Tag: Next Fest

The first Next Fest of 2026 arrives with demos of some of the strongest candidates for GOTY

If there is a moment to play demos, it is during the Next Fest. And especially in this particular Next Fest. Many of the most anticipated titles of 2026 have released a demo, but also other titles that we didn’t know about and have left us intrigued. That’s why we are going to make a selection of the games that you cannot and should not miss. Because the Next Fest is always interesting, but this first edition of the year is being especially spectacular. Denshattack! Excellent video games are made in Spain. The latest example of this is Denshattack!, a skate-style game. where […]

If there is a time to play demos, it is during the Next Fest. And especially in this particular Next Fest. Many of the most anticipated titles of 2026 have released a demo, but there are also other titles that we didn’t know about and have left us intrigued. That’s why we are going to make a selection of the games that you cannot and should not miss. Because the Next Fest is always interesting, but this first edition of the year is being especially spectacular.

Denshattack!

In Spain, excellent video games are made. The latest example of this is Denshattack!, a skate-style game where instead of doing tricks with our scooter, we have to do them with a train while trying to win insane races in a post-apocalyptic future. Aesthetically impeccable, easy to play but hard to master, it is the kind of game that is easy to get obsessed with. Whether it’s for its fascinating world building, the excellence of its artistic design, the complexity of its combo system, or how well everything combines together. Because yes: good games are made in Spain.

Titanium Court

Connect 3 games are always fun. They are simple puzzle games that can be as complex or as easy as you want to make them. If you also add resource management, they can be really interesting. But if you also add references to Shakespeare, hilarious humor, a beautiful neon pixel art aesthetic, and surreal worldbuilding, you have a strong candidate for game of the year if you like thinking games. Because its name is Titanium Court, it claims to be a game for clowns and criminals, and if we haven’t sold you on it yet, what more do you need?

Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors

If you like Vampire Survivors, you’re not alone: there are many people out there who also enjoy it. There are plenty of reasons. The creators applied everything they know about slot machine design to a game that is as addictive as it can be and then a little more. Many have tried to imitate it, but none have succeeded. Now they have created their second game, in the same universe, and it is a deckbuilder. A card game. Sounds complex? Don’t worry: it isn’t. It rewards you for scaling numbers, there are still constant stimuli, and the runs are quick and frantic. It feels like Vampire Survivors, but in a different format. Because if anyone can replicate the success of the formula, it’s poncle.

Dungeons of DUSK

Vampire Crawlers is simple, accessible, but Dungeons of DUSK doesn’t mess around: it wants you to get involved, grit your teeth, and suffer. If you want. You can take it easy too. But this is an old-school dungeon crawler. Things only move when you move, and exploring and knowing when to move or when to pass a turn is important. Unless you have scythes and shotguns to fight. A spinoff of Dusk, one of the most popular boomer shooters in recent years, it is a delicious dungeon crawler, as frantic as it is intense.

The Last Salvage Squad

Do you know the classic science fiction movies from the 50s with cardboard sets and giant alien invaders? Can you imagine if it had an anime aesthetic, but with the special effects and physics you expect from a production from the 50s? Well, that is exactly The Last Salvage Squad. A tremendously fun and original Japanese FPS, with exquisite and spectacular art, that puts us in combat against a tremendously retro alien invasion. Very fun and different in a way that will captivate fans of science fiction and shooters alike.

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If you don't know which demos to play in the Steam Next Fest, we picked all the ones you shouldn't miss

Three times a year the same thing happens. For a week, we are flooded with Steam demos because of Next Fest and we spend a week playing like crazy. And that’s enough. Give us at least two weeks, Newell! But we know you’re not here to hear us complain that the pace of Next Fest is unmanageable, especially since it has already been confirmed that it will continue like this at least throughout 2026. You’re here for us to recommend demos. And here are five you can’t miss. Skate Story You are a demon. You want to eat the Moon. The only way to reach it […]

Three times a year the same thing happens. For a week, we are flooded with Steam demos due to Next Fest, and we spend a week playing like crazy. And that’s enough. Give us at least two weeks, Newell! But we know you’re not here to hear us complain that the pace of Next Fest is unmanageable, especially since it has already been confirmed that it will remain this way at least throughout 2026. You’re here for us to recommend demos. And here are five you can’t miss.

Skate Story

You are a demon. You want to eat the Moon. The only way to reach it is on a skateboard. And in hell, they hate skaters. Having to sign an infernal contract to get a skateboard, you become a crystal version of yourself that shatters into a thousand pieces at the slightest impact, something inconvenient for skateboarding. But a low price to pay for eating the Moon and playing the game with the most potential for the rest of the year.

Skate Story is a marvel in every possible aspect. Visually it is a beauty. Musically it is fascinating. And mechanically it is as if you marinated the mechanics of Tony Hawk Pro Skater with the manuals and physics of the first two skates. The result is an amazing, incredibly intelligent game that is hard to say goodbye to. Fortunately, it comes out on December 8th, so it will be for very little time.

BIRDCAGE -Dryad Ecophene Module Object-

A shoot ’em up is not something very novel. A shoot ’em up with a complex and interesting story that unfolds through its different difficulty levels is more so. A shoot ’em up where, in addition to the classic shots, we have an energy sword to take down our enemies and which is absolutely necessary to achieve the best possible scores is much more so.

This is the case of BIRDCAGE, a game by POLYGON BIRD that demonstrates in its demo that it is still possible to innovate in a genre as old as the shoot ’em up. Visually and narratively fascinating, it will delight fans of shoot ’em ups with its sharpness and its clever scoring system. All of this while remaining accessible for those with less experience in the genre. Moreover, once again, without making us wait to keep playing: BIRDCAGE will be released on November 18th.

Lady Dracula

Van Helsing has killed Dracula and his wife, Lady Dracula, is causing chaos. Now it is the job of Lady Dracula II, their daughter, to stop her mother. Hence the name and what we have to do: embody the daughter of the most famous vampire in a classic Castlevania to prevent a catastrophe that could end humanity.

With an 8-bit style reminiscent of the NES or MegaDrive, it is less a game from that era than a game that feels like it belongs to that era. Being able to configure difficulties that limit or extend the mechanics, depending on how classic or modern we want our gaming experience to be, this is for lovers of retro games. And specifically, for all of us who love Castlevania.

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion

Sometimes all you need is a good reason for punches, kicks, and all kinds of blunt attacks that are a pleasure to watch. And that’s what MARVEL Cosmic Invasion offers us. A game that takes us back to the days of arcade machines where you could play alone or with others, choosing your favorite Marvel character to fight against a plethora of semi-generic enemies. Until you reach the boss, who are recognizable villains from Marvel’s history.

With beautiful pixel art designs and incredibly eye-catching animations, this game makes you feel like a true Marvel superhero. Something that makes it the best Marvel game we’ve played in the last ten years.

Cairn

Climbing games are becoming increasingly abundant. No matter how you look at it, it makes sense: climbing is a process that can be made as complex or as simple as one wants, allowing for as many approaches as there are possible games. That’s why it shouldn’t surprise us that The Game Bakers decided to create a version that takes the granularity of climbing a step further than what we have seen so far. Or several. Because Cairn is a climbing game that is as tough as it is interesting.

In Cairn, we control each of our character’s limbs while climbing, having to secure each one as we ascend. With fatigue, hunger, and sleep meters, we must ensure our routes in a methodical and delicate way, in a very physical manner like no other game has proposed so far. Extremely interesting, albeit demanding, this is one of those games that, quietly, can become true gems that captivate the audience. And to discover it, we will only have to wait until the first quarter of 2026.

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This game aims to take the narrative of video games to an unprecedented level

Tides of Tomorrow, the new game from Digixart, promises to take interactive storytelling to a new level. Set in Elnyd, an oceanic planet devastated by plastic pollution, the player embodies a Tidewalker who, after being in suspended animation, emerges to face a world in crisis after a Great Flood. The uniqueness of this title lies in the fact that it not only relies on personal choices but is also deeply influenced by the decisions of other players. A game of which we can still only try the demo In its demo presented during the Steam Next Fest, the […]

Tides of Tomorrow, the new game from Digixart, promises to take interactive storytelling to a new level. Set in Elnyd, an oceanic planet devastated by plastic pollution, the player embodies a Tidewalker who, after being in suspended animation, emerges to face a world in crisis after a Great Flood. The uniqueness of this title lies in the fact that it is not only based on personal choices but is also deeply influenced by the decisions of other players.

A game that we can only try the demo of for now

In the demo presented during the Steam Next Fest, players can experience a narrative where the actions of those who came before them directly affect their journey. The protagonists, driven by the urgency to survive in a hostile environment, must wisely choose how to interact with the limited resources and characters they encounter. For example, the decision to accept or reject a limited medication may have repercussions for future players who will follow the same path.

The gameplay allows players to experience the flows of others through shared visions and decisions, offering a more immersive and interconnected experience than usual. This innovative approach not only highlights the consequences of individual decisions but also generates a sense of responsibility towards others, taking collective storytelling to a new level. However, some wonder if the game will effectively balance the notion of personal choice with the influence of previous players.

Tides of Tomorrow will be released on February 24, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox. With its focus on narrative and shared experience, it has the potential to resonate deeply with gamers looking for meaningful stories in interactive environments.

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This battle royale doesn't want you to shoot anyone, but it will kill you if you do something wrong: write even a single letter wrong

Developed by Button Mash, Final Sentence is an innovative battle royale game that incorporates the art of writing as a central mechanic. In this title, players must demonstrate speed and accuracy, as a single typing mistake could mean their instant elimination. The premise of the game is undoubtedly intriguing: participants must write correctly while facing the threat of a revolver pointed at their heads, with a single bullet in the chamber, adding an element of tension that sets Final Sentence apart from other games in the genre. The nightmare of professional writers Currently, those interested […]

Developed by Button Mash, Final Sentence is an innovative battle royale game that incorporates the art of writing as its central mechanic. In this title, players must demonstrate speed and accuracy, as a single typing mistake could mean their instant elimination. The premise of the game is undoubtedly intriguing: participants must write correctly while facing the threat of a revolver pointed at their heads, with a single bullet in the chamber, adding an element of tension that sets Final Sentence apart from other games in the genre.

The Nightmare of Professional Writers

Currently, interested parties can try a demo of the game, available until October 20 as part of the Steam Next Fest. This trial version will allow players to experience the unique mechanics of the title in a competitive environment. Final Sentence supports public multiplayer lobbies ranging from 40 to 100 players, in addition to offering the option to create private rooms for smaller groups of four to eight participants. This flexibility in gameplay options could attract a wide variety of gamers, from those who prefer to face a crowd of opponents to those who desire a more controlled environment.

Since the explosion of the battle royale genre in 2017, we have seen a growing trend of innovative titles that have brought unique concepts, and Final Sentence joins this evolving list. The release of battle royale games has included proposals as diverse as Scrabble and Fall Guys. Although Final Sentence does not yet have an official release date, it is estimated that it could be available in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to its Steam page. This leaves the gaming community in anticipation, adding another chapter to the ever-changing narrative of the battle royale genre.

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Dark and Darker faces an uncertain future with its developers confirming what players already suspected

The action role-playing game and dungeon crawler, Dark and Darker, has been at the center of controversy in the months following its early access launch. Originally popularized during the February 2023 Steam Next Fest, the title has seen a drastic drop in its Steam ratings, with only 26% of recent reviews considered positive. Players have expressed their frustration regarding the direction of the game and the decisions made by the developer, known as SDF, arguing that these have negatively impacted the gaming experience. Terrible decisions were made Among the measures most […]

The action role-playing game and dungeon crawler, Dark and Darker, has been at the center of controversy in the months following its early access launch. Originally popularized during the February 2023 Steam Next Fest, the title has seen a drastic drop in its Steam ratings, with only 26% of recent reviews considered positive. Players have expressed their frustration regarding the direction of the game and the decisions made by the developer, known as SDF, arguing that these have negatively impacted the gaming experience.

Terrible decisions were made

Among the most criticized measures is the removal of fundamental game modes, such as options to play solo or in pairs, which fans have strongly labeled as a mistake that has hindered the gameplay of the title. Several players have expressed that these decisions seem to ignore the preferences of the community, creating a sense of distrust in the management of the project.

Disillusionment comes not only from external critics but also from former members of the Ironmace studio. In a recent podcast, these developers pointed out that SDF makes decisions based on their own performance in the game, paying little attention to the voices of the community, which has led to a management perceived as incompetent. According to one of the former members, “as long as that guy [SDF] is in charge of the company, the game will not recover,” reflecting the growing despair among the public.

With player confidence at alarmingly low levels, the future of Dark and Darker looks uncertain. While many players remain advocates for the game due to its potential, the current perception suggests it may be on a critical trajectory without significant change in its direction. Hopes for redemption for this title rest on SDF and their team’s ability to listen and respond to the concerns of their player base.

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The new game from the creators of Palworld this time copies Hollow Knight in a cooperative roguelite

In an unusual turn in the video game industry, Pocketpair has decided not to release its upcoming title, Never Grave, in early access, instead opting for a full launch in version 1.0. This decision came after the positive reception of the demo presented during the Steam Next Fest, where the developer was able to gather valuable feedback from players. This time, Never Grave will not be released in early access, a game that copies the aesthetic and gameplay of Hollow Knight, introducing its own innovations in a roguelite format that includes base building and the possibility of playing cooperatively […]

In an unusual turn in the video game industry, Pocketpair has decided not to release its upcoming title, Never Grave, in early access, instead opting for a full launch in version 1.0. This decision came after the positive reception of the demo presented during the Steam Next Fest, where the developer was able to gather valuable feedback from players.

This time it will not be released in early access

Never Grave, a game that copies the aesthetics and gameplay of Hollow Knight, introduces its own innovations in a roguelite format that includes base building and the possibility of playing cooperatively with up to four players. The demo, which was recently removed, had generated expectations about a possible early release, but instead, the company has chosen to present the game in its final form.

Pocketpair announced on its Steam page that the feedback received during the demo period was key to making this decision. The team is currently making final adjustments to ensure an optimal gaming experience from day one of the launch. This marks an important shift in their development strategy, as it is unusual for a studio to decide to forgo early access once it had been considered.

The evident influence of titles like Hollow Knight, combined with unique gameplay elements such as the ability to possess enemy creatures in the style of Super Mario Odyssey, makes Never Grave a game to watch closely. As Pocketpair prepares to launch this title, players and fans of the genre will be keeping an eye on the news that will be announced in the coming months.

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This game combines Dark Souls with a card game and is as captivating as it is devastating

In the universe of video games, a new proposal is capturing the attention of fans: Death Howl, a game that combines elements of soulslike and deckbuilder. In this adventure, players take on the role of Ro, a shaman exploring a spiritual world in search of his deceased son. The emotional premise and game design promise an engaging experience from the start. A game that seeks to merge what seems impossible Throughout its development, Death Howl adopted movement and card mechanics that use the same resource, requiring strategic management […]

In the universe of video games, a new proposal is capturing the attention of fans: Death Howl, a game that combines elements of soulslike and deckbuilder. In this adventure, players take on the role of Ro, a shaman who explores a spiritual world in search of his deceased son. The emotional premise and game design promise an engaging experience from the start.

A game that seeks to merge what seems impossible

Throughout its development, Death Howl adopted movement mechanics and cards that use the same resource, requiring strategic management of the resource to attack and dodge. This blend of tactics allows players to develop a playstyle similar to that of FromSoftware titles, where patience and precision are crucial.

The game includes bonfire-style checkpoints, as well as respawn mechanics where players can recover resources after dying, highlighting the importance of health management amidst a constant challenge. This aspect has been well received by critics like Robin Valentine, who praised the way Death Howl effectively merges genres.

Players earn cards that act as equipment and combine to form combos, thus providing a satisfying progression experience. By exploring the synergies between cards and abilities, players can go from throwing stones to sharpening their spear and unleashing a lethal series of attacks, which adds a very appealing tactical component.

With its demo presented as part of the Steam Next Fest, Death Howl offers a first look at a game that, at first glance, might seem like an unusual combination of genres, but after a gaming experience, proves to be an ingenious and immersive fusion. Undoubtedly, fans of role-playing games and strategy should consider giving this innovative title a chance.

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If you miss tower defense games, this roguelike wants to give you your new dose of the genre

Nordhold, a new tower defense game, has captured the attention of genre enthusiasts by offering a fresh and modern experience set in a charming Nordic village. The game revolves around managing tower combinations to protect against hordes of fantastic creatures, incorporating contemporary roguelike elements such as metaprogress and customizable upgrades. Since its release, Nordhold has accumulated 447 reviews on Steam, achieving a remarkable 91% positive rating. A tower defense game with many new mechanics for the genre Players start each round by selecting a hero and adding relics that grant bonuses […]

Nordhold, a new tower defense game, has captured the attention of genre enthusiasts by offering a fresh and modern experience set in a charming Nordic village. The game revolves around managing tower combinations to protect against hordes of fantastic creatures, incorporating contemporary roguelike elements such as metaprogression and customizable upgrades. Since its release, Nordhold has accumulated 447 reviews on Steam, achieving a remarkable 91% positive rating.

A tower defense with many new mechanics for the genre

Players begin each round by selecting a hero and adding relics that provide economic and defensive bonuses. This mechanic, combined with customization options chosen from random groups, allows users to experience different strategies in each game, which undoubtedly contributes to its high replayability. Additionally, the title features a unique system in which an oracle can offer “deals with the devil,” challenging players with rounds of stronger enemies in exchange for greater rewards.

At a time when the tower defense genre is constantly evolving, Nordhold positions itself as a strong competitor thanks to its varied and engaging gameplay. Critics have responded positively, and players have expressed enthusiasm for the gameplay mechanics that combine hexagonal structures and immersive strategies. Nordhold’s proposal has resonated with a wide audience since it was showcased in Steam Next Fest demos, and it continues to generate interest in the gaming community.

Nordhold is available on Steam for 20 euros, and currently offers a 20% discount until April 8th. This promotion could attract more players to discover what this title has to offer, in a year where several notable games within its genre are expected to be released.

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Gothic returns with a remake that is taking the Steam Next Fest by storm

The remake of Gothic, a classic RPG released in 2001, is scheduled to launch later this year, and its demo has captured the attention of fans at Valve’s Steam Next Fest. This digital event has showcased a variety of games, and the remake has managed to position itself as the third most popular game on the lists, accumulating nearly 5,000 reviews with a Mostly Positive rating. Players have praised the development team for their ability to capture the spirit of Gothic, which has generated renewed enthusiasm among fans of the series, who had […]

The remake of Gothic, a classic RPG released in 2001, is scheduled to launch later this year, and its demo has captured the attention of fans at Valve’s Steam Next Fest. This digital event has showcased a variety of games, and the remake has managed to position itself as the third most popular game on the lists, accumulating nearly 5,000 reviews with a Mostly Positive rating.

Players have praised the development team for their ability to capture the spirit of Gothic, which has generated renewed enthusiasm among fans of the series, which had been off the radar for years. “Remaking a classic is always a daunting task, especially for fans,” comments a user on Steam. “Fortunately, the team seems to understand better than other external studios what Gothic means.” However, some criticisms have focused on the optimization of the demo, an aspect that is expected to improve before the full game is released.

A demo that serves as a prologue for the game

The demo, which acts as an independent prologue, presents the story of Nyras on his first day in the mining colony, before the anonymous protagonist is imprisoned in the depths. This narrative approach not only provides an introduction to the story but also highlights the updated combat and visually appealing environments offered by the remake.

With the full game release expected this year, the gaming community is eager to explore the evolution of this classic. Additionally, new developments in the realm of video games are anticipated for 2025 and beyond, promising an exciting return not only for Gothic but for other iconic titles in the industry.

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Finally, an indie game has dared to imitate Breath of the Wild, only now with deeper combat

The upcoming open-world game, The Knightling, is catching the attention of fans thanks to its clear inspiration from the iconic entries of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. What sets The Knightling apart is its innovative approach to the protagonist’s shield, which serves multiple functions within the game, from melee weapon and throwable weapon to glider, parry, and slow-motion attack. This central mechanic is not only crucial for combat but also for movement in a 3D world designed for […]

The upcoming open-world game, The Knightling, is catching the attention of fans thanks to its clear inspiration from the iconic entries of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. What sets The Knightling apart is its innovative approach to the protagonist’s shield, which serves multiple functions within the game, from melee weapon and throwable weapon to glider, parry, and slow-motion attack. This core mechanic is not only crucial for combat but also for navigating a 3D world designed for players to effectively slide their shield across ramps and speed boosters.

A game clearly inspired by the latest Zelda

The first details of the demo of The Knightling, tested during the Steam Next Fest, reveal an entertaining and charming experience, although some critics have noted that the world feels somewhat empty compared to the masterpieces of Zelda. In this demo version, players explore picturesque hills, interacting with NPCs and collecting treasures, but the lack of density and dynamism in the setting may limit immersion.

Despite the criticism regarding its current state, The Knightling shows great potential, especially thanks to its brilliant artistic style and lively soundtrack, which complements the cheerful energy of the game. The protagonist’s movements are fluid and responsive, offering satisfying moments, such as perfect stops during battles, suggesting that there are more surprises and gameplay mechanics to discover in the full version.

Although the game still does not have a release date and presents a sense of incompleteness, its promise of improvements and updates in the future suggests that it could become a strong contender in the 3D platformer category, in a world where comparisons with classic titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Wind Waker are already emerging. Fans are eagerly awaiting more information about this exciting project from Twirlbound.

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