15 Demos You Should Play During Steam Next Fest

With Steam Next Fest in full effect, we decided to help you narrow down the selection of games, given that there are just so many demos available and so little time to play them. Taking place from June 19 through June 26, gamers get the chance to experience some upcoming titles to get a glimpse of their characters, gameplay, and worlds. Although we may have missed some, here are 15 that we think you should check out.

LunarLux (PC | 2023)

This retro sci-fi adventure RPG caught our attention with its cut character designs and interesting systems. Players are tasked with exploring the moon by ship, which is fully customizable, or Jet Suit. The demo features some notable updates the team has been adding to the game. They are consistently updating players awaiting the release and we can’t wait to play more.

URBANO – Legends’ Debut (PC | TBA)

Inspired by the style of The World Ends With You, Urbano combines the rhythm and RPG genre to create a unique gaming experience. The entire story is fueled by a fun cast of weirdos and even features some dating mechanics. If you don’t build affection with a character…you may die…seriously. The in-game story events rely on your relationships with other characters.

Back to the Dawn (PC | 2023)

Furries gone bad. You play as a Fox reporter who’s been framed and thrown in prison. It’s now up to you to escape and find a weakness within the cells. Players can make friends or foes with the other inmates who can lend a hand to the escape. These critters may be cute, but they’re tough as nails.

Reverse Collapse: Code Name Bakery (Switch, PC | 2023)

You had me at Girls Frontline inspired. This game has been in development for quite some time, but this demo gives players a taste of its TRPG systems and characters. While navigating various grid-based maps, players can plan out a strategy and improve their units across an emotional narrative.

Sea of Stars (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Switch, PC | August 29, 2023)

The potential of this game is easy to spot, but now you can make your own judgment. Based on the Switch demo available, PC players are able to jump in and play some of the adventures. There are also a few secrets that can be found if you explore enough.

Eternights (PS4, PS5, PC | September 21, 2023)

A small group of devs is putting together a truly unique action RPG experience. The narrative focuses on a group of young characters who don’t always take things seriously but are relatable in many ways. Through dialogue choices, players can improve their relationship with certain characters, but there’s also a fast-action combat system to master.

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew (PS5, Xbox Series X, PC | August 17, 2023)

Piracy is the new future. This stealth strategy game has players take on missions as a pirate crew in an alternate history. The demo gives players the chance to play through a few battles where they’ll need to strategically get through a few tough encounters while utilizing the strength of their crew.

Alterium Shift (Steam Early Access | July 6, 2023)

As you can tell, we’re a sucker for the classics. Alterium Shift wears its aspirations on its sleeve, and our excitement for this release couldn’t be higher. The demo gives players a nice preview of the various skills each of the protagonists have to get through field events and battles.

Cross Tails (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Switch, PC | July 19, 2023)

Developer Rideon is working on delivering their newest SPRG, which stars cat girls, and even cat boys, so you know we’re excited. This fantasy adventure features some deep class customization and unit building.

Red Line (PC | 2023)

Yea, we were looking for a unique horror game, and we stumbled across Red Line. A secret notebook opens communication to another world, which allows players to navigate as two different characters within each world. There’s a lot to unpack with this game, but why not try out the demo to see for yourself?

Moonstone Island (Switch, PC | 2023)

In the mood to just chill, farm, and go on a colorful adventure? Well, this game definitely has all of that and more, with an added creature-collecting system. During gameplay, players can explore an open world that consists of over 100 islands. The demo highlights the battle system, exploration features, and interactions with other characters.

Goodbye Volcano High (PS4, PS5, PC | August 29, 2023)

We’ve been seeing a lot of this game lately, so it’s only natural to want to get some hands-on with it before release. The hipster elements and dino characters really shine in its early movements, and we definitely interested to see where this adventure goes.

Cuisineer (PC | Summer 2023)

Wake up, head out to a dungeon, collect ingredients, and feed the masses. This roguelite adventure seems to have it all with its cute characters, explorable world, and fast combat. The demo gives players a chance to understand the weapon and crafting system while also meeting some of the charming characters around town.

The Last Alchemist (PC | 2023)

This science-fantasy adventure has players craft and collect items across a puzzling world. The puzzles can be found in how players are supposed to put together new creations, which are used to progress the narrative, but require some thought before brute forcing a creation. The charming themes definitely offer a unique alchemic experience.

Jusant (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S & PC| Fall 2023)

Just keep climbing. Although Jusant was just recently revealed, it’s now available in a demo for players to test their climbing skills and discover what’s at the peak of this mysterious tower. Given that this is just a preview, we are looking forward to finding as many secrets as we can on this mountain.