because I might like it after all.
I also read this game is perfect to be played in short bursts, which has me interested for when it actually releases. I love having something cozy to play just before bed, and if I like the demo, this may end up being that bedtime game.
You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Saihate Station
Genre:
Cute Anime Psychological Horror Adventure
Description:
An exploration/horror/adventure game about the codependent, love-hate relationship between two men. (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
Cute psychological horror is another one of my favourite genres. The game itself may not be cute, but it’s usually the art style that gives it that cute moniker. That seems to be the case here with Saihate Station.
It looks like this is a mix of a visual novel and adventure game in terms of how it’s played, but it’s really the art style that grabbed my attention.
I don’t think this game will be for everyone, especially after reading the disclaimer. At least I have plenty of cozy farming games on my list should I, or you, need a palate cleanser after playing this one!
You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Dragon Song Tavern: Cozy & Adventurous
Genre:
Cozy Turned-Based JRPG Farming Sim Management
Description:
Enjoy a cozy adventure with farming, fishing, cooking, and crafting. Explore maps, battle monsters, and gather magical ingredients. Cook dishes and manage a seaside tavern. Customize rooms, collect rare items and outfits, and enjoy companion stories. Immerse yourself in this charming world! (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
The first thing that struck me about Dragon Song Tavern was its art style. I love the cell-shaded look both its characters and world has. The character designs are very adorable, too. You’re able to customize your starting character, which is a massive perk for me.
I like the fact that its battles are turned based. In a lot of the games I play in this genre, the combat tends to veer more towards being like an action RPG game in the sense that it happens out in the open world. This is now the second cozy farming sim on the list that has turned-based battles. I’m excited to see how I feel about it!
Outside of that, much like the others, Dragon Song Tavern has farming, cooking, crafting, fishing, and pets. It also has a tavern management system, since it is called Dragon Song Tavern, after all.
I’m excited to check out this demo. You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Unfriendly Friend
Genre:
Dark Psychological Horror JRPG
Description:
From YOUR decisions, many people could get hurt. Can you save your friends or at least save yourself from the horror that awaits? (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
This game popped up under my recommendations when I was looking at all the game demos for Steam Next Fest. The art style grabbed me immediately, especially in the trailer. Once I realised it was a psychological horror JRPG, I was sold.
I don’t think this one, much like Saihate Station, will be for everyone. Unfriendly Friend also has a content warning in its description, so I recommend giving it a read before trying it out.
I don’t know too much about the game as the description doesn’t go too into detail, but it sounds like there are choices you’ll have to make, and those choices matter. I’ll have to see what that means, if the demo gets into that at all. I hope they do as I love games where your decisions have consequences.
You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Dark Deity II
Genre:
Anime Tactical Strategy Turn-Based RPG
Description:
Dark Deity is back! A quarter of a century has passed, as Irving and the Eternal Order carefully rebuilt Verroa to protect it against a future war. Their efforts will be put to the test far too soon as a new threat looms on the horizon. The neighboring Holy Asverellian Empire needs new lands to grow, and the fractious, fragile Verroa seems ripe for the taking. All that stands in its way is the Order and twenty scrappy heroes-to-be.
Take command of the Eternal Delegation, led by Irving’s descendants. Gwyn and Riordian will have to navigate the treacherous politics of Verroa, and weave a web of alliances to turn the tide of the coming war. Your decisions will determine the shape of these alliances and define your army. Coupled with the help of a giant pool of customizations, no two playthroughs will ever feel the same.
Put simply, Dark Deity 2 is about playing your way, all the way. (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
I haven’t played the first one yet, but I’ve had my eye on it for a while now. This is another game that came up in my recommendations when I was looking for demos. I haven’t played too many tactical/strategy RPGs, but I have liked the ones I’ve played.
The pixel art style is what got my attention. It reminds me of the way older games from the late 80s and early 90s looked. I also like the direction they went for their character portraits, using a cell-shaded style for that instead.
If I like Dark Deity II, I likely will pick up the first one, as it’s on sale right now for $6.49 CAD.
You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Gothic 1 Remake
Genre:
Open World Action Adventure RPG
Description:
The Legend is Back – Return to the Valley of the Mines in this faithful remake of the genre-defining classic RPG. Explore a hand-crafted, organic open world that reacts dynamically to your actions in a gritty, unrestricted experience like no other.
The Kingdom of Myrtana has been invaded by a relentless horde of orcs. Desperate for powerful weapons to repel them, King Rhobar II orders the mining of vast quantities of magical ore, setting every available prisoner to work in the Khorinis mines. To ensure no one escapes, the King commands his most skilled mages to erect a magical barrier. But something goes terribly wrong, and the magic spirals out of control, trapping everyone inside. The prisoners rebel, transforming the mine into a lawless territory ruled by the Colony’s most brutal inmates.
Now, the King must negotiate with these new rulers, as tensions rise among the mine’s factions. Amidst the chaos, the arrival of an unknown prisoner will change everything…(Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
Funny enough, after I finished playing Avowed, I was looking for more RPG games to play as an in-between game while I wait for Monster Hunter Wilds to release. I was thinking of playing either Oblivion or Skyrim for the millionth time, but I felt like something different. I started looking up games like Skyrim, and Gothic 1 was one of the recommendations. Sure enough, it’s being remade and its remake made it on my recommendations as a game to check out.
And check it out I shall!
I haven’t played the original Gothic 1, so I’ll have no frame of reference whether it’s actually a faithful remake.
I am interested in this game because it’s an open world RPG with a dynamic, living world and branching story. These are things I tend to look for in games like this. The game also just looks visually stunning.
You can check out the demo and trailer here!
// Veloria: The Knot of Candles
Genre:
Anime Psychological Horror Exploration RPG
Description:
“Veloria: The Knot of Candle“ is a new type of horror puzzle game that evolves with the times, integrating puzzles, level design, visuals, and music into a seamless experience. It confronts the brutal reality of mental illness, intertwining psychological depth with horror elements, depicting a desperate struggle for survival in darkness and despair, and exploring the true nature of appearance and inner self. (Source: Steam)
Why I’ll Be Playing:
This was another game I saw under my recommendations. Steam seems to know me very well.
It should be no surprise why this one caught my interest–it’s another psychological horror with a really nice art style. The description also mentions stealth mechanics and chase sequences, so I’m very interested to see exactly what that means.
I like a lot of the art that was included both in the gallery and the description, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s used within the game itself. From the trailer, it seems to be used in a way you’d see in a visual novel, but that’s where the comparison to a visual novel ends. There’s actual gameplay in this game.
This one doesn’t have a content warning, so it’s more accessible for everyone!
If you’re interested, like I am, you can check out both the demo and the trailer here!
// Final Thoughts
I love Steam Next Fest as it gives you the opportunity to try out a bunch of games you’ve either been keeping an eye on for a while, discover new ones you never even knew about, or try something you’d usually never play. I have plenty here to try, and there’s always a chance I may find more! Likewise, I recommend giving the page a browse yourself, because if none of these games interested you, you’re bound to find something that does.
If the list seems daunting because there are so many options, seek out other articles like this, or look at recommendations on socials. There’s plenty out there right now, trying to help people find something they’ll enjoy. I also recommend looking to see what Steam recommends for you. You can view games by their genres, which should help narrow things down a bit.
I do plan on reviewing all these in a future write-up, in a similar format like this. I don’t think they all need individual articles, as some of the demos are very short.
Feel free to share what games you’re thinking of checking out in the comments below!
