Steam Next Fest kicked off this past weekend, and over the course of the week, we have been privy to video previews and exciting demos of all the upcoming games that will be hitting Steam’s storefront over the next few months.
With hundreds to go through, we thought we’d show you guys the top 10 picks from the NAG office to get you started.
Wizard of Legend 2 [Steam]
Face perilous magical trials in the fast-paced rogue-lite follow-up to the acclaimed original, featuring up to 4-player co-op and vibrant new 3D visuals. Master new Arcana and elements, experiment with spell combinations, and become the next Wizard of Legend!
Arielle: As the name implies, Wizard of Legend 2 is the follow-up to Wizard of Legend 1. The game looks every bit as action-packed as its predecessor, and I can’t wait to grab my friends and dive into the dungeons together once more, only this time with some improved visuals to sweeten the deal.
The Alters [Steam]
Explore an emotional sci-fi game that features a unique blend of adventure, survival, and base-building elements. Play as Jan Dolski, a simple worker who creates alternative versions of himself in a desperate attempt to escape from a planet where even sun rays can prove deadly.
Arielle: If I tell you I’ve been waiting for The Alters to release for years, I truly mean it. Everything about this game just screams Arielle. Shhh, if you’re quiet, you’ll hear it.
The Alters is an upcoming survival video game in which the player assumes control of Jan, a space miner who must create alternate versions of himself to survive on an inhospitable planet.
I can. Not. Wait.
Dustborn [Steam]
Ragtag crew? Check. Musical gear? Check. Tour bus and robot driver? Check. Stolen package? Check! Embark on a perilous road-trip across a Divided States of America. Use the power of words to shape relationships with your crew, get out of trouble and reach your final destination.
Arielle: Now, I don’t really want to say too much about Dustborn other than to tell you, dear reader, to make sure you pick up the latest issue of the NAG manga when it releases for something special.
I will say, though, that Dustborn is a single-player, story-driven action-adventure game about hope, love, friendships, robots…and the power of words.
It’s a mouthful, but it’s a mouthful that I can’t wait to have in my mouth. No, that’s not right. Play… I can’t wait to play it.
Skopje’83 [Steam]
Explore a city thrust into disarray by an unknown event and survive the hordes of mutated abominations that lurk at every corner. You’ll have to fight through enemies & bosses, scavenge loot and survive the hostile city.
Oliver: I really enjoy games that give you a lot of freedom to explore and play it the way you want. I also love unique seeing unique art-styles in games, and this is no different. The visuals look amazing and the story intriguing. Gives me Borderlands vibes, yes please!
Mira and the Legend of the Djinns [Steam]
An epic 2D pixel art style Metroidvania, inspired by Moroccan culture and spiritual traditions. Wield powerful ancient weapons and forge your way through unrelenting deserts, crumbling necropoli, floating islands and dangerous mountains as you try to uncover the secret of the last Djinn.
Oliver: I will admit, that the title of this game is what got me hooked. I love the idea of genies and the power they wield. This game is also Moroccan-inspired, giving me that sense of home. The stories and cultures within African history have always fascinated me.
Flintlock, Siege of Dawn [Steam]
From games studio A44, makers of Ashen, comes an explosive Souls-lite, where Gods and guns collide in a battle for the future of humanity.
Oliver: I love souls-like games. They are challenging and give me that sense of real accomplishment. The mixture of sword and gun-play, as well as the use of some interesting magic, with what seems to be crazy movement, has me hooked. I will definitely be picking this one up!
Metal Slug Tactics [Steam]
METAL SLUG makes an explosive return! Dive into this dynamic tactical RPG with a roguelite thrill and experience the iconic run’n’gun action of the original series, redefined. Grab your weapons, assemble your squad and conquer the battlefield to defeat the infamous Rebel Army.
Cody: If you’re as old as I am, you would have definitely played co-op Metal Slug with your mates at the arcade. Throw in the tactics aspect, one of my most favourite genres, and you’ve definitely got me hooked. I can’t wait to slug it out with this one when the full game releases, as all the demo has done is make me crave it even more.
Once Human [Steam]
Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world.
Cody: I know, I know. It’s another open-world multiplayer survival game. Do we really need one? Maybe not, but it’s hard to say no when a game as stunning as Once Human appears. I’m getting Division vibes if some sort of alien had to take advantage of our ravaged world, and all I really wanted from The Division was to explore the game with a bit more freedom anyway.
Tiny Glade [Steam]
Tiny Glade is a small relaxing game about doodling castles. Explore gridless building chemistry, and watch the game carefully assemble every brick, pebble and plank. There’s no management, combat, or wrong answers – just kick back and turn forgotten meadows into lovable dioramas.
Cody: While this was technically Regardt’s pick, it’s been on my list since the developer, Pounce Light, started showing off the unique build mechanics on social media. Technically more of a doodling activity than a game, Tiny Glade seems to be the perfect pastime for a cosy winter night, with a warm cup of hot chocolate on the side. Dive into the demo now, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Kill Knight [Steam]
KILL KNIGHT is an ultra-responsive arcade-inspired isometric action shooter. Condemned to eternal sufferance, deep within the voids of an eldritch arena, you must wield an arsenal of devastating weaponry to obliterate swarms of otherworldly horrors – and MASTER THE DEMON WITHIN.
Cody: On the complete opposite end of the spectrum to Tiny Glade, Kill Night is a high-action, octane-fueled romp of bullets and alien guts. It reminds me of the hours spent blasting brains-out with Oliver in Alienation, just with a lot more edge-of-your-seat action. Plus, the developers are giving away a custom built PC to anyone who can rack up the highest score before Next Fest ends.