The Steam Next Fest is upon us once again. Steam Next Fest is a week-long celebration where players can try out demos, chat with developers, watch livestreams, and learn about upcoming games on Steam. Additionally, for the developers, the Steam Next Fest is an opportunity to get early feedback from players.
Steam Next Fest: Demos To Play
Now is your chance to play any number of demos you are interested in from Monday 5th, until February 12th; which ones have caught your eye? I spent the evening playing some of the available demos. I played for too long, as it turned into a late night, but it was worth it.
So here are a few recommendations for demos to play that some of the team here at LadiesGamers and I have tried and tested, too.
Synergy
The first demo that caught my eye was Synergy, a city-building game in which humanity must survive in a strange and hostile world. The demo takes you through the first stages of building a city in a strange environment, where you build up a water supply and housing and storage facilities for your citizens.
When Synergy is released, your goal will be to build a city to help them survive and then prosper. You will need to explore, analyse and experiment with new things. Furthermore, the well-being of your citizens will be paramount and requires a deep understanding of their environment if you want them to adapt and thrive.
shapez 2
Shapez 2 is a top-down factory-building game where you extract and process geometric shapes. Each shape is its own set of building blocks that your factories can take apart, stack, paint and put back together in unique ways.
In the demo, you can take a look at some of what shapez 2 has to offer. By completing production challenges, you’ll slowly unlock more technologies that help you further optimise your factory belts, sending more shapes in increasingly complex shapes and sizes soaring through the air.
You can expect much more automation fun in shapez 2 when it releases. You’ll build multiple interconnected layers, allowing you to compact and optimise your factories in a whole new dimension. Improve your designs to get the most benefit out of every space platform built and massively increase your production throughput. Additionally, all the buildings are free, and resources never run out. There are no enemies or time limits.
Summer House
Developed by a solo developer, Summer House is a small building game. Summer House doesn’t have any goals, such as rules or restrictions. It’s left up to your creativity to craft a neighbourhood of lived-in homes. Summer House is a cute and relaxing demo to try out.
Echoes of the Plum Grove
In Echoes of Plum Grove, you’ll discover a fresh start in Honeywood. Upon arrival on the island’s shores, you’ll inherit a modest plot of land. Roll up your sleeves, gather your tools, and embark on crafting a farm that will endure for generations to come.
When the game is released, Echoes of Plum Grove will offer a relaxed, snug farm simulation experience where your choices carry weight. From selecting crops to preparing for winter and forming relationships, your decisions mould not just Honeywood town but the entire island itself.
Cat Needs
Cat Needs is a cute puzzle demo about Cats and their needs. You must find the purrrfect way to organise the cats so that everyone has their wishes fulfilled.
In a multi-cat household, meeting everyone’s needs can be a challenge. Use the arrow keys to guide each cat to jump over others until they reach their desired destination. Some cats jump high, some low, and some may refuse to jump altogether. Some are hungry, and others are not, but may steal food if given the chance. Navigate the cats cautiously to ensure each one gets what it requires.
Regency Solitaire II
Back in 2021, I reviewed a game on Steam called Regency Solitaire, and while card games aren’t really my thing, I thoroughly enjoyed Regency Solitaire; it was a well-put-together game.
So when I saw Regency Solitaire II had a demo in the Steam Next Fest, I had to give it a play. In the game, you step back into the enchanting era of Regency Britain and cultivate a magnificent garden in this sequel to the popular solitaire game. This new adventure invites you to explore iconic British landmarks, including majestic estates, sprawling gardens, and vibrant cultural hubs. Play your cards strategically as you embark on a tour of must-see destinations across the country.
Tell Me Your Story
Tell Me Your Story is a narrative-driven puzzle game that evokes the warmth of moments shared with grandparents or loved ones, uncovering the rich tapestry of their lives through unexpected stories and memories.
Amelia is a young schoolgirl brimming with an overactive imagination who embarks on a summer getaway to her grandmother Rose’s cottage, accompanied by her faithful companion, Peanut. The cottage is a retreat where Rose sought solace in her later years after a lifetime of experiences.
Playing through the adventure and helping unpack Rose’s things together with Amelia, you will find plenty of interesting artefacts that she took from her escapades around the world. You will have many puzzles to solve, which will help you discover the wonders Rose has hidden.
Further Recommendations
Over the last few weeks, we have played quite a few demos and published demo impressions articles; of course, all the demos that we covered during those weeks are available to play during the Steam Next Fest, too.
Valerie had a look at the demo for Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge. Lottie played the demo for Baladins and gave us her thoughts on it. I hopped on board with the demo for Train Valley World, and Yvonne went for a hike around Pine Hearts. Finally, I went up against other nations in the 4X strategy game, Millennia.