It's Steam Next Fest time again, and this year I’m diving into quite a few games. I picked five random titles from my recommended list, and here’s a quick summary of each, along with my thoughts and whether I recommend them.
Unrailed 2: Back on Track
Unrailed 2: Back on Track is a chaotic co-op railroad construction game where you and your friends must work together to keep a train, which never stops, moving along its path. You’ll gather supplies, lay tracks, build bridges, and race against time because this train waits for no one.
I played solo with a bot, and even then, it was a blast. With friends, this game promises non-stop fun. The chaotic energy, with players likely yelling at each other for forgetting their tasks, guarantees laughter from start to finish.
Recommendation: Definitely!
Streets of Rogue 2
Streets of Rogue 2 is a sandbox RPG where you can pretty much do anything. Want to build a house? Go for it. Beat up random pedestrians? Sure! Cook up some chicken sandwiches? Why not! This game is wild—there’s no clear direction, but that’s kind of the point of a sandbox game. The retro graphics have their charm, and the groovy soundtrack fits perfectly. Even though the demo is limited, I see so much potential in the full release.
Recommendation: Yes!
To Kill A God
To Kill a God is a pixelated roguelite where you battle through waves of enemies, but the twist is that the rooms you enter are part of your skill tree. The further you progress, the more abilities and equipment you unlock. You’ll level up your strength, dexterity, and intelligence, unlocking access to new rooms and equipment.
Having played many roguelites, I often find they struggle to stay fresh. While some offer new environments or unique equipment to keep things interesting, this game felt repetitive. Most of the combat revolves around bows and arrows, and it takes a while before you encounter new enemy types.
Recommendation: Not for me.
Fast Food Simulator
As the title suggests, Fast Food Simulator puts you in charge of running a fast-food restaurant, following the trend of popular simulator games. However, it adds a multiplayer aspect, which gives it an edge over others in the genre.
I’m a sucker for simulators—they’re perfect for killing time, especially when you want something light or feel burnt out on competitive games. This one fits that role perfectly. My only gripe is the lack of customization options for your restaurant, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Recommendation: Good time-killer!
TMNT: Splintered Fate
Now when it comes to roguelites, this is what I’m thinking of. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is an arcade-style roguelite where you play as one of the iconic turtles, battling your way through rooms filled with rats, ninjas, and other classic TMNT enemies. Splintered Fate captures the essence of the genre, challenging you to rethink your strategy with each run. After every room, you're rewarded with either an upgrade to an ability or some upgrade points and scrap for the shop.
Playing TMNT: Splintered Fate was a blast. Getting to the boss fight was quick, and the boss itself felt creative—just what you’d want from a perfect arcade experience. I can easily imagine myself playing this with friends at an arcade on a big, retro cabinet."
Recommendation: Totally Dude!
