The Steam Next Fest kicked off on the 24th. Running since 2021, the Next Fest always gets the pulse racing by offering a sneak peek at upcoming titles. With hundreds of entries, it’s easy to feel a bit lost on where to start. So, for this week’s [Game Recs], I’ve personally handpicked five intriguing new titles that left a lasting impression during my play sessions.

'Vampire Crawlers' is a turn-based deck-building roguelike from Poncle, the studio behind the global sensation 'Vampire Survivors'. It retains the core loop of slaying enemies for XP and hoarding items to beef up your character. However, by swapping real-time automated action for turn-based card combat, it offers a fresh spin on the classic dungeon crawl.

Combat revolves around chaining combos by playing cards with lower mana costs first. Since card effects amplify the longer the combo chain, you’ll need a sharp strategic mind to land massive bursts of damage. I particularly enjoyed the gem system; you can imbue cards with special traits like increased defense, returning to hand, or doubling damage, which makes building your own deck incredibly satisfying. Once your deck is refined, wiping out swarms of enemies in a single turn provides that sweet, sweet catharsis.

If you’re craving a story with real teeth, 'REPLACED' is my top recommendation. Set in a fictional 1980s America left in ruins by a nuclear disaster, this cinematic action-adventure puts you in the shoes of 'R.E.A.C.H.', an AI trapped in a human body, as you uncover the dark secrets of the corrupt megacorp, Phoenix. The bleak dystopian setting is rendered beautifully with modern pixel art and visual effects, all tied together by a haunting synthwave soundtrack that really pulls you into the world.

The combat is snappy, focusing on melee strikes and parrying incoming attacks. When you fill your special gauge during intense brawls, you can unleash some devastating finishers with your handgun, 'Huxley'. Exploring this morally ambiguous world through the lens of an AI struggling with human instinct and emotion provides a deeply compelling narrative on identity and humanity.

'Outbound' is a cozy, healing adventure set in a near-future utopia filled with vibrant landscapes, all experienced from the comfort of a camper van. The core loop involves traveling through various regions using an eco-friendly van powered by solar, wind, and hydro energy, all while crafting your perfect home on wheels. There are no nasty surprises or hazards here—it’s just you, your van, and a wonderfully relaxing journey.

The building system is where it really shines. You can scavenge resources to freely renovate the interior and exterior of your camper. Beyond just decorating with paint and furniture, you can cultivate a rooftop garden to grow plants and mushrooms, or even cook meals. It’s immensely satisfying to piece together your dream home, complete with a kitchen and power generator. You can even bring friends along with up to 4-player online co-op or adopt a cute pet to keep you company.

'Far Far West' is a high-octane shooter following the perilous journey of a bounty-hunting robot cowboy. Unlike the historical Wild West, this world is a bizarre, haunted desert filled with fantasy elements like ghost-infested mines, walking skeletons, and strange sandstorms. Your goal is to traverse this cursed land while taking down endless waves of enemies and formidable bosses.

The real draw is the fast-paced combat that blends shotguns, sniper rifles, and machine guns with magical abilities. You can design your own combat style by mixing various passive skills known as 'Jokers', and you’ll even snag random Joker abilities mid-stage to beef up your build. With 4-player co-op, you and your mates can split roles as healers, snipers, or mages for some proper tactical fun. It’s no surprise the demo is sitting at 'Overwhelmingly Positive' on Steam (2,220 reviews, 98% positive).

'Sledding Game' lets you inhabit a cute animal character to enjoy winter sports on a snowy mountain. There’s no pressure to compete or hit specific targets; you simply grab your sled and glide through the open, snowy expanses at your own pace. While the gameplay is simple, it’s packed with content—enough to earn an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating on Steam (3,421 reviews, 99% positive) even in its demo state.

While sled racing is the main event, the mountain is teeming with other distractions. You can build your own courses and ramps to pull off flashy tricks, or dabble in minigames like fishing, snowball fights, darts, and curling. There’s something truly romantic about huddling around a campfire to roast marshmallows with friends. Plus, the occasional slapstick moment—like being kicked like a football by a wandering Yeti—keeps the vibe lighthearted and full of laughs.