The “celebration of upcoming games” is coming back and is running until to October 16th. Here are half a dozen (+1) recommendations you have to try.

There are hundreds of new demos available to explore, and if you have the free time, you can dive into as many as you like. Steam Next Fest is undeniably one of the most valuable gaming initiatives when it comes to discovering new (and great) game.

Last Train Home

The Last Train Home boasts an incredibly interesting and intriguing storyline. It delves into the aftermath of the Czecho-Slovak Legion’s struggle to find their way back home following the Russian retreat during the First World War. Stranded amid the brutal chaos of a civil war between Russia’s Red and White armies, players are tasked with leading their band of brothers on a perilous journey all the way to Vladivostok. The game’s premise revolves around commanding the Czechoslovakian soldiers as they travel homeward aboard their armored train across the vast Siberian landscape.

What sets The Last Train Home apart is its captivating blend of gameplay styles. It combines elements reminiscent of Commandos-like tactical gameplay with real-time strategy dynamics and survival elements, promising a unique and immersive gaming experience.

It’s coming out on the 28th November, 2023.

Stronghold: Definitive Edition

Firefly Studios is making a triumphant return, and fans are in for a real treat with the highly-anticipated release of Stronghold: Definitive Edition is set to launch with enhanced graphics, bringing the beloved classic from 2001 to modern glory later this year

If you’re a die-hard fan of the original Stronghold (like yours truly), get ready to embark on a nostalgia-filled journey through the world of sieges, strategy, and medieval grandeur. The game’s standout feature is its brand-new visuals, painstakingly crafted from scratch by the same artists who worked on the original game back in 2001.

The game will feature a new campaign built around the iconic Rat and Pig characters, with 14 new missions. 10 New siege scenarios, and modern-day conveniences like multiplayer support without the need for third-party software and Steam Workshop integration.

It’s set to release a couple of weeks from now, on November 7th.

Tank Squad

Tank Squad is shaping up to be an intriguing amalgamation of vastly different games from diverse genres. Developed by the creators of Tank Mechanic Simulator, this game will incorporate its tank repair and management systems within the context of the German Army during the Second World War, particularly during the Battle of Kursk (Operation Citadel). However, that’s just one facet of the game. The other half involves leading a tank squad into combat. It’s a fascinating concept.

I spent my Sunday afternoon putting the game through its paces, and while it’s currently in a rough state, I have high expectations for it to deliver a level of quality akin to their previous release, Tread Fixer, Mantle Polisher, and Rivet Riveting Sim from 2020.

The game is set to release on the first quarter of the following year.

Age of Sigmar – Realms of Ruin

The upcoming game real-time strategy Realms of Ruin is looking absolutely captivating. Following a somewhat lackluster reveal a couple of months ago that largely flew under the radar, the development team behind this real-time strategy title has made a striking comeback with a vengeance. It’s abundantly clear that every facet of the game has been crafted with an abundance of love and care.

The game’s promising a cinematic campaign with a rich, character-driven story featuring four major factions. A tale co-created with Black Library writer Gav Thrope. There’s going to be a procedurally generated campaign, multiplayer and map and army creation that’s looking delicious. the possibility of painting your own armies, and creating dioramas to show them off is just *a chef’s kiss*.

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin launches on 17th November.

Classified: France ’44

It appears that the Second World War is back in vogue.

I’ve always been puzzled by the scarcity of video games set in occupied France that showcase the heroic efforts of the French resistance. Now, combine that setting with XCOM-style combat and progression systems, and Classified: France ’44 might just have a winning formula.

While there’s no specific release date available at the moment, the game is anticipated to launch sometime in 2024. This promises an exciting gaming experience that captures the spirit of resistance and strategic combat in a historically significant backdrop.

Mars Tactics

Mars Tactics is a classic turn-based tactical combat game, falling in line with titles like XCOM and The Lamplighters League. It’s a game where sound tactical decisions are predicated on factors such as suppression, flanking, the use of cover, line of sight management, and the potential for friendly fire. While it adheres to the established conventions of the genre, it introduces a couple of new elements, such as the 390 Aim System, which empowers your troops to target anything within their line of sight, thus creating exciting tactical possibilities.

Your troops will evolve and develop distinct personalities shaped by their experiences on the battlefield. From inexperienced rookies scavenging for weapons and ammunition to battle-hardened veterans commanding armored vehicles and calling in air strikes, you’ll witness their transformation into invaluable assets in your pursuit of victory. Adapt your strategies to accommodate their growth and craft truly exceptional squads that can meet the challenges of your missions head-on.

Developer Takibi Games has placed a significant emphasis on refining the tactical layer of the game, which is nearing its final form. Three new missions showcase the improvements made to the tactical layer and demonstrate the diverse range of skirmishes players will encounter on the strategic map. An exciting reveal for the strategic mode is in the works and is planned for later this year, as mentioned by Hooded Horse, a representative of the development team.

While no specific release date has been announced yet, the Steam page still indicates a 2023 release.

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance is one too many things. Not only does it sport one of the darkest titles ever conceived, rivaling the likes of Mortal Kombat and Soul Calibur, but it also represents a rarity among Terminator games as a real-time strategy offering. Furthermore, it’s developed by Slitherine.

In this demo experience, players are tasked with leading the remaining human survivors in a desperate struggle against the rebellious machines. The demo comprises three single-player missions, providing a taste of the game’s campaign, along with a skirmish map where players have the option to switch roles and play as the rogue machines. This blend of story-driven gameplay and strategic depth is certain to captivate fans of the Terminator franchise and real-time strategy enthusiasts alike.

If all goes according to plan, and the release quarter stays on track, we should be battling chip-infused adversaries by the end of the year.

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