Another Rip-Roaring Steam Next Fest Is In The Books
What did you play last week?
I’m slowly accepting that I’ll never have enough time to play all the incredible demos that appear during the “officially scheduled period” for Steam Next Fest. Thankfully, though, more and more developers are either putting their demos up a bit before the event starts, leaving them up later, or a combination of both.
Check out my favorites from the latest event, and let me know what you played!
Cast n Chill // Wombat Brawler // (Full game out now!)
Cast n Chill is a cozy idle (and active) fishing game where you explore serene lakes, rivers, and oceans. Catch rare fish, upgrade your gear and reel in legendary catches - with your loyal pup by your side. (Steam)
Put Cast n Chill on your list for those days when you want to enjoy gorgeous pixel art and embrace the vibes. Wombat Brawler is based in Australia, and after hearing that, I was surprised that many of the landscapes they created reminded me so much of my home state of Minnesota. (I swear, I even saw a Loon!)
Danchi Days // gingham games // 2026
Help Hoshino revive a beloved summer festival! Get to know funny neighbors: Explore a Japanese neighborhood, surf their quirky websites, and play unique minigames. In a summer filled with laughter, surprise and tears, one girl's dream to see her grandma smile again will make all the difference! (Steam)
Danchi Days oozes delightfulness from every pixel. It's a game about community that isn't afraid to delve into some deeper topics, either. The characters are delightful, and the aesthetic playful. While I haven't played on one in years, playing it called me back to playing on my Nintendo 3DS, which is never a bad thing to get called back to.
Dispatch // AdHoc Studio // 2025
Dispatch is a superhero workplace comedy where choices matter. Manage a dysfunctional team of misfit heroes and strategize who to send to emergencies around the city, all while balancing office politics, personal relationships, and your own quest to become a hero. (Steam)
You can tell that the Telltale Games gameplay style is in AdHoc's genes when you play Dispatch. It's an impressive blend of comics and superheroes, from the overall art direction to the look and vibe of each character you meet. The voice cast is top-notch, and you can tell there's already strong chemistry between the characters in the small slice of the game shown off in the demo. I also hope there will be more mini-games like the hacking one you experience in the demo.
Dispatch was one of the first games I added to my Fantasy Critic League this year, and I’m happy to see it live up to my expectations.
MIO: Memories in Orbit // Douze Dixièmes // 2025
Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion. (Steam)
MIO's art direction is nothing short of breathtaking, especially in the 2D areas. It's a rich setting, and I know players will enjoy taking deep dives into the story's lore. After spending a few hours in the demo, I’m genuinely captivated by the experience. This game is a Metroidvania in the same vein as Ori, and if the dev team heeds the feedback they've been getting from being part of this Steam Next Fest, I genuinely believe it has the potential to become a standout title adored by many.
Oscuro Blossom’s Glow // Hongoneon // August 2025
Join Selene in a charming platforming and puzzle adventure, where her ability to absorb and emit light from various flowers is key to activating mechanisms, overcoming obstacles, and navigating through environments that adjust depending on how you wield the light.
Hongoneon crafted a game with beautiful hand-drawn art and occasionally challenging platforming in Oscuro. The demo delivered a very promising slice of the game, and I’m excited that it was featured in this year’s Six One Indie Showcase, the Latin American Games Showcase, and Next Fest. While there were a few frustrating platforming moments, the atmosphere, soundtrack, and creative puzzles kept me from rage-quitting.
Strange Antiquities // Bad Viking // TBA
Become the custodian of a store dealing in occult antiquities. Explore the quaint and gloomy town of Undermere, where strange goings-on and dark mysteries abound. Find and identify arcane artefacts, use your collection to aid the townsfolk with their unusual problems — and remember to pet your cat! (Steam)
Strange Antiquities was a fantastic return to Undermere, and it makes sense that in the universe Bad Viking created, there would be such a shop with exotic and mysterious wares as those you come across. You can tell the team has put a lot of work into refining the puzzles and investigations that made Strange Horticulture so much fun. Undermere is a wonderfully eerie setting, and the Strange games are an excellent fit for puzzle and mystery fans.
The Lonesome Guild // Tiny Bull Studios // TBA
In a world consumed by loneliness, only friendship can save the day. Lead a quirky cast in this colorful single-player ARPG full of heart, battles, and bonds that change everything. (Steam)
I have little experience with party-based RPGs, but when I heard Don't Nod was publishing this one, I knew I had to try the demo. The player characters are adorable, the gameplay is easy to pick up, and the leveling system is unique and makes sense for the premise; it really is based on bonds and friendship.
UnderMine 2 // Thorium // July 22, 2025 (Early Access)
Delve back into the heart-pounding depths of the Undermine in this action roguelike sequel! Uncover ancient secrets, battle fierce foes, and conquer Delvemore Castle with a friend by your side! (Steam)
I didn't play the first UnderMine, so the sequel was my first introduction to the series. And I actually did not mind the 'Roguelite' label, like I usually do. The pixel graphic art style is charming, and there's enough variety through the different levels that it didn't get stale.
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