NextFest October 2024--Discuss the festivities (and the demos) here.

[ZedClampet]

So here we are again. It's demo time.

The first one I'm going to try are:

Industry Giant 4.0 Demo on Steam

Build production facilities, take care of logistics, expand the road or track network, optimize production chains and enjoy the profit. Take your first steps to building a commercially successful global business empire with the demo for Industry Giant 4.0.

store.steampowered.com

Wild Planet on Steam

Discover, craft, and survive in Wild Planet's captivating open world. Build bases, explore dungeons, and embark on adventures with friends in co-op multiplayer. Immerse yourself in its relaxing atmosphere and uncover the secrets of this mysterious planet!

store.steampowered.com

Art Shop Simulator on Steam

Buy and sell art, manage employees, and grow your shop in this immersive simulator set in Europe. Curate a unique collection, attract customers, and become the premier art dealer. Transform your humble gallery into a thriving art empire!

store.steampowered.com

 

[DXCHASE]

Took a quick glance and there are some games i want to demo. I already tried 420 Blaze It 2 GOTY Edition and i gotta admit, its got some good FPS goodness in it if you can get past being drenched in memes, bright colors and soundbites from 4chan.

I was looking at Mech Wars Online Robot Battles and... i just want a Mechwarrior 3050 game, i like mech fighting and Titanfall is an amazing game, but there hasnt been any iteration of mechs im interested in, Mechwarrior 5 was ok, but give me a Mechwarrior 3050.

 

[Johnway]

So far i found 2 FPS games that sort of have that medieval darksouls vibes.

The first is Mohrta

Mohrta on Steam

Mohrta is a nonlinear FPS game blending action, exploration, and light dungeon crawling. Explore a vast selection of unique environments, slay an enormous cast of otherworldly creatures, and upgrade your arsenal of multifaceted weapons.

store.steampowered.com

The second is unbroken. Looks like a bloodbourne style game. No idea the quality

Unbroken on Steam

Brave the hostile lands in search of your goal. Forge your own path and discover the many secrets of the realm and the looming Township of Westfall. Unlock new abilities, perks and weapons. Soak in the atmosphere and head forth against all odds.

store.steampowered.com

Still looking for my simulator interactive fiction like hypnospace outlaw style.

 

[ZedClampet]

Art Shop Simulator (linked in OP) is pretty fun, but a little primitive. There was a whole list of differences between the demo and the full release, so maybe some of these things are going to be addressed.

Basically, you run an art gallery. You can paint pictures and maybe buy them for resale (in the full version). I think you can even hire an artist. All I could do in the demo was paint the pictures myself. It's not exactly an art program. Very basic. You pick a color and the size of the brush and start painting. As with real painting, if you mess up, your only choice is to paint over the mistake (or you could just hit the button to start over if you hadn't gotten very far). Once done, you decide how many copies of the painting to have made, and they arrive in a box for you to then place on display.

The value of the painting depends upon how much time you spent painting it and how many different colors you used. However, it valued my first painting at $4300.00 (euros, actually) and my first customer looked at it and said that she liked it, but she only had $200.00. Most of the customers don't even have that much, so I ended up making my paintings cost $129 and down, regardless of what the game said they were worth. It may be that your customers will have more money the higher your prestige goes. Not sure.

My biggest complaint with the game is that the computer in the office is nearly impossible to use on my laptop. You just walk up to it, as close as you can get, and start using it. It doesn't expand to fit your screen or anything, and it's just way too small.

My first painting was of a phone, since that's what people seem to like looking at, but I started getting more elaborate the more I played. Had a good time.

 

[Pifanjr]

I had wishlised The Axis Unseen after reading the PCGamer article about it and I saw there's a demo for it out now, so I can see if my PC can actually run it:

The Axis Unseen on Steam

The Axis Unseen is a heavy metal horror game created by one of the developers of Skyrim, Starfield and Fallout. Hunt nightmarish monsters from ancient folklore in a mysterious open world, collecting their enhanced sense powers and discovering elemental arrows. Beware, the hunter is also the hunted.

store.steampowered.com

Most of the recommended games didn't look very interesting, but Worshippers of Cthulhu peaked my interest. I typically get bored of city builders fairly quickly, but the cult mechanics look interesting and I really like the atmosphere and art of the game:

Worshippers of Cthulhu Demo on Steam

LEAD the CULT OF CTHULHU. Decide the fate of your followers, perform eldritch rituals, and master the art of city-building in a world where the line between sanity and madness blurs. Can you endure the horrors you unleash?

store.steampowered.com

 

[ZedClampet]

Played this a bit:

Windblown on Steam

Brave the Vortex and dash your way to greatness in this lightning-fast action roguelite for 1-3 players from the crafters of Dead Cells. Absorb the powers of fallen warriors, rebuild their weapons, and WIPE THE FLOOR with those Sentinels in search of that perfect run!

store.steampowered.com

Basically it's Hades but with optional co-op. Combat is the same. You start off fairly weak and go until you die and then start over. For some reason, they recommend a controller, but it's perfectly good with keyboard and mouse.

 

[ZedClampet]

Wild Planet on Steam

Discover, craft, and survive in Wild Planet's captivating open world. Build bases, explore dungeons, and embark on adventures with friends in co-op multiplayer. Immerse yourself in its relaxing atmosphere and uncover the secrets of this mysterious planet!

store.steampowered.com

Didn't like this at all. Ran around a small area collecting resources. Couldn't figure out how to get plant fiber (and I've collected plant fiber in dozens of games). Then I got killed by a giant beetle that I couldn't outrun

 

[ZedClampet]

Hydroponics Farm & Store Simulator on Steam

Transform your passion into profit with Hydroponics Farm & Store Simulator! Design, build, and manage your own sustainable hydroponics system. Experiment with different plants and fish, customize your setup, and harvest your success. Dive into the future of farming today!

store.steampowered.com

I was interested to see how the hydroponics worked because I've been interested in that since I was a youngster, but I never made it that far. The game crashed on me, but I was just working the store, anyway. Not sure the hydroponics are fully functioning yet. But it was interesting that I had fish as well as vegetables because I read some time back that hydroponic farmers were raising fish in tanks below the plants and circulating the fish water into the hydroponics system for the nutrients (fish poop). Healthier plants and you get to sell the fish as they reproduce.

 

[Johnway]

As previously mentioned, testing unbroken demo. players get to play either some of the earlier areas or going through some curated later areas and a variety of weapons/skills on offer.

Whilst interesting, its somewhat primitive with enemies mostly being paper thin cut outs. Hell even after they die they fold like paper. But the gameplay is more important and Unbroken is a sort of combo shooting game with a rather unforgiving streak. As you kill and get combos using anything and everything possible. Its ok, but nothing special. It does have open world environments as you unlock and open areas for easier access etc.


As for other games that have caught my interest to test, Voin is one of them. Looks a bit like a bit of fun.

VOIN Demo on Steam

Fight hordes of enemies in fast-paced first-person hack-and-slash battles. Explore the world of dark fantasy filled with secrets and dangers, and master your skill of wielding primordial elements.

store.steampowered.com

keep driving is something that looks interesting, but i don't think its going to last long

Keep Driving on Steam

An atmospheric management RPG about life on the open road. Pick up hitchhikers, work odd jobs, customize and repair your car, and map your route across the country. Use upgrades, skills and items to overcome challenges. And remember to take it easy. You’re young. You have time.

store.steampowered.com

i would play the precinct but alas i don't think my pc will handle it. Will give this one a miss.

The Precinct on Steam

Averno City, 1983. Gangs rule the streets and your father lies restless in his grave. Clean up the city, uncover the truth, and embark on thrilling vehicle chases through destructible environments in this neon-noir action sandbox police game.

store.steampowered.com

 

[ZedClampet]

As previously mentioned, testing unbroken demo. players get to play either some of the earlier areas or going through some curated later areas and a variety of weapons/skills on offer.

Whilst interesting, its somewhat primitive with enemies mostly being paper thin cut outs. Hell even after they die they fold like paper. But the gameplay is more important and Unbroken is a sort of combo shooting game with a rather unforgiving streak. As you kill and get combos using anything and everything possible. Its ok, but nothing special. It does have open world environments as you unlock and open areas for easier access etc.


As for other games that have caught my interest to test, Voin is one of them. Looks a bit like a bit of fun.

VOIN Demo on Steam

Fight hordes of enemies in fast-paced first-person hack-and-slash battles. Explore the world of dark fantasy filled with secrets and dangers, and master your skill of wielding primordial elements.

store.steampowered.com

keep driving is something that looks interesting, but i don't think its going to last long

Keep Driving on Steam

An atmospheric management RPG about life on the open road. Pick up hitchhikers, work odd jobs, customize and repair your car, and map your route across the country. Use upgrades, skills and items to overcome challenges. And remember to take it easy. You’re young. You have time.

store.steampowered.com

i would play the precinct but alas i don't think my pc will handle it. Will give this one a miss.

The Precinct on Steam

Averno City, 1983. Gangs rule the streets and your father lies restless in his grave. Clean up the city, uncover the truth, and embark on thrilling vehicle chases through destructible environments in this neon-noir action sandbox police game.

store.steampowered.com

Thanks for the heads up on The Precinct. Gave it a spin and really enjoyed it. When you first launch it, it tells you that you need a controller, but it worked just fine with keyboard and mouse, including the driving.

I like the gritty atmosphere, and it reminds me a lot of the 90's cop shows, including the not so great banter during the morning meeting.

Had a shootout at a bank robbery and then a car chase. I quit after the first mission because I'm probably going to get the game when it releases, and I don't want to spoil anything.

 

[Johnway]

More games downloaded i need to start playing!

First up, as per recommended by PCG: ballionaire . I like the look of it so i'm going to have a taste.

Ballionaire on Steam

BALLIONAIRE is a fast-paced pachinko roguelike where strategy meets physics to create outrageous wealth! Find and exploit game-breaking synergies as you theorycraft your way to victory. Welcome to the autobonker genre!

store.steampowered.com

the other one caught my eye. From the creators of Dusk comes Butchers creek

Butcher's Creek on Steam

A first person melee horror game where you use rusty tools to brutalize a gang of serial torturers in the remote Appalachian Forest.

store.steampowered.com

 

[Johnway]

Tried Mohrta - a GZDoom shooter. having played 70 mins going through several areas i have mixed feelings for it tbh. For the most part, the level design is primitive and could really do with some touch ups, yet on the flip side there's level design architecture and ideas that's impressive.

Combat wise the demo does a really poor job of making it fun or compelling. In the demo you'll spend more time using one or 2 weapons and for the most part i find myself just clicking until the enemy drops dead. its was bloody boring. Even after you get an addition of a 3rd weapon you only get to equip 2. Even then its too easy and the only thing holding you back is the lack of healing options. Either the checkpoints OR the doll (which you can use once).

But on the flip side, there is some depth to the combat, with upgrade mechanics etc.

In its current state i can't recommend it. I've played FREE doom wads that were more impressive, fun and compelling. yet, at the same time the game is interesting and strangely compelling with its primitive environments. But the combat and rough edges leaves a lot to be desired. Definitely not good enough to buy.

 

[Brian Boru]

ballionaire

"Welcome to the autobonker genre!"

… … …

Ah to be young again…

 

[Pifanjr]

I played an hour of The Axis Unseen demo. It definitely has a great atmosphere and art style.

Spoiler: Screenshots

Excuse the quality, I snapped them real quick before going to bed.

The gameplay is pretty solid as well, though I kept failing to see enemies before they spotted me. I unlocked a tattoo that lights up when an enemy is near, but it just reinforced the idea that I am terrible at actually seeing the enemies around me. I got stuck after getting that tattoo because I kept running into monsters I couldn't manage to kill.

I do love the way the HUD is integrated into the bow and your character's left hand. And to see how many arrows and healing items you have left you hold R and it shows you your quiver in one hand and your healing items in your other hand, as well as a flag indicating the direction of the wind since enemies can smell you.

 

[Pifanjr]

My kid and I tried out some more demos today.

First I played Ballionaire by myself. It's definitely addictive seeing all of the combos fire off and filling your screen with balls. I'm not sure how much staying power it has, but it's great for short play sessions. My kid had a try as well and enjoyed it.

Next was Unrailed 2. We have the first Unrailed and the sequel is just a major improvement on every part.

Then we played some Tiny Kingdom. It seems like it's similar to Dorfromantik, you get a deck of stuff to put down and you try to get as many points as you can.

We're currently playing Critter Café, which is just a very cutesy café simulator. We've mostly been customising our character and café so far.

EDIT: We just saved our first critter by doing a very simple puzzle. Now he can learn to help us in our cafe.

 

[Johnway]

First I played Ballionaire by myself. It's definitely addictive seeing all of the combos fire off and filling your screen with balls. I'm not sure how much staying power it has, but it's great for short play sessions. My kid had a try as well and enjoyed it.

I had a crack at the demo as well. Similar impressions, its satisfying in short bursts but i can't see myself playing this for long. After 2 tries i shrugged my shoulders and went to do something else. I do like the style though. Will i be getting it, probably not. It doesn't have any lasting appeal for me.

 

[Pifanjr]

I had a crack at the demo as well. Similar impressions, its satisfying in short bursts but i can't see myself playing this for long. After 2 tries i shrugged my shoulders and went to do something else. I do like the style though. Will i be getting it, probably not. It doesn't have any lasting appeal for me.

I played a bit more this evening and checked out the second map. It's a wheel that slowly spins around, which makes it a lot harder to make any kind of combination of triggers that rely on their position to work. It's a very fun twist that completely changes your approach of the game.

I think it would be a great game for a Steam Deck.

 

[Johnway]

Had a go at Butchers creek. Think Condemned except you're a snuff fan and you're fighting murderers and torturers. So the order of the day is to pick up improvised weapons and fight your way out. Snuff films are your currency used to unlock certain doors or to save. Hell, every 5 snuff files you possess gives you increased health. The healing system is taking photos of gore. But why taking photos of the fellow man you killed doesn't give anything is a bit odd.

Anyway, visually, it looks like you're looking through a VHS camcorder with all that grainy footage and such. The AI atm isn't all that hot. Too often the ai will stand around instead of fighting etc.

I'll keep a look out for this one. Dusk was good and this one shows potential. Probably wait a bit and see how it develops.

 

[Johnway]

I had a quick blast on Warlord Awaji. An Early Access open world game. unfortunately, only instant action was on offer, so we had a taste of the combat mechanics. They were pretty basic. Slash and block was the only options and the team Ai is just as basic. Chivalry 2 this isn't. Will cross this one off the list.

 

[ZedClampet]

The Axis Unseen on Steam

The Axis Unseen is a heavy metal horror game created by one of the developers of Skyrim, Starfield and Fallout. Hunt nightmarish monsters from ancient folklore in a mysterious open world, collecting their enhanced sense powers and discovering elemental arrows. Beware, the hunter is also the hunted.

store.steampowered.com

Found this interesting. You only start off with a handful of arrows. I was trying to run for my life when the game crashed (for the second time). I decided just to quit. Don't think the demo was quite ready. Supposedly the music is heavy metal, but I didn't recognize it as such. The intro was utterly baffling. Still, I liked wandering through the woods shooting things with my four arrows up until it crashed to desktop.

 

[ZedClampet]

Trash Goblin on Steam

A wholesome & cosy shopkeeping game where you uncover & clean trinkets, then upcycle them to sell to endless colourful & quirky customers. Spend your savings to upgrade your shop, buy new and better tools, even expand your business to exciting new districts across town!

store.steampowered.com

I'm not really sure who would like this. You have four screens you can pull up. One is for opening bags of garbage and cleaning up interesting things you find there. One is for talking to customers and selling your finds. One is for talking to the shop owner, and one is for going to sleep. It is just the same thing over and over, but maybe I didn't give it a fair shot.

Garden Designer on Steam

Garden Designer offers a rich experience filled with gardening and construction tasks. Select your gardener and let your creativity shine as you design and manage gardens, and build structures in picturesque parks and residences. Create unique buildings and gardens for an unforgettable adventure!

store.steampowered.com

Dear lord that was awful. The control scheme is unbearable. Amongst other things, you press "I" to pick things up and then your hotkeys are numbers 7 to 0. Apparently they just hate it when you keep your hand on the mouse.

I was going to play a bunch in a row, but after these 3, I don't think I can continue. I need a break.

 

[Pifanjr]

The Axis Unseen on Steam

The Axis Unseen is a heavy metal horror game created by one of the developers of Skyrim, Starfield and Fallout. Hunt nightmarish monsters from ancient folklore in a mysterious open world, collecting their enhanced sense powers and discovering elemental arrows. Beware, the hunter is also the hunted.

store.steampowered.com

Found this interesting. You only start off with a handful of arrows. I was trying to run for my life when the game crashed (for the second time). I decided just to quit. Don't think the demo was quite ready. Supposedly the music is heavy metal, but I didn't recognize it as such. The intro was utterly baffling. Still, I liked wandering through the woods shooting things with my four arrows up until it crashed to desktop.

I found upgrades to hold two more arrows pretty early, though that didn't help anything against the bigger enemies I encountered later who refused to go down.

I didn't have any crashes. Perhaps my PC is too old to enable whatever graphics setting caused your crashes

The intro is indeed strange, but I kind of liked it. You get to practice a bit while seeing some of the different environments and enemies you'll encounter. It could've been a bit shorter though.

 

[ZedClampet]

I found upgrades to hold two more arrows pretty early, though that didn't help anything against the bigger enemies I encountered later who refused to go down.

I didn't have any crashes. Perhaps my PC is too old to enable whatever graphics setting caused your crashes

The intro is indeed strange, but I kind of liked it. You get to practice a bit while seeing some of the different environments and enemies you'll encounter. It could've been a bit shorter though.

Yeah, I got those upgrades. Unfortunately, at the very beginning, I didn't retrieve my first couple of arrows.

One thing that I think was a great idea were the varied difficulties and even the inclusion of a passive mode for monsters and also a photography mode, where presumably there's no violence at all. I was actually going to try those out (if they were available in the demo) but the crashes kind of bummed me out.

 

[Johnway]

Found another game of interest. A Dungeon crawler / turnbased with a horror vibe: Lurks within Walls

LURKS WITHIN WALLS on Steam

LURKS WITHIN WALLS is a tense survival horror game combining modern dungeon RPGs' exploration elements with fast-paced turn-based combat. Explore a series of cursed environments filled with terrifying creatures illustrated by the renowned artist Trevor Henderson.

store.steampowered.com

Theres not much to see in the demo. You get to explore one floor and have a taste of the combat and some of the mechanics. Similar to prototype, you absorb the virus and evolve to survive against the other infected out to get you. Apparently there are stories to go through, either as one of the survivors trapped in the building or as the police/special forces storming the building to contain it.

Hopefully there will be more RPG elements or depth to the story. would have to wait and see tbh.

 

[Johnway]

had a go and Voin and out of all the stuff i played on Nextfest, this one is the clear winner. its an Action RPG but with swords (think borderlands or Shadow warrior 2). The combat is satifying and was a jolly fun time as you dash back and forth hacking down monsters. Ok, its a bit insulting to some people as the enemies flash yellow, but i found myself just running towards a horde of monsters and dashing around picking them off like some hero. They low tier monsters are just their to dash off from to other targets or just build up momentum as you battle harder monsters. I experienced something i rarely experience: FUN.

The difficulty scaling is pretty clever as well. you can adjust it before you enter a level, you can change the density of the monsters, the quality, their health/dmg for greater rewards and you're free to scale them however you see fit.

Visually its interesting and has a dark souls vibe to things. i spent time exploring a forest and the surrounding ruins just murdering monsters. Not exactly sure my objective or where i'm going, but i felt entertained by it. i think the world could do with a bit of tweaking to make paths more readable, and perhaps in the future areas to have more varied monsters. So far i'm fighting demonic fleshy monsters, but i would like to fight some more fantasy monsters.


So yeah Voin, one to add to my wish lists methinks.