Next Fest demo reviews
Our hands-on impressions of Steam Next Fest 2026 demos — roguelikes, deckbuilders, and more, in the order we played them. Originally shared on X.
Well Dweller: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
Kyle ThompsonA dark fairy-tale Metroidvania with polished movement, strong atmosphere, and a clear hook for genre fans.
Read the analysis →IRON NEST: Heavy Turret Simulator: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
Nick Nieuwoudt & Dominik LatosA brutal dieselpunk heavy-artillery experience focused on immersive controls, tactical problem-solving, and commanding a colossal war machine.
Read the analysis →About Fishing: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
The Water MuseumA surreal fishing mystery game that blends meditative angling with quiet psychological tension and discovery.
Read the analysis →Desktop Explorer: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
Recurring DreamAn interface mystery adventure set inside an old computer desktop, unraveling secrets through files, windows, and diegetic puzzles.
Read the analysis →SPRAWL zero: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
MaethA fast-paced first-person arcade cyberpunk shooter channeling 2000s FPS energy with fluid gunplay and modern polish.
Read the analysis →Wax Heads: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
Patattie GamesA cozy-punk narrative sim about working in a struggling indie record store, recommending music and uncovering story through dialogue.
Read the analysis →Bulbo's Belief System: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
Abstract Digital WorksA puzzle-platformer where beliefs literally shape the world — Bulbo believes everything he is told, turning knowledge into both tool and obstacle.
Read the analysis →Duskfade: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
WeirdBelugaA 3D action platformer capturing the magic and nostalgia of PS2-era mascot platformers with modern touches.
Read the analysis →Good Heavens!: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
Nowhere StudiosAn open-world fantasy survival-craft RPG with solo or co-op base building, role-playing, and exploration across mysterious biomes.
Read the analysis →Enginefall: Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis
Red Rover InteractiveA player-driven crafting shooter on colossal post-apocalyptic megatrains — scavenge, craft, build, and fight your way toward First Class or escape with loot.
Read the analysis →Quick X notes
Short posts from the same Next Fest run, originally shared on X.
Arcane Eats
We met the dev (a couple) at CourageXL San Francisco this year, the event just before GDC — and we are very glad of their recent performance…
Read the full review on X →Slayblade
Henry's HouseA roguelite take on classic Beyblade battles set in a Y2K city, from the dev behind Kardboard Kings. You collect and merge parts — heads, bodies and tips with different weights and handling…
Read the full review on X →Shroom and Gloom
Team Lazerbeam · Devolver DigitalTeam Lazerbeam (published by the mighty Devolver Digital) starts the festival with roughly 9.5k followers — and it will undoubtedly grow from there…
Read the full review on X →Duo Quest
1+1 StudiosA roguelite deckbuilder built solely for co-op, from a Malaysian indie team (published by Rising Tide): you and one friend team up as two adventurers…
Read the full review on X →Don't Fret
Already a success — just showcased at the Future Games Show. Our own Paradoxical was at this festival too, so we know how hard it is to stand out…
Read the full review on X →Five More Minutes
PurpleTurtle · Zugalu EntertainmentEnters the festival with 433 followers — a nice number. A roguelite deckbuilder that turns the "just five more minutes" loop into its whole pitch…
Read the full review on X →Dice Rogues
Pick Your UniverseA tactical roguelike from a small self-published indie team. It enters the festival with just 7 followers — exactly the kind of underdog we like to spotlight…
Read the full review on X →Dungeon Raid
4CatsA compact card roguelike where every flip of a card drains your hunger bar. Run out of food and you start to starve — sitting at around 304 followers…
Read the full review on X →Forge the Fates
Chaos Logic StudiosWe played through the full demo of this turn-based roguelike. It starts the festival with 177 followers, and there is a lot to like here…
Read the full review on X →Combolands
Crux GamesFrom the two-person South African studio — Sam Alfred (designer of the BAFTA-nominated Terra Nil) and Skye Scott. We think this game might be a banger…
Read the full review on X →Chosen Anyway
Rafael DinizFrom solo dev Rafael Diniz; the game started the festival with 27 followers. You play as Ryn, the apprentice from Ironfield School who gets chosen…
Read the full review on X →Sevenfold
We were intrigued because it reminds us of 9 Kings, with its turn-based strategy, deck-building and fortress construction. It started with 28 followers…
Read the full review on X →The Hollow Alchemist
Starts the festival with only 34 followers. The 3D aesthetic is really nice — tiered graphics from copper to platinum, plus dynamic camera angles in fights…
Read the full review on X →Miraclaws
Starting with only 4 followers. You generate slimes with gel, then gamble (coin tosses, chinchiro dice) to boost their stats — wins skyrocket power and unlock fusions…
Read the full review on X →Scriver
A relaxing roguelike deckbuilder that mashes up Scrabble word-building with Balatro-style boosters and jokers. Scriver starts the festival with 11 followers — we are curious to see how it plays out…
Read the full review on X →Golden Swirl
Kicked off the event with 2,089 followers — already good early interest. We spent a good chunk of time with the full demo and really enjoyed the core loop, a semi-real-time action dark…
Read the full review on X →Follow @WeVennStudios for the next research and review drops.