Steam Next Fest Feb 2023 Games to Wishlist

This last Next Fest was incredible to say the least. I tried so many amazing games ranging from all different genres that stunned me not just in presentation, but for how damn good they are! While a couple games I loved have already released, like Dust & Neon, there are a ton that haven’t. Here are the ones I’d recommend wishlisting.

Wandering Sword

As someone who loves Octopath Traveler’s visual aesthetic, Wandering Sword immediately caught my eye and I’m so glad it did. This gorgeous 2.5D RPG has you playing as a young swordsman who learns martial arts to become a great hero. You’ll partake in strategic combat and grow through different martial arts styles and weapons. With multiple endings, tons of quests, and the ability to switch between real-time and turn-based combat, there will be a little something to appeal to everyone.

On the Steam Deck, the game can run decently at 40 FPS. I did notice some stuttering and couldn’t push as high, but this is an early demo so I’m much more lenient. The game doesn’t have controller support either, which it could greatly benefit from. Luckily, I have talked to the devs and they are looking into supporting the Deck further! Overall, I would highly recommend keeping an eye on this one. Wandering Sword releases some time this year.

Townseek

I have talked about this game a couple of times in my Next Fest posts, but that’s only because I genuinely like the game! It’s an exploration game about getting items, completing quests, and gaining influence/trust in new cities. You’ll meet a colorful cast of characters and need to bring items, take people on trips, farm, mine, and more to make money and make a name for yourself!

I have no problem playing this on the Deck at all. This was a 60 FPS perfect experience and I loved it. The game didn’t have Gamepad support yet, but they did make a custom configuration through Steam that I felt was a nice addition. Townseek releases sometime this year.

Sons of Valhalla (SDHQ Impression)

Sons of Valhalla is a 2D combat game with base-building and economy managing mechanics. As Thorald Olavson, you are brought back to life to tack down the Jarl who burned your home and stole your beloved. Now, you must raise an army and lead it to taking over the map, all while upgrading weapons for yourself and your army to demolish those who stand in your path.

The game has a bit of work to do on Steam Deck optimization. It feels fine at 30 FPS, but in some intense situations, it does slow down to the mid 20s. Overall, this game is awesome and will be a great one to play on the Steam Deck if it is optimized well! The game is stated for release in 2023.

Afterimage

Afterimage is a gorgeous 2D adventure set in the fantasy world of Engardin. Filled with secrets to discover, you will explore and fight your way through enemies and unique bosses using a multitude of different weapons. Combined with a branching talent tree, you will develop your own combat style in fast-paced real-time combat. Discover a seemless semi-open world with a gorgeous soundtrack, addicting gameplay, and more.

Afterimage feels great on the Steam Deck so far. I was able to stick to 60 FPS for the most part with some minor drops, but it overall felt fantastic. This was one of my favorite Metroidvania games to play personally. It is due to release on April 25th this year.

Spiritfall (SDHQ Impression)

Imagine Super Smash bros but with roguelike gameplay mechanics and this is the baby you get! Spiritfall is an addicting platform fighter where you will go through rounds of enemies, upgrading your abilities and weapons, to get as far as you can. Like other roguelikes, you will die and get currency to passively improve yourself to push even further.

Spiritfall is an addicting game and I am so glad I was able to test it. The game is set to release on April 3rd and plays perfectly on the Steam Deck.

Worldless

Looking for a minimalist, but colorful and vibrant action platformer with turn-based combat? Well, look no further than Worldless. This 2D adventure will have you embark on a journey of self-growth and possibility. Jump, glide, and dash through a beautiful world and uncover secrets while taking on enemies and upgrading your own abilities.

The game runs near flawlessly on the Steam Deck and god damn is it good. The game is set to launch sometime this year.

Radio the Universe

"Awakened from dreams of sunlight, a wanderer descends into the ruins." That is the first sentence you see on the Steam store page when you look under the game's logo and it encompasses the beauty of this game. Blending action and atmospheric exploration, with a sprinkle of a haunting soundtrack, you will travel through a mysterious city and gradually learn the rules of this reality to try and stay alive. Plan your moves and upgrade wisely as you attempt to take on powerful foes. Let's hope you can make it out alive.

There is no release date set for the game, but that atmosphere is incredible. This one plays well on the Steam Deck with some tweaking, but it's well worth it to invest the time.

Ninja or Die

Time to become an acrobatic ninja in this brutally simple game. Ninja or Die makes it so you can only jump from wall to wall to move and kill enemies, requiring you to precisely time and decide where to jump to next. With procedurally generated stages, leveling up stats, an infinite mode, nonstop action, a beautiful art style, and much more, this one will keep you busy!

The game seems to cap out around 45 FPS, but locking it to 40 feels fantastic and smooth on the Steam Deck. There is no release date yet, but this is still going to be one to watch out for!

Shumi Come Home

This is a relaxing 3D platformer that runs perfectly on the Steam Deck. I am recommending this one if you want a relaxing time and a friendly story. The release is set for 2023.

And also look how cute Shumi is. LOOK AT SHUMI.

Planet of Lana

Planet of Lana is a cinematic puzzle game that puts you on a rescue mission going through a colorful sci-fi world. With your adorable companion, you will overcome many challenges that will test your reflexes and wit, all while surviving the beings out to disrupt the harmony this planet once had. Will you be able to go through this epic journey that stretches farther than you can imagine?

Planet of Lana is stunning in its presentation and fluid gameplay. The game can hold 60 FPS most of the time, but some areas I have noticed drops down to 45. Setting at 40 still feels great and decently smooth, but keeping at 60 should be okay since the areas are far and few.

Grim Guardians: Demon Purge

I have heard Grim Guardians described as a two-player Castlevania game and I have to say that is quite accurate. Two sisters must work together to break the curse and fight the demons. If playing by yourself, you will swap between the two characters on the fly, with one utilizing melee combat and the other using ranged weaponry. And with new sub-weapons you get with bosses you beat, you will be able to explore new routes of the castle. Now it's time to save the other students and discover the mystery behind the school's transformation!

Grim Guardians plays near perfectly on the Steam Deck, keeping 60 FPS for 99% of the time played! There are some little gameplay quirks I have some issues with, but it doesn't deter my enjoyment of the game and is absolutely one I recommend. The game comes out tomorrow (2/23)!

Honorable Mention: Dust & Neon (SDHQ Review)

Why is this one an honorable mention? Well, it actually released a couple days after Next Fest ended. That being said, the game was one of my favorite demos to play and I highly recommend it! It is a top-down twin-stick shooter with roguelike mechanics. It is a Best on Deck game from our review of it and is an incredible addition to Steam Deck libraries!

And while there are tons more to check out, those are the ones that really stood out to me! Each one deserves a wishlist. What demos did you guys like most? Let us know in the comments so we can check them out too!

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