This week in gaming: Steam NextFest gives us a ton of demos to try

It’s once again Friday, though this week is a bit different — instead of covering the new releases this week (of which there were few, and nothing major that I could note) we’re going to talk about some neat demos that are available to play during Steam NextFest this week. This is by no means a complete list of what has come out, only a list of what I have found interesting — so let’s see what’s on offer.

Fantasy Guild Reception Simulator: Galvatein: Adventurer’s Guild

A rather cozy simulation game putting you in the shoes of a guild receptionist. As the receptionist, your job is to make certain that the adventurer’s do their quests properly: read the quest text and make certain they’re hunting the proper target, then check their loot, maps and licenses to be certain everything was done correctly. Ask questions, learn about the adventurers, and at night cook them monster meals in the magical cooking pot (named Caul).

Get Galvatein: Adventurer’s Guild’s Demo for $FREE on Steam.

Superhero Workplace Comedy: Dispatch

My most anticipated game of the year, Dispatch has you playing as Robert Robertson — formerly known as Mecha Man — whose mecha-suit was destroyed in battle against his nemesis, forcing him to get a job at a superhero dispatch center (but as a dispatcher, not a superhero). Robert is rehabilitating a group of ex-supervillains, while at the same time trying to deal with office relationships and rebuild his mech suit so he can get back out on the streets. Choices matter, and making a decision early on can effect the way the story flows much later — so think carefully about the possible consequences. Take a look at the strategy map, assign your heroes as you see fit, but remember: your choices effect not only you, but also the city at large. Oh, and of course, each of your heroes have their own personalities, baggage, flaws and quirks — so you have to manage their expectations as well.

Get Dispatch’s Demo for $FREE on Steam.

Martial Arts Music Video: Dead as Disco

Dead as Disco puts you in the shows of Charlie Disco, former front man of the band the Idols — and now, you have one chance to get your revenge on your former band mates. Dead as Disco is a rhythm beat ’em up game, having you sync your combat to the beat of the music (of which there are 11 different tracks in the demo, and you can import your own as well), and the demo has you facing Idol Hemlock at his underground concert in the subways under the streets. Bust a stylish move and get your revenge.

Get Dead as Disco’s Demo for $FREE on Steam.

Shovel Knight x Castlevania: Mina the Hollower

Mina the Hollower is the next title by Yacht Club Games, probably best known for ShovelKnight. Using the 8-bit style of the Game Boy Color, Mina mixes the aesthetics of Castlevania with the charming Yacht Club style, leading to a title with sharp controls that just oozes with atmosphere. Fight with Mina’s whip, Nightstar, or a number of alternate weapons from her arsenal, while tailoring your playstyle with a wide assortment of trinkets that change how Mina plays! This Steam NextFest demo includes the entire first stage of the game, and ends after the first major boss fight — giving you the perfect opportunity to sink your teeth into what Yacht Club is cooking up next.

Get Mina the Hollower’s Demo for $FREE on Steam.

Rhythm Roguelike: Ratatan

Ratatan is a rhythm roguelike action game, mixing rhythm titles like Guitar Hero with side-scrolling action. Over 100 characters can join in the massive melee on screen, while you time your rhythm sequences to order your army around and give them orders when to fall back, when to dodge, when to attack, and where to be. Ratatan is led Hiroyuki Kotani, the developer who directed Patapon, a series which had multiple titles with a similar aesthetic — so give this demo a shot, and see if you can groove with the rhythm.

Get Ratatan’s Demo for $FREE on Steam.