Steam Next Fest Games Worth Checking Out

This year's Steam Next Fest once again saw a huge amount of demos available for all to try. Whilst it may have been a difficult feat to have given each one a go — especially when some were only available during the event — I took a good swing at it. It was tough to narrow it down to just five, and I’m certain I’ll have missed out your favourite one (let me know which in the comments!), but these are just a small selection that went straight onto my Steam wishlist.

Jumplight Odyssey

Whilst a colony management simulator may not sound like the most original title, Jumplight Odyssey is certain to turn a few heads with its aesthetics alone. Inspired by classic star-spanning anime series of the 1970s, this truly feels like an interactive Saturday morning cartoon mixed with the plot of Battlestar Galactica.

Taking on the role of the ship's captain, you’ll be responsible for taking care of each crew member's needs, overseeing repairs and upgrades, and plotting courses to various star systems in the hope of escaping the clutches of the Zutopans. There’s an element of roguelike gameplay too, meaning death is just another lesson in your quest for survival.

Admittedly, I probably would have skipped past this one were it not for the incredibly eye-catching visuals, but the gameplay itself kept me hooked long after the “wow factor” of childhood nostalgia had worn off. This is one game that should Jumplight onto your wishlist now!

Little Kitty, Big City

If the premise of “small cat lost in large city” isn’t enough to keep you hooked until the adorable kitty is tucked safely back in its bed, then maybe skip to the next entry, you soulless monster. Little Kitty, Big City puts you in the shoes (paws?) of a curious cat that’s had a bit of a bad start to the day. Now, lost in the city, it’s up to you to help the friendly feline return home. Or not, as this cat can cause some mischief that would make the goose from Untitled Goose Game proud!

You’ll explore an open-world packed full of secrets and surprises, completing quests and befriending other animals along the way. It’s an utterly wholesome title that is as cute as it is laugh-out-loud funny, and definitely one for animal lovers to try out.

Whilst I could rave about this game for a full article, our writer Alana has already shared her experience in this preview coverage. It clearly left a good impression, as she also wrote a follow-up article explaining why she’s so excited for the full release! Definitely worth a read for a more in-depth look at this hilarious cat caper!

Sea of Stars

Although Sea of Stars can’t claim to be the most original title on this list, it certainly caught my attention due to it looking like the classic RPGs of my childhood. This is perhaps the only game in this list that I knew I wanted to buy from the screenshots alone.

Even if it reminded me of some of the great RPGs of the past, there’s a distinctly modern feel to this turn-based title. With mechanics such as no random encounters or battle transitions, timing your hits to increase damage, and a seamless traversal system, developer Sabotage Studio are on the right track to blending the new and the old to create an unforgettable RPG.

The pixel art is absolutely stunning, as one look at the game will show you. But it’s much more than just a nice title to look at, as Sea of Stars will feel familiar to genre veterans without making them feel like they’re retreading old ground or experiencing the same story told 1,000 times before.

Olliefrog Toad Skater

So here I am, doing everything I can, holding on to what I am, pretending I’m a Super- oh wait, wrong game! Yes, Olliefrog Toad Skater is entirely reminiscent of the classic Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise, but by swapping out the likes of Bob Burnquist and Rodney Mullen for squishy little cartoon frogs, it quickly kickflips its way into your heart.

Those familiar with the Birdman’s foray into videogames will be instantly at home with Olliefrog; its controls are very similar and features the classic arcade style of timed two-minutes runs that the earlier titles of the skateboarding pioneers franchise was known for.

We even have a preview up on the site — written by yours truly — for a deeper look at what’s on offer in the demo. But honestly, you absolutely have to try this one out if you have even the slightest memory of blasting Guerilla Radio whilst collecting secret tapes back in the 90s.

Escape from Lavender Island

So, how do I explain Escape from Lavender Island without comparing it to an acid trip? Though it may not be possible, I’ll give it my best shot!

You play as Zede (a man/creature/Transformer/I don’t know) who awakens from a dream about an outlandish city only to realise that it is in fact reality. Not only that, but a reality in which he can’t escape! There is a semblance of a plot here, but I was more enthralled by the abstract world to explore, full of quirky characters and unusual environments. You’re free to roam around a relatively small area in the demo, but there was more than enough bizarre humour and absurdities to be found to keep you entertained for a good while. Either that, or completely freaked out!

Whilst it may seem a little too “out there” (an “Alien with two butts and two mouths” is touted as one of the game’s features on the Steam store page) this is definitely one to try before passing judgement. But, if it’s anything like developer Jeremy Couillard’s other titles, then we’re in for a great — albeit surreal — time.

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Those were just five of the dozens of demos I played over Steam Next Fest. Is there a game you played that you feel should have been included here? Perhaps you tried one of the above games and thought it was complete rubbish? Let me know in the comments, so I can secretly judge your taste in videogames, as well as add your recommendations to my already overflowing wishlist!