After an intense month immersed in the world of Dune: Awakening, I find myself exploring a diverse array of games to unwind. With the recent Next Fest slipping by during my Dune phase, I’ve turned to the treasure trove of free demos available on Steam. This approach allows me to sample a variety of games without any financial commitment. For those looking to expand their Steam wishlist or simply enjoy some engaging demos over the weekend, here’s a curated selection of my recent experiences. Each of these titles, while not all making it to my wishlist, certainly left a positive impression.
Star Birds
My first delightful encounter was with Star Birds, a game that quickly earned a spot on my wishlist. The demo offered an engaging experience of exploring and exploiting asteroids, establishing factories, and unlocking new technologies. The resource management and supply line mechanics are both charming and intuitive, reminiscent of the captivating visuals found in Kurzgesagt YouTube videos, but brought to life in a gaming format.
STAR BIRDS DEMO Out Now! New game by Toukana & @kurzgesagt – YouTube
Watchword
Next on my list is Watchword, an intriguing blend of wordplay and strategy. While it shares some elements with the beloved Balatro, it carves out its own unique niche. Players assemble connecting words on a grid, utilize magical tomes to alter gameplay rules, and even bribe bosses with cheesecake. The moment I engaged with this game, I was captivated and can’t wait to dive back in after penning this piece. If you have a penchant for word games, this demo is a must-try.
Watchword: Official Gameplay Trailer – YouTube
Discounty
Shifting gears, I stumbled upon Discounty, a charming take on the life simulation genre. Instead of managing a farm, players run a discount grocery store, which introduces a delightful twist. What initially appears to be a quaint town soon reveals a series of peculiar and somewhat shady happenings. Even the seemingly sweet Aunt has her own secrets. The combination of shop management and uncovering the town’s mysteries has me eager to delve deeper.
Discounty – Official Release Date Trailer | Wholesome Direct 2025 – YouTube
Herdling
In a delightful departure from the developer’s previous boat-centric titles, Herdling invites players to guide large, shaggy creatures across a beautifully rendered countryside. The game’s haunting atmosphere and minimalistic instructions create an immersive experience where players instinctively learn the mechanics. I found myself growing fond of my little herd, eager to protect them as we navigated the landscape together.
Herdling – Future Games Show & Demo Trailer | PS5 Games – YouTube
Ball X Pit
Lastly, I encountered Ball X Pit, a unique mashup that combines elements of Vampire Survivors and Super Breakout. This game introduces base-building and farming mechanics while players fend off waves of monsters by launching ricocheting balls at them. The thrill of collecting upgrades and power-ups keeps the gameplay engaging, making it a classic “one more run” experience.
BALL x PIT | Reveal Trailer | Play the Demo on Steam – YouTube
While these titles made it to my wishlist, several others also caught my attention, each offering unique experiences worth exploring:
- Quarantine Zone: The Last Check: A management sim set in a zombie apocalypse. Though the scanning mechanics were engaging, the base management felt a bit lackluster.
- City of Voices: From one of the developers behind The Rise of The Golden Idol, this title invites players to piece together narratives from scenes, though it leans towards a family-friendly adventure.
- Morsels: A creature-collecting roguelite with a charmingly grotesque aesthetic, though the murky color palette made it challenging to navigate at times.
- Scale the Depths: A casual fishing game that offers fun but lacks the complexity I typically enjoy in fishing simulations.
- Half Sword: A physics-based medieval brawler that provides comedic moments, though I find it more entertaining to watch than to play.
