I adore playing a ton of different games throughout Steam Next Fest, but at the same time I often feel a bit burned out afterwards. With so many quality titles releasing each week, it’s tough to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I am not complaining, it‘ a good problem to have!
Funny enough, both games I played this week and both games I recommend in the shout-outs, are demos I checked out at one of last year’s Next Fest! Let’s start~
Esoteric Ebb || 03/03/26
Fans of Baldurs Gate and Disco Elysium should check this out. It’s a CRPG at its core, with a huge focus on conversations and choices. Playing as a charismatic bard in Baldurs Gate 3 and being able to solve problems with the right words instead of actions, gave me a unique kind of power others games rarely provide.
In Esoteric Ebb you start off with your death. Sort of. You only remember being in limbo after someone pushed you into the river. Magically though, you survived. Hazy memories, eerie confusion. You’ve lost a portion of your knowledge. And knowledge is your power. The elections are starting soon, which might impact everyone around you and yourself. Between re-discovering your identity and learning about the places beyond familiar places, you will impact the future. For the better or worse? That’s something you will have to find out yourself.
Love Eternal || 19/02/26
Some time ago I played a game called VVVVVV. Sort of an indie classic from the early days. I enjoyed the game to a certain extent, but stopped at some point. Platformers aren’t my strength. That doubles when it comes to precision platformers.
So why exactly did I start Love Eternal? It’s mainly the presentation. I advise anyone, who appreciates art, to check out the trailer. It creates such an eerie and unnerving atmosphere.
Sounds are heavy, movement is snappy, every scene carries the weight of perpetual dread. There is an overarching plot in Love Eternal. It’s not „just“ about throwing abstract scenes into the mix, to look cool and deep (not that there is anything wrong with that). Every scene you experience has meaning. You don’t understand it yet, but you feel it. At times the game breaks out of its confinement that make a 2D platformer. Characters movements create a creepy dance, parts of the world happen outside of the worlds frame.
There is a lot of heart in Love Eternal and you can still download the demo on Steam.
Quick Shoutout (not played yet)
Homura Hime || 04/03/26
A very stylized hack and slash character action game with anime visuals. You can combine different attacks from close and far range, align your moves to dodge the bullet hell attack patterns and most importantly, fight alongside a cute anime girl that supports your every step. The demo was fun and there is a lot of praise for the boss designs. If you are cool with stylish action combat, that doesn’t go into too much depth, you are in for a good ride!
project_Structure_01 || 06/03/26
You explore a minimalistic megastructure. Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Don’t go in to expect any puzzles. The game focuses on atmosphere alone, and it does a great job at it. The look of the structures and the music create an intrigue that wants you to see more. Collectibles give your brain a boost of dopamine to keep you going through endless corridors, impossible passages and eerie places.
The demo is still out for you to try!
