Steam Next Fest is always one of our favorite events of the year here at Mana. It's practically a full convention's worth of content - but contained on your Steam application and featuring countless great demos.
This year has been no different. 2024's Steam Next Fest is happening from now until February 12th at 10AM Pacific. With countless developers bringing some of their best upcoming games to the table, this Next Fest has been an all-timer! Want to know where to start playing demos of all these upcoming games? Here's a list of some of our favorites -- STILL available to play until February 12th!
PRIM
Image source: Application Systems Heidelberg
Wow. To be honest, this point and click adventure wasn't at the top of our list entering Steam Next Fest... but it most certainly is now. The game is undeniably grim, yet packs a whopping punch of hilarity as well. From the memorable dialogue to the Burton-esque setting and atmosphere, PRIM is a game that you really won't want to miss.
"After her mother's passing, Prim discovers that her father is none other than Death himself. Forced to live with him in the Realm of the Dead from now on, Prim is determined to escape the Grim Reaper's strict rules, for Death is anything but a natural-born father. But when she manages to flee on her 16th birthday, Prim's own powers are unleashed, with horrible consequences..."
Pacific Drive
Image source: Ironwood Studios
Coming into Steam Next Fest, there were very few games with more hype than Ironwood Studios' first-person driving survival game, Pacific Drive. With outstanding graphics and a gripping atmosphere, this serene yet supernatural game is revving up to be one of February's best releases.
"Face the supernatural dangers of the Olympic Exclusion Zone with a car as your only lifeline in this driving survival adventure! Scavenge resources, load up your trusty station wagon, and drive like hell to make it through alive."
SUMMERHOUSE
Image source: Future Friends Games
Do you like to relax?
Yes? Play this demo.
"A tiny building game about beautiful lived-in houses. No rules or restrictions, just pure creativity."
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Image source: Happy Broccoli Games
Hands down, Duck Detective: The Secret Salami was one of my favorite demos from this year's Next Fest. In this engaging narrative mystery adventure, you play as the titular duck detective, interacting with a spectacular cast of unique critters while solving a small-town mystery. The game is absolutely adorable, and a huge crowd pleaser among the Mana staff.
"Solving crime is no walk in the pond. You are a down-on-his-luck detective who also happens to be a duck. Use your powers of de-duck-tion to inspect evidence, fill in the blanks, and bust the case wide open, in a narrative mystery adventure where nothing is quite as it seems."
Rotwood
Image source: Klei Entertainment
I'm a simple guy. I see Klei Entertainment - I play the game. From the makers of Don't Starve come this upcoming rogue-like dungeon crawler poised to be an instant classic. In Rotwood, you explore and survive a labyrinthian maze of violent vegetation with up to 3 other players. The demo is amazing and already well-polished, showcasing how engaging and challenging the gameplay will be.
"Rotwood is a 1-4 player hack-and-slash dungeon crawler by the makers of Don't Starve and Mark of the Ninja. Battle corrupted beasts, gather what remains, and forge a safe haven with your friends."
Though countless other games caught our attention at this year's Next Fest, these five are absolutely some of the standouts. From paranormal drives across the West Coast to an engaging mystery surrounding secret salami, these are some of the games to look out for in the coming year!