Steam’s June 2025 Next Fest, running until June 16th, is overflowing with demos – over 2,500 to be exact! It’s a bit overwhelming, to say the least. But fear not, fellow gamers, I’ve sifted through the digital goldmine and unearthed four fantastic demos you absolutely need to check out.
First up is *Mina the Hollower*, the latest creation from the minds behind *Shovel Knight*. This top-down action-adventure game boasts a charming Game Boy Color aesthetic and slick mechanics. The highlight is Mina’s burrowing ability, a surprisingly versatile tool for navigating tricky environments and escaping hairy combat situations. The demo, clocking in at around 30 minutes, culminates in a thrilling boss fight that left me wanting more. With a full release slated for October 31st, this one’s a must-watch.
Next, we have *Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound*, a retro-style side-scroller that perfectly captures the spirit of classic *Ninja Gaiden* titles. Prepare for flashy combat, copious amounts of blood, and satisfying old-school platforming challenges. The pixel art is gorgeous, the soundtrack is electrifying, and the three levels included in the demo are a perfect showcase of the game’s tight controls and exciting gameplay. *Ragebound* launches July 31st, and after playing the demo, I’m already counting down the days.
For a completely different experience, dive into *Ball X Pit*. This chaotic blend of roguelike elements, *Puzzle Bobble*, *Breakout*, and *Vampire Survivors* will instantly hook you. The gameplay is surprisingly addictive, as you strategically fire balls at advancing enemies, bouncing them off walls and each other to maximize damage. Leveling up unlocks a variety of upgrades, adding depth and replayability. It’s the kind of game you can easily lose hours to, and I expect to do just that when it releases later this year.
Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, *Word Play* offers a satisfyingly chill puzzle experience. Created by Mark Brown of Game Maker’s Toolkit, this game cleverly blends elements of *Boggle* and other word games. You’ll need to strategically spell words to reach a target score before running out of turns. Upgrades add an extra layer of strategy, and the simple yet engaging gameplay makes it hard to put down. *Word Play* arrives on July 14th, and if you’re a word game enthusiast, this one’s a no-brainer.
