Best Steam Next Fest Demos – Investment Policy

Steam Next Fest is here! Developers regularly release demos on Steam, but this event gives even more games a chance to shine. Keep in mind that some of these demos are only available for a limited time during the festival, while others will continue to be updated even after it ends.

We’re not sure if these games will be removed right away, but they should provide some entertainment over the weekend. We’ll be judging them based on how original they are and how good the playable demos are, plus a few other things.

All ten games work on Steam Decks in some capacity.

Scott Pilgrim EX

So Close You Can Taste It

If Scott Pilgrim EX had been out longer, it would rank higher. Because it’s releasing on March 3rd, the demo feels almost like overkill. However, fans of the original Scott Pilgrim vs the World: The Game should definitely give it a try – it’s been redesigned with a more open, less level-based structure.

The combat is still incredibly satisfying, the pixel art looks fantastic, and the soundtrack is great. That’s why companies consistently trust Tribute Games with licenses for popular franchises like Scott Pilgrim EX, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and Marvel Cosmic Invasion.

Alabaster Dawn

Pixel Perfect Action

Currently, a release date hasn’t been announced for Alabaster Dawn, but it’s being created by Radical Fish Games, the team behind the critically acclaimed CrossCode from 2018. Alabaster Dawn offers a top-down perspective similar to the classic SNES game Secret of Mana, but with quicker gameplay and updated, beautiful graphics.

Even the demo of Alabaster Dawn offers a lot of ways to fight enemies, including close-range attacks, special moves, and ranged projectiles. It also features simple puzzles to unlock new areas and a skill tree to upgrade your character, suggesting this indie RPG could be quite engaging.

Tears Of Metal

Dynasty Warriors

Few developers besides Omega Force, the creators of games like Dynasty Warriors and Hyrule Warriors, have tried to replicate their signature ‘Musou’ style of gameplay. Tears of Metal, set to release in 2026, is one exception. This action roguelike puts players in command of squads, leading them through various battles against large numbers of enemies.

After a character dies, you can improve your settlement, unlocking lasting upgrades – a classic feature of roguelike games. The game is being created by Paper Cult, the team behind the fast-paced action game Bloodroots, which is similar to Hotline Miami.

Voidling Bound

PokemonLanders

Developer: Hatchery Games
Publisher: Hatchery Games
Planned Release: 6/9/26
Planned Systems: PC

Fans of Pokemon can look forward to Voidling Bound, a new game launching in June 2026. The game is being developed by Hatchery Games, a team made up of creators who previously worked on the Skylanders series, and that experience really shows in the gameplay.

In this game, you play as a scientist who collects materials to build unique monsters in a lab. Each monster can be customized with its own skill tree – the starting monster, for instance, can learn to breathe fire! You then send these monsters on missions in a fast-paced action RPG style. While the game may not look its best on the Steam Deck, it still runs smoothly and is definitely worth trying out.

Dosa Divas

Cook, Serve, Delicious

I’m really excited for Dosa Divas, coming out in April! It’s from the same team that made Thirsty Suitors last year, Outerloop Games. From what I’ve seen, it’s a turn-based RPG where you pilot a mech around, battling enemies – seriously, even lawyers! – and collecting ingredients. The cool part is you actually cook stuff in the game, and there are mini-games while you’re doing it to perfect the recipes. These dishes can give you stat boosts or help you complete quests, so it’s not just about eating!

Okay, so in combat, everything feels really fast-paced. You’ve got to time your button presses just right to either deal extra damage or avoid getting hit. Honestly, even on the easiest difficulty, Dosa Divas is pretty tough! You really have to stay focused, which I think fans of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will appreciate – it’s that kind of game.

Parasite Mutant

The 4th Birthday

If you enjoyed the original Parasite Eve on PlayStation, you’ll definitely want to try Parasite Mutant. The game takes place in a ruined city where you’ll scavenge for items like ammunition between fights. During combat, you can move freely to avoid attacks while building up a special meter.

The game features a system where simple actions are available immediately, while more powerful abilities unlock as a second meter fills up – a mechanic similar to Parasite Eve. It’s being developed by IceSitruuna, who also created the action game Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune, which some players may already be familiar with.

Replaced

Kept You Waiting, Huh?

Ever since the trailer for Replaced came out in 2021, fans have been eagerly anticipating its release, much like they are for Hollow Knight: Silksong. It’s finally scheduled to launch in April, and hopefully, it will stick to that date after a few previous delays. This visually striking game, set in a futuristic, rundown America, offers diverse gameplay experiences across its different scenarios.

The demo showcases a variety of gameplay, including platforming, stealth, and combat reminiscent of the Batman: Arkham series. This is Sad Cat Studios’ first big project, and we’re eager to see if it lives up to expectations.

The Eternal Life Of Goldman

DuckTales + Cuphead

Imagine if someone reimagined DuckTales with the unique, hand-drawn style of Cuphead – that’s essentially The Eternal Life of Goldman. The game stars the main character embarking on new adventures later in life, and everything is beautifully drawn by hand.

The game lets you customize your character’s cane to unlock different abilities, such as higher jumps or the ability to grapple. It appears to feature tough platforming challenges and difficult battles, and looks incredibly impressive. While there’s no release date yet, Weappy Studio is taking their time to make sure it’s perfect.

Denshattack

Jet Rail Radio

Denshattack is a surprisingly fun game, and a departure for developer Undercoders. While you might know them from titles like SuperEpic: The Entertainment War or Treasures of the Aegean, Denshattack offers something completely new. Imagine Jet Set Radio, but instead of skateboarding, you’re competing with other players in high-speed train battles across the country to earn points.

These trains are surprisingly nimble, letting you easily handle sharp turns and perform impressive stunts. If you thought train games couldn’t be thrilling, think again! Denshattack, launching around 2026, is about to change your mind, and we recommend trying out the demo when it’s available.

Future Knight

LCD Heroes

Developers: Studio Koba, Aeternum Game Studios
Publisher: Aeternum Game Studios
Planned Release Date: TBA
Planned Systems: PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S

Studio Koba recently announced Future Knight just before releasing a demo on Steam. Players who enjoyed Narita Boy from 2021 – especially its amazing title music – might also like Future Knight. While it has a cool soundtrack too, the game really stands out for its visuals, which are reminiscent of classic Nintendo Game & Watch games.

The game looks fantastic, and the action is fast-paced like classic run-and-gun titles such as Contra. The main character has a unique look – imagine Dr. DisRespect in leather! Future Knight is one of those games you really need to play yourself to appreciate its strange and wonderful appeal.

2026-02-26 16:06