11 Games we’re excited to try at Steam Next Fest October 2024

This week is the third and final Steam Next Fest of 2024 and, as always, we are excited to try out new game demos. What makes Next Fest particularly special is that since a game is only allowed to exhibit at one event ever, you end up with the vast number of new demos being indie games (although occasionally a major title does work its way in there). Here are 11 titles we’re going to be sampling from this year’s event.

Spirit of the North 2

Spirit of the North is one of my favorite games of all time so I’m pumped we’re getting a sequel. You play as a simple fox (although customizable in appearance this time around!) navigating a vast open world, but in this installment you get a helpful raven companion who assists you in navigating the land and any puzzles you come across. The graphics and music in the original is stellar so the expectation is that Spirit of the North 2 will continue to possess a beautiful and immersive environment to roam around in. While this was already a guaranteed day one purchase for me, having the demo gives me a chance to take an early look — or get others hooked on the series.

Seclusa

Do you wish you could go on a photo safari to East Africa and not have to worry about passports or travel costs? Well Seclusa may be the game for you! You get to stay at a remote safari lodge — that even has some upgrade options — and go out to take pictures of elephants, zebra, water buffaloes and other African fauna. The game includes robust photography tools that give you the ability to take and edit photos just like a professional, and also has a few minigames included for when you want to take a break from pictures. Not only do I hope this game is successful, I’d love it if it garnered enough support for an Alaska-based sequel.

World’s Worst Handyman

I’m sorry, I don’t remember giving any developer permission to use my likeness in a video game. World’s Worst Handyman looks like a lot of fun as you struggle your way through basic repairs and avoiding disgruntled customers. The fact that there’s a cute animal shelter you’re raising money for is just icing on a burnt cake that broke the oven while baking. As the life simulator genre continues to be popular (there’s even another in our list below) it’s refreshing to see one that’s probably a lot more accurate.

Windblown

Windblown was first shown off at the 2023 Video Game Awards and I’ve been keeping an eye on it since. From the creators of the popular metroidvania Dead Cells, Windblown is a co-op action roguelite for 1-3 players (although the demo is single player only). As with others of the genres you’ll be able to absorb the memories and powers of your previous runs, strengthening you and providing the practice necessary to take down tough bosses. Speed is a key part of the flavor but you’ll also be able to equip multiple weapons allowing you to tailor your combat on the fly. There’s also not much of a wait if you enjoy the demo: Windblown releases in Early Access next week.

Empire of the Ants

You may look at the title and game screen and ask “what is this, a game for ants?” and the answer is yes, yes it is. Empire of the Ants is an RTS like StarCraft but unlike that venerable series you’re on the side of the bugs this time. The environment is photorealistic so were it not for the UI overlay you’d feel like you were actually navigating a forest as an ant. It’s not a nature sim, though — if you stop to look around too much you may find yourself swarmed by the ants of an enemy nest! You command insect armies and craft alliances with local wildlife as you strive to rebuild and protect your home. I don’t know if Empire of the Ants has “game of the year” potential, but expect to hear a lot about it if you’re a fan of strategy gaming.

Rift of the Necrodancer

Rift of the Necrodancer is the followup to the popular rhythm game Crypt of the Necrodancer. Despite the fact it’s a sequel the rhythm gameplay is now more akin to Guitar Hero or Rock Band, with the notes (in the form of enemy mobs) coming at you. While Crypt had RPG elements it seems this version is taking a more Visual Novel approach to the story framing so those looking for a true successor may be disappointed. Still the visuals and gameplay look amazingly fun so even purists may find themselves bopping to the beat.

Ys X: Nordics

The latest entry in the popular Ys series, Ys X: Nordics takes to the high seas and gives the player control of two characters in this action JRPG. In addition to the standard hack-and-slash adventuring there’s also ship combat and battles to navigate. This game arrives next week and reviews are solid so the demo is a must-play for me.

Trash Goblin

A cozy trash-to-treasure simulator, Trash Goblin has you uncover and clean items that you can then upcycle in order to sell to your customers. You play a literal goblin in this fantasy shop sim, and besides the business of trash you also get to customize your space to give it your own flair. New tools that you can unlock over time also ensures the gameplay never gets stale.

Knights in Tight Spaces

Knights in Tight Spaces is a tactical turn-based combat game married to the deckbuilding genre that’s the spiritual successor to Fights in Tight Spaces — albeit with a medieval flair. The titular tight spaces gives the game a heavy puzzle-based feel, and the animation sequences are based on what cards you play so combat remains fresh. Different classes and an upgrade system also ensure players will be able to tailor the game to their strengths.

Island Dwellers

Long-time fans of the 4X gaming genre are impatiently waiting for Civilization 7 to arrive next year so any game that can scratch that itch is worth checking out. Island Dwellers isn’t designed to be a Civilization replacement but instead focuses on what the various entries consider to be the “Ancient Age.” The goal is to ensure the survival of your tribe before rising sea levels and erosion claim your home, so you’ll need to research technologies, manage population and resources, and look for new islands to inhabit. Those who like combat in their 4X games may find Island Dwellers to be too calm, but those who love the feel of building a civilization from scratch should finds lots of enjoyment in this game.

Hot Springs | 温泉 (Onsen)

While I tend to get overwhelmed by life simulators like Planet Zoo, Hot Springs is right up my alley with its smaller scale and relaxing vibes. The customization options seem pretty robust, and there are cats to add the environment too! I do have concerns if it’ll be a little too simple, but that’s why there are demos to try! This also releases next week so if I find it enjoyable I won’t have to wait long to unlock all the options.

That’s a lot of games to sample, but fortunately developers often keep the demo available until the game releases — and sometimes beyond even then. Not all demos stay up past the end of Next Fest, however, so make sure you try out the ones your most excited for now while you have the chance.