Steam's Latest Free Offering Is a Cozy Adventure For Animal Crossing Gamers

Steam Next Fest is almost upon us, but the fun has actually already begun.

If you’ve never enjoyed the delight that is Steam Next Fest, please do allow me to set the scene.

The event takes place on the popular PC storefront three times a year and offers developers a chance to showcase their upcoming games.

What that essentially means for you and I is that we’ll soon get to enjoy hundreds of new demos for some wonderful upcoming titles.

Regular Steam users will know that demos drop all the time, but the best of the best will often debut during a Next Fest event.

It’s a chance for you to unearth the next unexpected hit.

This month’s event will take place from 23 February to 2 March. Already though, certain developers have launched their demos to get ahead of the game.

One that’s caught my eye is Kioku: Last Summer from developer Lugn Games and publisher Assemble Entertainment.

Perfect for fans of Animal Crossing, this cosy action-adventure has debuted a new sample ahead of a launch at an unspecified time later this year.

Explore an Island, Inspired by Simple 2000s Summers

“Kioku: Last Summer invites you to a vibrant island as Asti, a young girl exploring her first summer in a new home,” reads the synopsis.

“Uncover mysteries, forge friendships, and relive the magic of summer as a child in this charming adventure!”

I do like a simple, wholesome premise.

Urgency is not a part of Kioku: Last Summer’s vocabulary. Players are urged to explore the game’s island at their own pace via bicycle.

Assemble Entertainment

“There are secrets tucked everywhere, and the best moments usually happen when you’re not rushing,” devs tease.

You’ll be able to fish plus participate in Marubi, a minigame that’s sweeping the island: “Open packs, meet new marble monsters and build a team you love. Challenge the locals and watch your Marubi slam into the arena with a satisfying clack.”

Kioku: Last Summer is filled with NPCs you can connect with, plus there’s a photo capture system.

So often, cosy games can be ruined by grind. I love the idea that all Kioku: Last Summer asks of you is to explore at your own pace and unearth the island’s various secrets.

The island is inspired by both Japan and Scandinavia, so I’m sure it's a delight to traverse.

As I said, Kioku: Last Summer has a brand new demo for you to sample on Steam right now.

This is Lugn Games’ first project and it looks really lovely. I can’t wait to check it out myself.