Steam Next Fest returned in February 2025, bringing with it a wealth of exciting game demos for gamers to explore. For those who might be joining the event late, there’s still an extensive collection of quality demos featuring both emerging titles and well-established names worthy of attention.
Having developed a game entirely on my own and submitted it to Next Fest, I understand the frustration many developers face when their creations struggle to gain visibility against a sea of AI-generated or less favorable titles. This sentiment resonates deeply with those who feel overlooked during the festival.
To illuminate some hidden gems from the event, I’ve curated a list of standout smaller projects that offer unique gameplay experiences. While there are certainly popular titles worth noting, my focus will be specifically on these innovative smaller games that showcase creativity and originality. If you feel I’ve missed a noteworthy demo, please share your thoughts; I’m eager to hear about your favorites.
11 Honorable Mentions
These honorable mentions may not have cracked the top ten, but they each bring something innovative or simply fun to the table, making them enjoyable experiences to play.
- Batter Up – A creative blend of bullet heaven and tower defense, where players swing their bat to create chaos. The excitement ramps up quickly as the gameplay evolves into a delightful frenzy.
- Metro Gravity – Experience a 3D Metroidvania where gravity manipulation creates a unique puzzle-solving dynamic, although it may lack polish at this stage.
- VoidFace – A homage to bullet hell games that focuses exclusively on dodging intricate attacks while incorporating a spellcasting system that makes for a captivating experience.
- Bounce Gun – A straightforward yet thrilling bullet hell experience where players must skillfully dodge and adapt to an ever-changing barrage of attacks, with upgrades that keep the game feeling fresh.
- Space Sprouts – A narrative-driven game featuring a time-loop mechanic reminiscent of Outer Wilds, focusing on gathering information about your past aboard a spacecraft.
- POEM EX MACHINA – This vibrant homage to Jet Set Radio fuses engaging combat with stylish aesthetics and an upbeat soundtrack, appealing to fans of the classic series.
- Guns Undarkness – Created by the talented Shoji Meguro, known for his work on Persona 5, this turn-based RPG emphasizes strategic combat and impressive sound design.
- Ruffy and the Riverside – A charming 3D platformer that evokes nostalgia for classic collect-a-thons. While the material-swapping mechanic may be ordinary, its charm is undeniable.
- Squeakross: Home Squeak Home – A delightful combination of nonograms and house decoration that rewards puzzle enthusiasts with gratifying gameplay.
- Isle of Reveries – A delightful homage to Link’s Awakening, this title serves up its own unique adventure while maintaining the charm of its inspiration.
10 Collapsed Horizon
Planetary Destruction Imminent
Collapsed Horizon may feel more like an impressive tech demo than a fully-fledged game, but it’s certainly captivating. Initially slow, the gameplay evolves as you mine resources and upgrade your abilities, ultimately letting you destroy entire planets.
The satisfaction of upgrades is palpable, reminiscent of the pleasure derived from manipulating ecosystems in games like Spore. The destructible environments remind players of No Man’s Sky, albeit with less effort required to obliterate vast landscapes.
Even though it lacks traditional game progression, the sheer joy of wreaking havoc makes it a worthwhile experience for those who take pleasure in destruction.
9 Glum
A Shoe-In
Glum is a whimsical dungeon crawler where every action revolves around kicking. Players engage with environments and enemies through the simple act of a kick, adding a thrilling twist to traditional mechanics.
The humor infused in the game’s writing enhances the absurdity of its premise, amplifying the enjoyment of each encounter and challenge. The frequent upgrades keep gameplay fresh, introducing mechanics such as launching kicks or grappling with enemies in hilariously unconventional ways.
Glum’s quirky charm and engaging combat system, which includes the unique ability to kick items at enemies, guarantees that players will have a delightful time navigating its colorful world.
8 Dice ‘n Goblins
Crawling Out
Dice ‘n Goblins presents a captivating blend of colored pencil-style art and 3D cel-shaded dungeon crawling that feels fresh and vibrant. It’s reminiscent of the classic RPGs while introducing innovative dice mechanics that can initially seem random but develop strategic depth over time.
The game captures the essence of turn-based combat while allowing players to influence battle outcomes through tactical decisions. While the dungeon crawling may feel standard and a bit clunky, the charming art style and engaging mechanics elevate the overall experience, making it appealing to both newcomers and veterans.
7 Haste: Broken Worlds
Broken Barriers
If you enjoy high-speed action, then Haste: Broken Worlds delivers a thrilling rush. The gameplay is an exhilarating mix of running and dodging while navigating various obstacles, rewarding players for their agility and timing.
Each collectible item introduces new abilities, compelling players to adapt their strategies continuously. The blend of speed, reflex challenges, and upgrades creates an enriching experience that surpasses typical endless runner games.
6 GenoKids
Stylish Substance
Fans of character-driven action games will appreciate GenoKids, which combines engaging combat with a vibrant, cel-shaded aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from titles like Kingdom Hearts and Devil May Cry, it excels in delivering flashy animations and a rewarding combat experience.
The blend of stylish combat with anime-inspired voice acting adds to its charm. Players can execute special moves, exploring innovative mechanics that keep each encounter exciting.
5 Swing Swamp
Eight Handfuls of Tasks
Swing Swamp uniquely combines 3D platforming with shooter mechanics, putting players in control of a spider on a mission. The chaotic gameplay challenges players to master both swinging and shooting, making each encounter thrilling and dynamic.
After overcoming obstacles, players gain new abilities, such as powerful weaponry, enhancing the gameplay experience. The humor and exceptional music create an engaging atmosphere that keeps players engrossed.
4 Nautical Survival
Watertight Strategy
Part bullet hell, part survival game, Nautical Survival places players in charge of a ship navigating treacherous waters filled with aggressive sea creatures. The challenge lies in managing resources and upgrading weaponry while dodging incoming attacks.
This hybrid gameplay experience requires effective multitasking as you navigate and combat land-based threats. Boss encounters add another layer of strategy to the game, employing skillful dodging against well-crafted attack patterns.
3 Paper Animal Adventure
Trotting Up And Out
Paper Animal Adventure stands out as a creative action RPG with its roguelike elements and randomly generated levels. Players engage in battles that feel both turn-based and dynamic, adding depth to each run.
The variety of characters available provides diverse gameplay options, while character upgrades are randomized, making each playthrough unique and engaging. The story resembles classics like Paper Mario, combining solid gameplay mechanics with an enticing narrative.
2 Advent NEON
An Electric Adventure
One of the standout demos featured is Advent NEON, known for its breathtaking fluidity in platforming and combat mechanics. The exhilarating gameplay creates a satisfying flow state that captivates players from the outset.
The dynamic combat system and smooth mechanics facilitate an energizing experience, inviting players to master controls while facing challenges. Replayability is enhanced by challenging optional goals that encourage deeper exploration of the gameplay mechanics.
1 Aethermancer
Out Of Darkness
Easily the most anticipated demo from this event, Aethermancer from Offbrand Games showcases their knack for quality with beautiful sprite work and creature designs. As a roguelite creature-collecting RPG, it has stunning visuals and engaging gameplay that has captured the attention of many during the festival.
The ability to capture and use creatures in subsequent runs adds a layer of strategy and replayability, ensuring players remain engaged as they explore this enchanting world.
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