Best Next Fest 2023 Demos on Steam

Steam is currently running its Next Fest, which highlights demos of games big and small. So, there’s probably something for everyone on the list. The games range from platformers to shooters to visual novels, so you might be able to find a hidden gem during the event. While digging through numerous demos, I’ve found some that stand out that you should keep your eye on. The good thing about the Next Fest is the demos are free, and we love free stuff. Even if you don’t like the games offered, trying them can’t hurt. So, without further ado, here are the best Next Fest Demos on Steam for 2023.

6 Best Next Fest 2023 on Steam demos you should try out

Each of these demos is mostly from across all sorts of genres. By trying them out, you won’t limit yourself to one style of gaming. Who knows, you may like driving or shooting games.

Japanese Drift Master (JDM)

I enjoy my racers, but I like it when a racer makes me feel like I am behind the wheel rather than a joystick. JDM does exactly that, with the realism of a Forza game. However, it’s a unique type of racer, in that it specializes in drifting, hence the name. But at the same time, it seems accessible for all sorts of players. I’d recommend trying out this game to get your drifting fix, which Forza Motorsport oddly doesn’t lean into as much. 

Hellwatch

Thanks to games like Hades, I’ve found why many love roguelikes. First off, they’re fun to play, and most have an addictive loop that forces you to get better. But, most importantly, it’s the level of difficulty the games hit you with as you progress. Hellwatch is a lot like this. While you get powerful attacks and tools, you’ll still be faced with the issue of overwhelming enemies attacking you. However, you won’t be doing any of this alone. Hellwatch has co-op, so you and your friends can manage the fights better. By creating interesting builds, gameplay could be something else. 

Robocop: Rogue City

I am surprised there hasn’t been a Robocop game in the modern world of gaming. While it does look like a typical shooter mixed in with ultra-violence, it seems to bring some new elements to the genre. It also has an ’80s aesthetic to it, much like the original movie. Meaning, you could get the same experience as Robocop. However, if you’re looking for the quickness of typical movement shooters, you won’t find it here — but rather, the movement of a classic shooter. 

Paper Trail

Indie games come in all shapes and sizes, and most have unique experiences, which is why they’re adored by players from all over. Paper Trail follows suit. In this adorable world, you can alter the map to work out puzzles because, get this, the world is made out of paper! You could cross water because you folded the level to allow you to do so. It’s an interesting experience, and I can see Paper Trail getting a lot of love from the community. 

Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together

Here me out on this. Cooking games are getting popular thanks to games like Overcooked 1 and 2. Having to work under pressure with a time limit and having NPCs yelling at you sounds like a good time. I enjoyed the first game because it made me want to get all the orders right and put forth 100 percent all the time. With Cooking Simulator 2, it seems like that anxiety-driven gameplay is enhanced, and I’m here for it.

Ghostrunner 2

Ghostrunner is hands-down one of the hardest games I’ve ever played. A boss battle took me around 145 deaths to overcome it. But, at the same time, it was awesome. With the sequel, things look like they’re going to be even harder. You can bet I will be playing this game and tossed and turned by it. Expect it to be a lot darker as well. If you’re a fan of Cyberpunk 2077, you should certainly try this game out. Do not get hit or you’ll restart. This is exactly why I died so many times during that level.