Games I Played from Steam Next Fest (Spring)

Demos I played right after winter ended and plants coming back to life

*A YouTube video in this section showcases gameplay of games I went through down below. Will update this section shortly after this article comes out.*

---

2025 has just begun, and I’m starting it with some demos I managed to play from Valve’s first Steam Next Fest of the year. Just in time too, as I went through a short but brutal winter! I got some games for you and a diverse selection to choose from. Shorter than my first outing but packed with just enough information to make an informed decision.

Developer: Lizard Smoothie; Publisher: NEOWIZ

Type of Game: MOBA, Rougelike Co-op

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Sometime in May 2025?

Price: N/A

Refreshing to see a game having MOBA gameplay that’s not used in a PvP setting. The shape of Dream reminded me of Toadman Interactive and Fatshark’s Bloodsports. TV. A co-op MOBA defense game back in 2015. Ahead of its time but never took off. Never thought I’d be seeing another developer taking another shot at it ten years later. Shape of Dream does things differently by incorporating rogue-like elements into cooperative play.

Pick your control scheme!

Star constellations are the driving theme in this game. Leveling your character’s passives is in the form of a constellation. In a matter of those in Greek myths.

Choosing where to go has constellation patterns.

Wanna play an MOBA that’s not a toxic environment? (minus co-op anyway) The shape of Dream is something to look out for!

Developer/Publisher: Amazon Seasun Games

Type of Game: Online PvP/PVE Mecha Shooter

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Mid to Late 2025?

Price: Free to Play

Mecha Break is what happens when FromSoftware decides to make an Armored Core game with a multiplayer component. Or they team up with another developer to create the multiplayer to what Call of Duty does for their games. Not the case here, but Mecha Break is the closest thing to an Armored Core game in a PvPvE setting.

Not only does it allow you to play against others, but it also offers co-op to play alongside friends. As a live service, variety is paramount provided as long as it supports and the demand is there. Mecha Break is on the right path so far.

Exploration opportunities abound, so you can take a break from the fighting if you want.

I can’t wait to live out my mecha pilot dreams! Whenever the release date is, but not anytime for presentation, it was pretty rough when I was playing it. The gameplay is on point, though!

Developer/Publisher: Landfall

Type of Game: 3D Platformer

Platform: Steam

Release Date: Coming Soon

Price: N/A

Wanna play a platformer that’s like modern Sonic? Haste Broken Worlds has got you covered. What separates this game from Sonic is that it has roguelike elements. You know? Pick a path and get as many advantages as you can… The whole shebang!

A bit confusing at first on how the grading system works when it comes to landing during platforming.

Landing as flat ground or going down on a slope gets you an S rank?

Going as fast as possible from stage to stage and getting the best grade possible is the main goal of Haste¹. Stay ahead of it as things fall apart all around you. Gotta Go Fast!

Developer: Studio Far Out Games; Publisher: KONAMI (Digital Entertainment B.V.)

Type of Game: Isometric Vehicular Arcade

Platform: Steam

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Price: $29.99 or in your country’s currency

An isometric driving game in a semi-open world format with destructive environments? You got my attention! Pretty rare for a game like Deliver All All Costs to have this kind of gameplay. I’m also surprised to see Konami, of all companies, publishing this game. I laughed a few times at the absurdities of trying to deliver customers’ items. Set in the 1950s, so everything related to that time is shown throughout in spades. It does not take itself very seriously at all!

The graphics are serviceable, but when the game goes cinematic, it looks like an upscaled PS2 game.

While not a knock for me, it’s something to keep in mind. Playing on a controller is a must for Deliver at All Cost despite having decent keyboard controls. You’re playing one-handed most of the time. Get a controller!

Developer: Mega Cat Studio, Programancer; Publisher: Retroware

Type of Game: Retro 2D Side Scroller

Platforms: Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo

Release Date: Coming Soon

Price: N/A

Had to play this due to being a fan of the AVGN web series. This is not James Rolf’s (creator) first time doing this sort of thing. Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures was back in 2013 and 2016, but the reception remained mixed, looking past the AVGN branding. Despite upholding games of the past, it went a little too far into frustration for players. This third outing looks to be much better, keeping frustrating elements of old-school platformers to a minimum. Expect to die a lot, though…

Starting the game off with a selection screen like those old Megaman games? I’ll see you!

---

Another Next Fest in the books! As always, is there anything you find interesting on here? Let me know in the comments below! I have a poll if you want to do that as well!

If you want to read up on demos, I did on previous Next Fests. Check out the article I wrote last year in October here.

1. Wink Wink