So the February 2026 Steam Next Fest is coming next week but MANY of the games and demos to be featured in it already out for downloading and wishlisting. Here’s a list of the ones I am aware of and that should be given your interest in some cases. I did not play ALL of these demos but in the cases where I had hands on I have provided some insight and thoughts.
Rangers Path National Park Simulator: This zen-like experience lets you have the feel of cleaning and repairing, patrolling patrons, and even seeking animals and fauna to learn and explore. The demo gives a great little taste of the 3rd person adventure, with some missions and a little sandboxing, just enough to whet your whistle. As someone who not long ago trekked through the National Parks of Denver and surrounding areas in Colorado during the summer this felt special, but also even more special as I tried to imagine how much it conveyed the feels had I never been.
RUIN: Beast City: The visuals to this called me in, but I was absolutely lost. Maybe you’ll figure it out, cause it seems really really cool, if you have the time and patience to figure it out. I like to not die right away because of confusion, but you may not mind that.
The Mermaid Mask: The updated demo shows off an awesome art gallery with concept art. I have loved the first two games in the Detective Grimoire series (kickstarted the first) and this just feels like another excellent addition.
Nightscape: A true 2.5 action puzzle platformer with beautiful graphics, easy gameplay and uses Qatari folklore as inspriation to feels special. I enjoyed every second of my time with this demo and think you may well too.
This one may or may not be on the Steam Next Fest, but it was featured on Playstation State of Play and it is definitely worthwhile a look:
