Steam's new free game is one of 2023's coolest surprises

Steam users can grab an incredible free download right now, and it's a really fun surprise in what has already been a fantastic year for video games.

There are, as I'm sure you know, plenty of free games on Steam if you know where to look. There are so many, in fact, that it can be a little overwhelming to find the stuff that's actually worth your time. This game, if I may, is worth your time.

Furi is hands-down one of the most stylish hack-and-slash bullet hell shooters you'll ever play. It's a brutally challenging delight, and well worth your time. The full game is currently 65 percent off on Steam, which means you can pick it up for a very reasonable £7. However, developer The Game Bakers have cooked up something as a special, free treat for us all.

Furi Demake - The Chain is a stunning retro-style demake of Furi's first boss battle. This free download, available on Steam, is described as a "gift to Furi fans". And what a gift it is!

The game's Steam description reads: "Fight your way free in this 8-bit-inspired version of Furi's first boss fight against The Chain. Frantic action, nervous controls, a blend of shoot and sword fight reimagined in 90s style. Only 1 boss fight!"

Given this is just the one boss battle, it's a relatively short and sweet "game", but it's such an awesome gesture and well worth checking out. The fans that have already claimed the free download are clamouring for more, which doesn't surprise me at all.

One Steam review writes: "The only sad thing about this is that it's only The Chain Fight."

Another agrees, adding: "I don't think you quite understand how much I need a full game of this."

No doubt The Game Bakers already have their hands full with other exciting projects, but if this was ever to be made into a full game? Well, you wouldn't hear any complaints from me.