Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch
    Game on Aus
    • News
      What’s coming to PlayStation Plus in June 2023?

      What’s coming to PlayStation Plus in June 2023?

      June 1, 2023

      IT’S JUNE! — and that means two things: it is officially the rainy season & it’s time for the next…

      ANZPL Split 1 2023 Trophy

      ANZPL Split 1 2023 LAN Finals: Champions Crowned

      May 30, 2023

      This is it. The ANZPL Split 1 2023 LAN Finals. Who would win the Lower Final and make it to the Grand Final to face the Skorpions?

      Company of Heroes 3 Xbox console give-away

      Company of Heroes 3 Xbox console give-away

      May 30, 2023

      TODAY’S release of the Company of Heroes 3 Console Edition released on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, FiveStarGames…

      Assassin’s Creed: Mirage details emerge

      Assassin’s Creed: Mirage details emerge

      May 25, 2023

      AT the PlayStation Showcase this morning there was a few moments of excitement for me, one of them being the…

      PlayStation ’23 Showcase report

      PlayStation ’23 Showcase report

      May 25, 2023

      PlayStation went ahead with its PlayStation Showcase earlier this morning and kicked off the old E3-style season presentation of a…

      View All
    • Reviews
      Crucial T700 – The SSD powerhouse!

      Crucial T700 – The SSD powerhouse!

      September 6, 2023

      The Crucial T700 sets a new standard in performance when it comes to Consumer Grade SSDs, pushing speeds faster than…

      Hyper Karting and Hyper VR street signage

      Hyper Karting & Reality Hyper Amazing!

      June 7, 2023

      I recently visited Hyper Karting, a go-kart and VR centre in Sydney. As well as the go-karts, I was very keen to experience Hyper Reality.

      Company of Heroes 3 (Console Edition) – Tactical Brilliance

      Company of Heroes 3 (Console Edition) – Tactical Brilliance

      June 5, 2023

      Company of Heroes 3 marks the highly anticipated return of the critically acclaimed real-time strategy franchise to consoles. Developed by…

      Diablo 4 Review – A Dark and Thrilling Return to Glory

      Diablo 4 Review – A Dark and Thrilling Return to Glory

      May 31, 2023

      Diablo 4 is the long-awaited continuation of the iconic action role-playing game series developed by Blizzard Entertainment. I had the…

      Alienware AW510K Low-Profile RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

      Alienware AW510K Low-Profile RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

      May 25, 2023

      When I reviewed the Alienware AW720M Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Mouse at the start of the year, I came away intrigued…

      View All
    • Podcasts
      Nuts & Bolts Ep 84 Hero Card

      Nuts & Bolts Ep 84: What Is The LCS Doing?

      June 3, 2023

      The World Of Tanks ANZPL LAN Finals have decided the Split 1 champions. Jim takes us through the action! Lots…

      Nuts & Bolts Ep 83 Hero Card

      Nuts & Bolts Ep 83: Let’s Get Down To Business

      May 20, 2023

      There’s lots to cover this week. Join Mercury and Jim as the World Of Thanks ANZPL heads towards their LAN…

      The Weekly Show Ep 279 Hero Card

      The Weekly Show Ep 279: Tech Issues: The Show

      May 19, 2023

      Doomcutie joins Stormie and Jim as they talk through mods, leaks and so much more! Plus our Bloody Good Game Of The Week thanks to Aussie Broadband.

      Nuts & Bolts Ep 82 Hero Card

      Nuts & Bolts Ep 82: We Missed You!

      May 13, 2023

      It’s been a couple of weeks so Jim and Mercury catch up to talk all things Dreamhack Melbourne. Plus Snoop…

      The Weekly Show Ep 278 Hero Card

      The Weekly Show Ep 278: Look Who Just Drops In

      May 12, 2023

      Doomcutie joins Stormie and Jim as they talk through mods, leaks and so much more! Plus our Bloody Good Game Of The Week thanks to Aussie Broadband.

      View All
    • Categories
      • BY PLATFORM
        • Playstation
        • Xbox
        • Nintendo
        • PC
        • Mobile
        • VR
        • Retro
      • BY GENRE
        • Action
        • Action-Adventure
        • Battle Royale
        • Fighting
        • FPS
        • Horror Games
        • RPG
        • Simulation
        • Sports
        • MMORPG
        • MOBA
        • Platformer
        • Strategy
        • Survival
        • Indie
      • GOA ESSENTIALS
        • Esports
        • Conventions
        • Tabletop
        • Hardware
        • Funny
        • Streaming
        • Win
        • Podcast
        • Video
    • More
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
    Game on Aus
    Home » Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    ACTION

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?

    ArlentricBy ArlentricFebruary 13, 2023
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Steam Next Fest has already consumed the entirety of my week with an endless serving of incredible indie demos to try out prior to their slated releases. Hype, anticipation (and for myself, a separate bank account for the near dozen Indies I’ve had to Wishlist) have well and truly set in, so I thought I’d share a list of some of my favourites that you either need to try out before Next Fest ends, or get onto your wish-lists as soon as possible.

    Planet of Lana

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    Planet of Lana is officially one of my most anticipated games for the remainder of the year.

    Planet of Lana is absolutely beautiful, and I think is the epitome of what Next Fest has to showcase to the wider gaming community. Set on a planet that used to be a paradise of undisturbed balance between humans, nature and animals, which now has transformed into something else entirely, due to the arrival of a faceless army. But this is not a story about war. This is a story about a vibrant, beautiful planet and the journey to keep it that way.

    Throughout the game, you’ll explore your way through multiple puzzles and diverse challenges throughout some gorgeously designed locations. There’s also a really unique emphasis on companion based gameplay, without a really gripping story that I can’t wait to experience throughout its entirety. One image alone doesn’t do the game justice, and it’s a game that really needs to be experienced rather than just seen, so check it out while you still can.

    Fabledom

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    Choose your champion, assemble your town watch and defend your Kingdom against vile neighbors and minions in Fabledom.

    Fabeldom feels like it was designed directly for someone like me, in the best kind of way. Set in a world where Fairytales have become reality, you’ll grow your village; spectate your citizens’ lives and watch the rise and fall of your relationships with the neighbouring kingdoms. It’s essentially a medieval town-management game, but offers some really great features around interactions with other kingdoms that I feel is a really unique feature in this genre of game.

    Throughout your time ruling, you’ll explore a fairytale world filled with giants, witches, flying pigs and hidden secrets, alongside building a flourishing economy, romancing potential advantageous members of neighbouring kingdoms and defending your Kingdom against vile minions or hostile armies that have grown jealous of your immense wealth. If you’re looking for a new medieval simulation type game, with some strategy elements and a variety of ways to play – Fabledom is the game for you.

    Mask of Fury

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    Mask of Fury is one of the most chaotic-fun experiences you’ll find in Next Fest.

    Yes, Mask of Fury is just Gang Beasts with weapons and more ‘buff’ rag-dolls, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t incredibly fun to play (especially with a few friends). For those unfamiliar with the style of game, it’s essentially a party-brawler with rag doll physics, where you’ll fight to be the last one standing in variety of unique maps in either local or online co-op (or solo against A.I). You’ll choose between 8 unique fighters with varying ‘super’ moves, and scramble to pickup weapons or boosters to gain an edge in each fight.

    A unique offering from the game is the inclusion of a 15-mission campaign, which admittedly doesn’t hold a lot of depth, but is a welcomed feature nonetheless that acts as a nice introduction/tutorial of sorts. Additionally, having the option to just jump straight in against A.I’s, instead of needing a full lobby of real players is an excellent feature, despite how quirky the A.I can act at times. If you’re looking for a bit of chaotic fun with some friends and haven’t already experienced Gang Beasts, it’s definitely worth a download while the demo’s still available on Next Fest!

    Voidtrain

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    For those who simply can’t wait, Void Train is already available in early access on the Epic Games store.

    Void Train is phenomenal and I can’t believe that this game is still in development despite all it already has to offer. In it, you play as an engineer thrust into a strange and mysterious void where you’ll build, upgrade and protect your train from various enemies in an attempt to survive the surreal landscapes thrown at you from the new world you inhabit. It’s a co-op, FPS survival game with incredibly beautiful (and at times, terrifying) world design.

    The void you inhabit is an incredibly dangerous place, and you’ll face a variety of enemies on your way: from regular soldiers to bloodthirsty sharks. You can craft and customize your weapons and equipment in an attempt to stand against multiple enemy waves in arenas, clear outposts or simply fight for your life.

    My favourite part of the game is – you don’t simply expand upon a pre-existing train, but you’ll build it yourself from scratch. You start with an empty trolley and develop it into a proper train with multiple wagons, weapon attachments and an advanced engine to suit you and your companions desired schemes. For those who simply can’t wait, Void Train is already available in early access on the Epic Games store, or of course; you can try the demo on Next Fest.

    Ravenbound

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    Ravenbound is my most-played game from all the games I’ve tried in Next Fest, and for very good reason – it’s incredibly addictive

    Ravenbound is a fast-paced action game that combines the challenge of a roguelite in the freedom of a beautiful open world. In it, you play as a vessel to the Raven, a weapon forged by Gods who were imprisoned, and your objective is to free them and restore order to the fictional island you inhabit. There’s a heavy emphasis on permadeath in Ravenbound, as you’ll lose your vessel each time you die, but you can return as a new vessel with stronger abilities.

    Combat is very fast-paced, as you’ll hack and slash your way through incrementally difficult creatures. The entire combat system feels really smooth, and as you begin to upgrade your character to suit your preferred play style, the entire experience becomes hard to put down. If it’s not clear, I’m a bit of a sucker for medieval/mythological themed games, so this one is right up my alley.

    Wandering Sword

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    Combat in Wandering Sword is conducted on a tiled board with the unique mechanic of switching between turn-based or real-time combat

    Wandering Sword caught my eye straight away from a visual perspective, as it borrows the same sort of 2.5D styled graphics you’d find in a game like Octopath Traveller, as it merges the beauty of pixel art in a beautiful 3D scenes. Gameplay wise, it’s a fairly familiar JRPG, with some unique approaches to combat and an enriching story (from what I’ve played thus far).

    Combat is conducted on a tiled board with the unique mechanic of switching between turn-based or real-time combat. The turn-based mode is what you’d expect from a traditional JRPG and suited for those who want to play a slower pace, whereas the real-time mode has an emphasis on quick decision-making and on-your-feet thinking. It’s a really fun way of spicing up the traditional JRPG formula, which is further complimented by the interesting story and characters. I’m really keen to dive more into this one when it releases fully.

    Sons of Valhalla

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    I’m finally living my Nordic fantasy in Sons of Valhalla, and I’m loving every second of it.

    Having some previous demo experience with Sons of Valhalla, I was overjoyed to see it as an inclusion in Steam’s Next Fest. Sons of Valhalla combines side-scrolling combat with base-building strategy in a beautiful pixel-art Viking Age world. You play as Thorald Olavson, a warrior hell-bent on tracking down the Jarl who burned down his home, stole his beloved, and fled to distant England, and if that isn’t enough motivation to burn your blood, I don’t know what is.

    Base-building is key to everything in Sons of Valhalla, as you’ll need to actively manage your economy and send out well-planned raids to stay afloat the ever-changing Nordic environment you find yourself in. The more money you bring in, the better weaponry you can acquire/craft, which results in increased chances of successful raids, which then steadily increases your power and renown, to draw more warriors to your cause. I’m finally living my Nordic fantasy in Sons of Valhalla, and I’m loving every second of it.

    Pixelshire

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    Pixelshire has the potential to be one of the next big cozy games.

    If you know absolutely anything about me, you might already be able to tell why this game consumed a lot of my time throughout Next Fest – cozy gamers, get excited! Pixelshire is a sandbox and simulation game that draws heavy inspiration from games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing with a heavy emphasis on its pixel-based visuals.Your primary objective is to develop the perfect town and farm, through physically carving the landscape to suit your needs and ideal layout. You’ll control your townsfolk actions as they farm, mine, fight or simply relax in your cute township.

    The demo available only scratches the surface of what the game is going to offer at release, which includes house and town decoration, shop management, continent exploration, procedurally generated islands, variety of trades/skills, further farming options and social interactions. This is one I am anxiously awaiting a full release for, so I can experience everything it has to offer.

    Dark and Darker

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    I can already foresee the mass-popularity that Dark and Darker is going to receive (and for very good reason)

    I can already foresee the mass-popularity that Dark and Darker is going to receive (and for very good reason). It’s essentially a medieval fantasy battle Royale meets The Division, and if that doesn’t explain all you need to know about this game, allow me to elaborate. The primary draw of Dark and Darker is that it’s an extraction looter, which acts similarly to a battle royale, except if you manage to survive, you keep the goods you leave with. I’d say this will arguably be the most popular game in Next Fest, sheerly due to the wild interactions you can have with other players.

    You and up to three friends or strangers select your fantasy class, and then venture into a maze-like dungeon to defeat gruesome monsters in search of vast treasures, with the only catch being that there’s multiple other trios seeking the exact same treasure. It is the most fun I’ve had in a battle-royale type game in a LONG time (it could be entirely due to the fact that it’s medieval themed, but I think it’s more than that). I can’t really summarize it much more than I have, but I highly suggest you grab two of your closest friends and give this one a go.

    Bleak Sword DX

    Steam Next Fest – Who’s Got Next?
    Bleak Sword DX is a dark fantasy action game port for the critically acclaimed Apple Arcade version of the game.

    It wouldn’t be an indie game list without a little bit of Devolver Digital now would it? Bleak Sword DX is a dark fantasy action game port for the critically acclaimed Apple Arcade version of the game, which puts you in the perspective of challenging warriors to fight their way through compact, cursed diorama battlefields. To explain it simply: it’s a brutal combat game with some RPG elements that has you fighting through masses of enemies to successfully clear each level

    Each level is a pixelated diorama, with a large variety of stages and enemies. I’ll be upfront and say I played the ever-living life out of this on the Apple Arcade, and was just over-the-moon excited to see that it was getting a PC port (and from Devolver of all people). The new PC port has improve controls, three new game modes and graphical/gameplay improvements as well.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleFive games to play with someone special this Valentine’s Day
    Next Article Wanted: Dead – A Bloody good time

    Related Posts

    Crucial T700 – The SSD powerhouse!
    GAMING REVIEWS September 6, 2023

    Crucial T700 – The SSD powerhouse!

    The Crucial T700 sets a new standard in performance when it comes to Consumer Grade SSDs, pushing speeds faster than…

    Hyper Karting and Hyper VR street signage
    GAMING REVIEWS June 7, 2023

    Hyper Karting & Reality Hyper Amazing!

    I recently visited Hyper Karting, a go-kart and VR centre in Sydney. As well as the go-karts, I was very keen to experience Hyper Reality.

    Subscribe

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    Ads

    Categories
    • ACTION
    • ACTION-ADVENTURE
    • APPLE
    • BATTLE ROYALE
    • CLOUD GAMING
    • CONVENTIONS
    • DLC
    • ESPORTS
    • Events
    • FEATURE
    • FIGHTING
    • FPS
    • FUNNY
    • GAMING HARDWARE
    • GAMING NEWS
    • GAMING REVIEWS
    • GIFT GUIDE
    • GOA
    • GOA PODCAST
    • HORROR GAMES
    • INDIE GAMING
    • Industry
    • MMORPG
    • MOBA
    • MOBILE
    • NINTENDO
    • Open-World
    • OPINION
    • PC
    • PLATFORMER
    • PLAYSTATION
    • Press Release
    • PREVIEW
    • RACING
    • RETRO
    • RPG
    • SIMULATION
    • SPORTS
    • STRATEGY
    • STREAMING
    • SUBSCRIPTION GAMES SERVICE UPDATES
    • SURVIVAL
    • TABLETOP GAMING
    • TECH
    • VIDEO
    • VR
    • XBOX
    Related Article
    Crucial T700 – The SSD powerhouse!
    GAMING REVIEWS

    Crucial T700 – The SSD powerhouse!

    September 6, 2023Zak BearmanBy Zak Bearman

    The Crucial T700 sets a new standard in performance when it comes to Consumer Grade SSDs, pushing speeds faster than many other NVME PCI-E…

    Crucial Memory and DDR5: Unleashing Epic Experiences!
    GAMING HARDWARE

    Crucial Memory and DDR5: Unleashing Epic Experiences!

    July 13, 2023Zak BearmanBy Zak Bearman

    Our friends at Crucial offered us an opportunity to review some of their Pro series memory! Me being the avid gamer and hardware savant…

    Hyper Karting and Hyper VR street signage
    GAMING REVIEWS

    Hyper Karting & Reality Hyper Amazing!

    June 7, 2023Darren 'Str8JaktJim' MacneallBy Darren 'Str8JaktJim' Macneall

    I recently visited Hyper Karting, a go-kart and VR centre in Sydney. As well as the go-karts, I was very keen to experience Hyper Reality.

    Game on Australia Logo

    Game On Aus is an Australian games publication working across written, video and podcast, and supported by an ever-growing community of content creators and fans!

    Copyright GameOnAus 2023. Privacy Policy. Website by Digital Hitmen

    CONTENT
    • News
    • Gaming Reviews
    • Podcast
    • Tech
    • Indie
    ABOUT GOA
    • About Us
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.