Featured Image Credit: XSEED Games, Marvelous Inc
Topics: Steam, PC, Indie Games
It’s demo time again, my friends.
There’s never a dull moment to be had if you’re a PC user. Why? Well, there are hundreds of demos for you to enjoy over on Steam.
‘Try before you buy’ is oh so very important in this economy, but demos are also simply a great way of discovering new indie favorites you may otherwise never have sampled.
I won’t waffle on any longer; I’m going to highlight 11 newly released examples that I think deserve your attention this weekend.
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Let’s begin with Project SkyShard given that it’s currently trending.
Developed by ItsBen321 and RegisKillbin, this one’s partly a city builder and partly a PvP auto brawler in which players will build their own island kingdoms, battling it out against other wizards.
The art style is pretty nice and it looks like this could be great fun with a friend.
Alternatively, you may want to check out Ultizero Games’ new RPG Lost Soul Aside.
Granted, it hasn’t dazzled critics but it by all accounts features a fun combat system that’s let down by an underwhelming narrative.
Her Trees: Puzzle Dream is an interesting point-and-click puzzle game from developer Stone.
Essentially, it tasks you with moving objects to unravel unique puzzles which may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly up my alley.
For the strategy fans out there, Ubisoft Mainz has dropped a demo for the upcoming Anno 117: Pax Romana offering a one-hour slice of the game, capped when you reach Tier 2.
If you’re looking for something a little more quirky, Vending Machine Co looks surprisingly fun.
Developed by Rogue Duck Interactive, it sees you run your own kawaii vending machine company in a Japanese city.
You’ll need to stock the machines, upgrade them and set the price, with the game boasting lovely, colourful visuals.
Another one for the strategy fans, you can now also sample Jackto Studios’ upcoming War of Banners which offers medieval-style real-time combat.
Blindside Games’ Echoes of Vasteria is another indie surprise that looks awesome; it’s a pixel-art auto adventure which means it’s perfect for idler fans.
You’ll set ever-marching hero Caleb up for success in a relaxing side-scrolling adventure, complete with pixel art graphics. This one already boasts ‘Mostly Positive’ reviews.
Hoop Land is a demo for the sports fans out there.
It’s another pixel art title (it’s the hot thing) where players will partake in a retro-inspired basketball manager with modernised gameplay.
I’ll be honest, I’m not a sports game fan but this looks brilliant.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is another upcoming major release that’s dropped a demo.
This one comes from Marvelous Inc and is a sci-fi title that’ll see players don customised armoured suits as they battle a wide array of foes.
Lumines Arise is an upcoming puzzle game from the creators of Tetris Effect: Connected that you can now sample.
There’s a feeling of Tetris about it, but here you’ll sync block combos with an infectious beat.
Finally, let’s finish up with indie title Drop: Save The Forest.
This one’s an adventure game where players will use water to solve environmental puzzles, extinguish wildfires and save the Dolomites.
That doesn’t sound very fun on paper but I promise this game looks great, so do go and check it out.
While you’re there, see what else Steam’s demo section has to offer. It’s updated on a daily basis.