So I made a spreadsheet. It contains all of the demos I want to play during Next Fest. Because going into this week with a plan seems like a good idea, right? Sadly, it seems that despite my careful planning, this week is going to be even more hectic than I had anticipated. The list in the spreadsheet just gets longer and longer, yet at the same time, some of these demos are keeping me hooked way beyond the deadline I had set. So buckle up, as this week’s coverage of the February edition of Steam Next Fest is going to get messy.
As I will be writing these updates daily, I decided to divide the games I wanted to play most—and which I consider to be bigger names—across the entire week. But I had to start off with a couple of games I just could not wait any longer to play.
Wheel World
To kick things off, I dusted off my rusty bike and travelled the lands of Wheel World. You play as Kat, a rider chosen by ancient cycling spirits to perform the long-overdue Great Shift ritual and, while you’re at it, save the universe. I had long been sold on the premise and the gorgeous graphical style, which reminded me a little of games like Sable and Caravan Sandwitch with its delicious use of colours and cartoonish-looking people, but I was ready to finally find out if this game plays as beautifully as well.
I shouldn’t have worried. Developer Messhof—the people who also created the Nidhogg games—absolutely nail what it feels like to ride your bike. When the game starts, you’re on this rusty old thing, but as you find new bike parts, the riding becomes so much smoother, even this early on. There’s not much to do yet in this demo except for challenging a bike gang to gain access to a hillside, but as a first taste, the Wheel World demo absolutely delivered. This is going to be another banger for publisher Annapurna Interactive.
Download the Wheel World demo HERE
Wanderstop
While we’re talking Annapurna games, they’re also publishing Ivy Road’s new game, Wanderstop. The dev team consists of people who also made the Stanley Parable games, but this is something rather different. Wanderstop is a cosy little game about a warrior named Alta. She used to be undefeated in all of her fights, but lately, she hasn’t been able to beat a single opponent. She decides to set off to find one of the greatest warriors ever to go in training with her. But on the way over, she stumbles and falls.
When she wakes up, a man called Boro talks to her, inviting her over for a cup of tea. He invites you to stay a while and take your mind off things while you try to recover all of your lost energy. His tea house holds a huge tea-making machine, which he teaches you how to use. From there on in, you start cultivating your own ingredients and making tea for others.
For someone who has dealt with burnout, this game was quite the confrontation. Hearing the things Alta says to herself, not allowing her to enjoy the moment for what it is, it stings. The developers clearly know what they are talking about and have allowed us a respite from the busy, speedy world we live in with a game that has no deadlines and no worries. It is delightful.
Download the Wanderstop demo HERE
FEAR FA 98
I didn’t just stick to playing games that were already on my wishlist, though. While browsing through the demos on offer for Next Fest, I stumbled upon many a game that piqued my interest for a plethora of reasons. One of those was FEAR FA 98. Developed by a solo dev, this game aims to bring the world of FIFA 98 (the football game I grew up with) mixed with something like Silent Hill.
This demo was kind of light on gameplay, so I didn’t spend that much time with it. The football mechanics are very basic, reminiscent of when FIFA games were still like that, and there are a lot of things going on on the pitch that you have to contend with, but aside from playing a ‘non-friendly match,’ there wasn’t much else to do. The menu did seem to make out that there would be a kind of career mode or story mode, so I am intrigued. The developers absolutely nailed the atmosphere for this one, though, and the theme song that plays during the matches is an absolute banger.
Download theFEAR FA 98 demo HERE
Castle v Castle
Another demo that brings the style is Castle v Castle, a 1v1 card game in which you have to defend your own castle while bringing down your opponent’s. This one comes to us in glorious black and white, with its cards reminiscent of something like an IKEA booklet on how to put your furniture together. This is a game that falls into the category of ‘easy to learn, hard to master,’ as you have a pre-built deck, but there are so many elements to consider. Do you focus on magic, or rather construction? Do you try to build your tower high enough for victory, or do you rather destroy your opponent’s work? This is a really fun one.
Download the Castle Vs Castle demo HERE
Monster Train 2
Another card game that caught my eye, as it was only announced right before Next Fest started, is Monster Train 2. In this sequel to the beloved roguelike deckbuilder, you are trying to save heaven rather than hell. Shiny Shoe has elected to go down the ‘bigger and better’ route this time, with more clans, new enemy factions, new modes, and more being introduced.
Having spent some time with the demo, it still very much feels like Monster Train, though the new mechanics and characters get introduced at a pace that feels okay without ever being overwhelming. In a year that promises a lot of excellent deckbuilders, Monster Train 2 is on the right track to be among the best of them.
Download the Monster Train 2 demo HERE
Truer Than You
Now, I do enjoy a good visual novel from time to time. Even the dating games can be a lot of fun if you know which ones to play. Truer than You is a refreshing take on the genre. In this one, you play Rin, someone who has just moved to the big city and is part of a service that allows people to hire actors for real-life situations. I bet you can already imagine what kind of dilemma’s that will bring with it, and the game dives headfirst into those.
The story immediately broadcasts a wide range of situations you can become a part of, and it gives you the freedom to make decisions—or not, if you’d rather not—to affect what’s going to happen. The writing seems on point, and its graphical style is pretty distinct, which I love. Not sure how I’ll be completing the full game without falling in love with a client, though!
Download the Truer Than You demo HERE
An Elaborate History of Chess
Have you ever wondered how a game became as popular as chess? Then Iteration Games has got you covered, as their An Elaborate History of Chess promises all of the answers to your questions. At least, that’s what the Steam intro suggests. During my time with the demo, I grew turnips and built a castle.
This is one of those games for people who enjoyed something like Stacklands, with your actions having consequences, and those consequences only getting bigger the longer you play. Very curious about the full game, as I wonder how actual chess will be implemented into this one.
Download the An Elaborate History of Chess demo HERE
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown
But for today, I saved the best for last. Strange Scaffold has had a wildly successful 2024, and it seems they’re not done just yet. With their first licensed game, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown, they’re looking to knock it out of the park yet again. The Turtles have had many great action games, but for this one, the developers made the bold choice to go for a turn-based tactics game. Having absolutely adored Tactical Breach Wizards last year, I had a blast with Tactical Takedown’s demo.
The game contains the humour of its source material but tells a compelling story. After Splinter has died, the Turtles have grown apart. But when the Foot Clan steals something from their lair, the original team has to come back together to avoid some big tragedy! The game feels great to play and oozes style through its visuals and music. It does seem like it might turn out to be quite a challenging game, but, well, I’m all there for it.
Download the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown demo HERE
And that has been my first day of Steam Next Fest February 2025! Have you played any of these demos? If not, which ones did you play? Let us know over on our socials, and check back tomorrow for even more recommendations!
Check out our Steam Next Fest video: So Many Demo’s Vol 1 over on YouTube
