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STEAM NEXT FEST

Who is the star of this Steam Next Fest?

'Bombanana'is a co-op puzzle game inspired by the Japanese 'Three Wise Monkeys' proverb. The goal is simple: a team of three players must defuse a bomb. However, there are two catches. First, the bomb squad consists of a blind monkey, a deaf monkey, and a mute monkey. Second, each player's role is fixed from start to finish.

Only the mute monkey can read the bomb defusal manual. This means they must convey information on which wire to cut using only gestures. The problem is that the only person who can physically manipulate the bomb is the blind monkey. They cannot see colors or read screen information; they can only vaguely see the silhouette of the bomb and must feel their way to the solution. The deaf monkey can see everything and speak, acting as the team's mediator, but they have the critical disadvantage of not being able to hear anyone else.

Offering a hilariously chaotic team-building experience 'Bombanana'currently holds an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam for its demo.

'Iron Nest'is a dieselpunk simulator game where you operate a massive 5k-ton turret. In this game, you are neither a hero dominating the battlefield nor a soldier fighting on the front lines; you are an operator managing a giant turret. It might sound like a simple shooting game, but the process of firing a single shell is anything but easy.

It starts with intercepting radio communications or receiving coordinates from headquarters via a telegraph, then measuring the distance to the target and calculating the necessary propellant and firing angle. Afterward, you must manipulate countless dials, levers, gauges, and switches to load the shell, and finally rotate the turret to fire—all of which the player must do alone.

For some, this process might feel endlessly tedious. However, for fans of simulator games, especially those who love cannons and artillery equipment, there are few games more appealing. In fact 'Iron Nest's demo has an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam, a testament to the game's unique charm.

If you are looking for a dark fantasy extraction game with excellent action 'Mistfall Hunter'is worth noting. Developed by Bellring Games, this title breaks away from the sluggish controls often found in the genre. Many dark fantasy extraction games intentionally implement heavy combat to prevent one-sided slaughter, but this often leads to criticism regarding clunky motions or frustrating controls.

'Mistfall Hunter'boldly breaks this mold. While faithfully following the basic grammar of the extraction genre, it implements much lighter and more dynamic action, boosting the fun of combat itself. As a result, even if you don't enjoy PVP, the PvE content alone provides a level of satisfaction that rivals most action games. It is a title that will appeal even more to players who prefer adventure and combat over competition.

'Mistfall Hunter'received so much attention that it was selected as one of the most-played demos at this Steam Next Fest. The official release is scheduled for July 30th; if you've been waiting for a new extraction game, this is one to look forward to.

'Mortal Shell 2' is another title that received positive feedback at this Steam Next Fest. A particularly notable aspect is the significant improvement over its predecessor. By removing the stamina gauge and adding ranged secondary weapons, the overall combat tempo is considered much more dynamic. Soulslike games can sometimes feel frustrating due to their emphasis on precise exchanges, but thanks to these changes, players are reporting that combat feels much more fluid.

Although Steam Next Fest has ended 'Mortal Shell 2's demo is still available to play. It contains about 3 hours of the early game, and progress data will carry over to the full release. If you are a fan of the Soulslike genre, it would be a good idea to play it yourself and experience the refined combat feel.

'Restory'is a laid-back, story-driven shop management simulator game set in mid-2000s Tokyo. You become the owner of an electronics repair shop in a corner of a bustling district, spending your days repairing various devices. While it may look like a simple repair simulator at first glance, 'Restory'weaves memories and people's stories into the experience.

The electronics customers bring in are not just objects; they hold individual memories and stories. From a Tamagotchi or PSP you shared your childhood with, to a mobile phone containing secrets never told to anyone else. You don't just repair broken devices; you naturally get closer to the customers' memories and lives. Sometimes, you even listen to their worries and offer help.

These choices and actions don't just affect the individual customer; they also bring changes to the future of your small repair shop. If you are curious about how this small electronics shop will change the lives of its customers, it's worth checking out for yourself.

'Valor Mortis''is 'Ghostrunner'developer One More Level's new title, and it is a highly anticipated game that inherits the fast-paced first-person action characteristic of their previous work. At first glance 'Ghostrunner's influence is strong, but the game's true differentiator lies in its Soulslike aspirations.

The biggest point of interest is how the 'Ghostrunner'-style action, characterized by flashy parkour and fast combat tempo, has been reborn when combined with the precise combat systems typical of the Soulslike genre. The combination of a first-person Soulslike might feel a bit unfamiliar, but the demo released during Steam Next Fest is receiving better-than-expected reviews. Along with generally positive feedback, players are noting that it successfully implements the tension and combat satisfaction of a Soulslike despite the first-person perspective.

For gamers who love first-person action games, as well as fans looking for a new type of Soulslike, it is worth keeping an eye on 'Valor Mortis''which is scheduled for official release on October 14th.

Among the highly anticipated titles at this Steam Next Fest, there was a familiar face: the Korean developer Studio Nemo's 'Void Diver'Void Diver.

'Void Diver'is a 2.5D pixel-art extraction RPG centered on sending divers into otherworldly dungeons to recover artifacts and escape safely. Since releasing a demo on Steam at the end of January, it has received an enthusiastic response, surpassing 130k wishlists and garnering enough attention to be named one of the 50 most-played games during this Steam Next Fest.

Of course, not all reactions were positive; opinions were raised that there are still many areas in need of improvement. However, this is exactly why demos exist: to identify problems through actual gameplay and reflect user feedback to evolve into a better game.

There is still time before the official release. We hope that 'Void Diver'will return with even greater polish, using the diverse opinions of users as a foundation.

Hound13's open world action RPG 'Dragon Sword: Awakening'also took the time to make an impression on global gamers through Steam Next Fest ahead of its official release.

'Dragon Sword: Awakening'is a reimagining of the live-service game 'Dragon Sword'that Hound13 introduced through Webzen last January, now as a package game. While the basic world, story, and major systems maintain the framework of the original, the biggest difference lies in the complete change of the business model. Of course, the monetization structure isn't the only thing that has changed; the overall visuals, including character modeling and direction, have been refined to suit a package game, which appears to be an attempt to enhance character expression and immersion.

Surpassing 200k Steam wishlists, the highly anticipated 'Dragon Sword: Awakening'is scheduled for official release on Steam on July 23rd. As it has chosen a bold transformation from a live-service game to a package game, interest is focused on what results this change will bring.

For generations, sports games have been the exclusive domain of overseas developers. However, this Steam Next Fest was different, as the game that took 1st place in the sports category was none other than a Korean game: JOYCITY's 'Freestyle Football 2'Freestyle Football 2.

's biggest feature is its 5v5 real-time match format. Compared to typical soccer games, far fewer people participate. The differentiation doesn't end there; while the FC or PES series involve controlling the entire team'Freestyle Football 2, 'Freestyle Football 2'This is likely why it reached 1st place in the sports category at this Steam Next Fest—it piqued the curiosity of many gamers by presenting a different direction from existing soccer games.

Freestyle Football 2.

'Freestyle Football 2'Freestyle Football 'Freestyle Football'Onimusha: Path of the Sword.

Onimusha: Path of the Sword 'Onimusha'However, there were concerns alongside the anticipation, primarily due to the long gap since the previous series entry. Since the last title 'Dawn of Dreams'' was released in 2006, nearly 20 years have passed. Doubts followed as to whether the new title could properly inherit the unique sensibility and identity of the Onimusha series, especially the 'Issen' (critical strike) mechanic that is synonymous with the series.

Despite those concerns 'Onimusha: Path of the Sword'was released in 2006, meaning nearly 20 years have passed. Naturally, questions arose as to whether a new title could properly inherit the unique sensibility and identity of the Onimusha series, especially the satisfying feel of the 'Issen' (critical strike), which is iconic to the franchise.

With high interest from both existing series fans and new users encountering Onimusha for the first time 'Onimusha: Path of the Sword'is scheduled for official release on September 25th. A demo version is currently available on Steam, so if you are interested, it would be a good idea to play it yourself and experience that sensibility.

Drawing significant interest from both long-time fans of the series and newcomers encountering Onimusha for the first time 'Onimusha: Path of the Sword'is scheduled for official release on September 25. A demo version is currently available on Steam, so if you are interested, it would be a great opportunity to play it yourself and experience that signature feel.