Steam's Next Fest is a super fun time for gamers and game-makers alike. We loved checking out upcoming titles, downloading free demos, and seeing what game-devs had to say on their livestreams. Among the impressively large list of games presented, three titles stood out: Solarpunk, Deliver at All Costs, and Dark Moon. There are SO many others we'd love to showcase but these three really took the cake for us. (or is the cake still a lie?)
1. Solarpunk
Solarpunk is a survival game set in a technologically advanced world of floating islands. Players can construct buildings, cultivate food, craft gadgets, and pilot airships to explore distant skies, either solo or in co-op mode with friends. Think Minecraft meets Stardew Valley plus some notes from Bioshock Infinite. Less scary patriotism though.
Things we loved:
Multiplayer Building: Gather resources and build your own home in the sky, either alone or with friends.
Sustainable Farming: Grow plants to secure your food supplies, emphasizing eco-friendly practices.
Innovative Crafting: Craft technical gadgets and automate processes, integrating renewable energy sources like sunlight, wind, and water.
Airship Exploration: Construct and customize your airship to explore distant islands in the sky. This was sick, I've always wanted to fly.
The game's emphasis on sustainability and cooperative building offers a fresh take on the survival genre, and frankly we need more optimism in the current world climate. Its vibrant aesthetic and focus on renewable energy resonate with players seeking both creativity and environmental consciousness in their gaming experiences. The demo provided during Next Fest allowed players to experience the early stages of base-building and airship piloting, receiving positive feedback for its immersive world and innovative mechanics. Let's get eco-friendly, dude.
2. Deliver At All Costs
Overview:
Deliver At All Costs is a narratively driven action game set against the nostalgic backdrop of a 1950s-inspired world. Players step into the shoes of Winston Green, a down-on-his-luck courier with a fiery temper and a mysterious past, navigating a world of rock 'n' roll, polka dots, and nuclear fears. The game features highly unconventional delivery missions, wreaking havoc in destructible environments using various vehicles.
Things we loved:
Destruction-Filled Deliveries: Plow through the city across highly destructible environments, wreaking havoc in a wide variety of vehicles. Take on bizarre deliveries and missions, each with its own unique play style and mechanic. It took all the things you get punished for in GTA and turned them into enjoyable features.
Dynamic World: Explore an intricately designed world with large semi-open environments both on foot and in your vehicle. Be careful not to upset the citizens, as they will respond to your actions in unpredictable ways.
Engaging Storyline: Embark on a story of mystery and intrigue divided into three acts, with a cast of distinct and memorable characters. Witness Winston's journey as he spirals downward into the depths of insanity.
1950s Aesthetics: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 1950s with aesthetics and evocative music paying homage to the classic era. Featuring 1950s design elements, an original soundtrack, radio ads, English voice acting, and a UI fitting of the times—all capturing the essence of what made the 1950s iconic.
Why It Stands Out:
The combination of chaotic delivery missions, destructible environments, and a gripping narrative set in a 1950s-inspired world offers a unique gaming experience. The demo provided during Next Fest allowed players to experience the game's unique missions and destructible environments, receiving positive feedback for its immersive world and innovative mechanics.
3. Dark Moon
Dark Moon is a rogue-lite action-adventure game set in a dystopian lunar colony. Players assume the role of a lone survivor navigating through procedurally generated environments, battling alien creatures, and uncovering the mysteries behind the colony's downfall.
Things we loved:
Procedural Generation: Each playthrough offers unique environments and challenges, enhancing replayability.
Intense Combat: Fast-paced battles with a variety of weapons and abilities keep players on their toes.
Deep Lore: Collectibles and environmental storytelling reveal the rich backstory of the lunar colony and its inhabitants.
The combination of a haunting lunar setting with challenging gameplay mechanics provides a fresh experience for fans of the rogue-lite genre. The atmospheric design and compelling narrative hooks have garnered attention, making it one of the standout titles of the festival. If you enjoy games like Shadowdark RPG, or Darkest Dungeon I think you'll enjoy picking up this title.
It was over too soon
Steam's Next Fest February 2025 edition highlighted the diverse creativity within the gaming industry. Countless games stood out to me to get wishlisted and exemplify the innovative approaches developers are taking to deliver unique experiences even in a drastic and ever-changing game industry. Whether you're building sustainable floating islands, exploring the nuances of everyday interactions, or surviving a desolate lunar landscape, these games offer exciting prospects for the future of gaming.
