Top 10 Exciting Game Demos from Steam Next Fest June 2025

Steam Next Fest: Highlights from June’s Indie Showcase

This June, Steam Next Fest returns with an exciting lineup featuring breakout indie games alongside popular franchises, each offering a plethora of engaging demos. My enthusiasm for discovering innovative games at these frequent events has only grown, as they serve as a fantastic showcase for fresh ideas and captivating concepts.

Over the course of this event, I explored over 70 unique games. This experience, although overwhelming at times, allowed me to compile a list of standout titles that not only possess remarkable ideas but also execute them flawlessly. Here, I present the games that I found to be particularly enjoyable, based solely on their innovation and gameplay fun factor. Each one is accompanied by a demo so that you too can experience these delightful creations.

11 The Also-Rans

Little Favorites

Before diving into my top picks, I’d like to briefly highlight a few games that captured my interest, even if they didn’t make the final cut. Here are some honorable mentions worth exploring:

Draggin’: A chaotic yet nostalgic adventure where players drag their mouse to capture enemies, creating frenetic gameplay that amps up as levels progress.
Islanders: New Shores: A strategic building game that, while brief, offers engaging mechanics in placing structures on islands.
Kity Builder: Despite its rough edges, this charming game allows freeform building and exploration that draws on nostalgic mechanics reminiscent of Animal Crossing.
Jetrunner: This speedrunning title features parkour elements and targets to hit, echoing the exhilarating gameplay of games like Neon White.
SPiNG: A simple yet addictive game centered around swinging from points, perfect for those quick play sessions that keep you entertained.
Desk Garden: A surprisingly engaging idle game that allows for customization and efficiency, challenging traditional notions of the genre.
Infiniclick: This idle game offers engaging gameplay through desktop interactions that constantly reward you, perfect for staying actively entertained.
MIO: Memories in Orbit: An atmospheric Metroidvania that, while challenging, features stunning visuals and an immersive sound design that captivates players.
Sands of Hope: A charming pixelated puzzle game where players navigate and rotate objects within a whimsical environment, featuring an adorable canine companion.
Orbyss: A puzzle game that starts off simply but gains complexity, creating an engaging experience reminiscent of Portal.

10 The Gecko Gods

Lizard Zelda

I’ve eagerly anticipated The Gecko Gods since its announcement. After facing multiple delays, the demo has finally arrived, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. This charming title allows players to explore intricate dungeons as an adorable lizard. You can scale walls and activate devices using your tongue, which adds an interesting twist to traditional puzzle mechanics.

The game’s puzzles gradually increase in difficulty, beginning with simple tasks and culminating in more complex challenges that involve climbing towers and performing acrobatic jumps. The vibrant art style is enchanting, and I’m particularly fond of the ability to make the lizard emit amusing sounds, adding a light-hearted touch to this engaging adventure.

9 Star Overdrive

Sonic Hawk

Though I was initially indifferent to Star Overdrive‘s presentation, it undoubtedly excels in hoverboard mechanics. Riders can perform impressive tricks while hurtling across expansive alien landscapes. The fluidity of movement and ability to string together tricks creates an exhilarating experience that is almost reminiscent of iconic skating games.

The core idea of an open-world game combined with this thrilling transit style fosters natural exploration, making the game a must-try for anyone looking for a good time.

8 Chordioid: First Breath

Sick Riff

Chordioid First Breath Demo, featuring a Battle

Blending rhythm and RPG mechanics, Chordioid: First Breath offers an innovative take on both genres. Featuring stylish music and engaging combat systems, it ensures that players remain entertained throughout. Typically, I struggle to finish lengthy demos, but this title kept me hooked enough to complete it in one sitting.

7 Mina the Hollower

Ratted Out

Mina the Hollower Demo Screenshot, taken during a boss fight.

Developed by the creators behind Mina the Hollower, this game captures the nostalgic essence of Game Boy Color graphics while incorporating modern enhancements like widescreen support and 60 FPS. It stands apart from mere retro imitations and delivers thrilling action-RPG gameplay. The pacing and character design make me crave more of this delightful journey.

6 Bits and Bops

Step To The Beat

Bits and Bops Demo Screenshot, featuring birds tweeting at eachother.

With a revival of rhythm games on the horizon, I was pleasantly surprised by the charm of Bits and Bops. The delightful art style and the intricate animation demonstrate the developers’ hard work and dedication. This game stands out as one of the best indie rhythm titles to emerge in recent times, and I’m excited to see its evolution.

5. Hirogami

Take A Look At Me

Hirogami Demo Screenshot, featuring the armadillo transformation.

For fans of Hirogami, the aesthetic mirrors that of Paper Mario: The Origami King, but it takes the creative concept further. The game features stunning graphical fidelity that genuinely appears like folded paper. The folding mechanic allows players to transform into various shapes, adding depth to both combat and exploration.

This title excels in creating a vast open world, where the destruction of paper structures provides an engaging spectacle. The inventive combat mechanics allow for dynamic interaction with the environment, enhancing the overall experience significantly.

4 Dead As Disco

Punch Out

Dead as Disco Demo Screenshot, taking place in the sewers.

Dead As Disco marries rhythm mechanics with dynamic beat-em-up gameplay. Unlike similar titles, it emphasizes creating a flow state, allowing for exhilarating gameplay as players move through waves of enemies with rhythmic precision. As someone who often struggles with focus, this game’s design captivated me, drawing me into the rhythm and action seamlessly.

3 Word Play

New Addiction

Having previously reviewed Mark Brown’s earlier title, I was intrigued to see what he would create next with Word Play. This engaging title combines elements of roguelike deck-building with word formation, offering a fresh twist. Players score points by spelling long words using a variety of letter combinations, adding layers of strategy and excitement.

I found myself returning to this demo several times, captivated by the addictive gameplay. My enjoyment factor for this title is high, and I can anticipate that its full release will have me engrossed for hours.

2 Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

Cleaned Up

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound Demo Screenshot, taking place in a burning building near a save point.

It would be remiss to not rave about Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. This remarkable title boasts some of the most beautiful pixel art I’ve encountered, pairing stunning visuals with highly enjoyable gameplay mechanics. The fluidity of movement and attention to detail are truly impressive and elevate the experience significantly.

With gameplay that encourages continuous action and a level design reminiscent of classic platformers, the thrill factor of Ninja Gaiden is unparalleled. If you appreciate skill-based platforming and tight controls, this title is expected to leave a lasting impression.

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