Top 10 Demos from February’s Steam Next Fest That You Should Try Out

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As every year, players have the opportunity to check out many upcoming games thanks to demos collected as part of Steam Next Fest. The February edition of this event brought interesting and diverse titles from various genres, offering a wide range of choices for players with different tastes. Since it’s impossible to cover every production in the form of a written preview, I decided to make a list of games that caught my attention. And who knows, maybe you’ll also find something interesting for yourself among these propositions.

Wax Heads

Let’s start our list with a game that conveys the spirit of the local community. Wax Heads combines punk aesthetics with cozy gameplay to deliver an emotional and uplifting story about working in a struggling record store. In this simulator, there is room for chatting with quirky customers, exploring a handcrafted record collection, getting to know various bands, or simply spending time with friends. Regardless of musical tastes, everyone can find their own rhythm of everyday life in this title.

The Ratline

Murder, investigation, and secrets from World War II? All of this comes together in The Ratline, a 1971 detective thriller. When a Catholic priest is found murdered in Budapest, a secret list is discovered with names of Nazi war criminals who escaped justice through a covert network known as The Ratline. Now it’s up to you to analyze the evidence, follow the clues, and make logical deductions to get to the heart of the truth. The war may be over – but the reckoning has just begun.

Phonopolis

From the darkness of real conflicts, we will move to a fictional dystopian world, which, however, is modeled on a totalitarian system. In Phonopolis, players can immerse themselves in an adventure set in a hand-painted 3D world made of cardboard, which is inspired by avant-garde art. We take on the role of Felix, who, through a variety of puzzles, draws closer to ending the Leader’s oppressive influence. Loosely inspired by the works of Karel Čapek and George Orwell, the story of Phonopolis explores themes of social manipulation and individualism, but keeps the overall experience playful and light-hearted.

Unhomely 

Fans of horror games and retro-style productions should definitely check out Unhomely. In this title, we play as a journalist who has 3 days alone in a reclusive tech CEO’s cabin to get the exclusive on his new project and save your career. Set in the remote wilderness of New Zealand, the game leaves players with only a phone and a property full of secrets, waiting to be uncovered. You might be able to save your career, but can you save yourself from what you find?

Fishbowl

In the next title on our list, slice-of-life experiences meet the surreal world. Fishbowl tells the story of a twenty-one year old Alo, who gets her first job in a new city and lives by herself while grieving her grandma’s death. Drowning in feelings of grief, isolation, and the responsibilities of adulthood, she receives an unlikely lifeline in the form of a magical talking fish from her childhood. With Paplet as her companion, Alo unravels the threads of her past, giving way to a new future. It’s time to rediscover your memories and find your way back to the present in this intimate narrative game.

Dosa Divas

A spicy narrative turn-based RPG where you save the world from an evil fast food empire? Dosa Divas brings this idea to life, depicting the journey of two sisters and their ancient spirit-mech on a mission to reconnect communities with their traditions. Platform through vibrant villages, battle corporate goons, reconcile with loved ones, and eat one last meal together before saying goodbye. Dosa Divas serves an experience that is recommended not only for culinary connoisseurs, but for anyone who wants to broaden their culinary horizons. 

Find Your Words 

There are ways of communicating beyond speech, as you can see in this charming game created by two dads, inspired by their non-speaking kids’ journeys using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). In Find Your Words, we find ourselves at summer camp, where we have the opportunity to make new friends. By collecting symbols for communication, we can discover new interactions and activities that will allow us to deepen our friendships with campers. You can expect many wholesome adventures in this short cozy game that lets you enjoy a carefree summer. 

My Dear Emma

For those looking for an experience that allows them to slow down and relax, My Dear Emma is a good choice. This narrative-driven adventure revolves around exploring beautiful landscapes and local wildlife, through which we learn the story of Emma, a young biologist and nature photographer who has decided to start a new life far from the big city. Inspired by real-life stories, this deeply personal tale invites players to uncover memories, family secrets, and reflections on love, loss, and the ties that shape us. 

Lost Wiki: Kozlovka

We return to the role of a journalist, but this time our mission will take place in the 1990s. In Lost Wiki: Kozlovka, players are tasked with exploring a Wikipedia-like database and solving a small town mystery in Eastern Europe. Sprawl through articles, deduce and complete puzzles, and uncover the secrets that have been laid in front of you.

hitogata 

We conclude our list with a rather mysterious suggestion that may cause both concern and curiosity. We’re talking about hitogata, a story-driven adventure game about dolls, electricity, and ending the world with your friends. In order to put the world out of its misery, you need to journey deep into the city and power it down section by section. As you dig deeper into the world, reality begins to wrap its arms around you. And if you play your cards right, your friends (maybe) won’t eat you alive in the process…