In the long, long, long standing tradition of being very late (life has been life-ing sideways). Here comes the top 11 demos you should look out for (some are out even now, lol)
Tears of Metal
What if Braveheart runs head long into a Dynasty Warrior game and Hades. Oh yeah and also in cel shaded 3D. Plus, roguelike elements and co-op. I know it sound like a lot but it is a good time. You lead your troops during scenarios during your run. You have different goals and objectives to do like: take this hill or defeat this bad guy. In between each run, the tension spikes and get a bit more difficult. This adds a bit more challenge during that “one more run”
Winter Burrow
A charming but sad story about a mouse reclaiming his long lost family home during the winter. You must gather food and crafting items in this cozy survival game. There is also a little combat in this but thankfully not too much.
Power Wash Simulator 2
Sequel to my 2022 GOTY, this new iteration is leaps and bounds better than its predecessor. Complete with shiny new graphics, shared progression, local split screen. Not to mention, crossplay and shared progression. Sorry, Major but I feel this year, another Power Wash game is taking my number one spot again. Oh and it’s out now! So go play it (after you read this article of course).
Pancito Merge
A lovely combo of Suika Game and delicious Mexican desserts. It’s a light and refreshing game. Something you can playing while decompressing. Each dessert is lovely described. I think I want hit up my local panaderia as soon as possible. I could go for some concha bread and horchata.
Dice a Million
It’s Balatro with Dice. Simple explanation I know but that’s about it.
Whiskerwood
A city builder game with management elements. In this Brian Jacques inspired world, Cats (aka Claws) are the ruling class and Mice (aka Whiskers) are being sent to form colonies to send that wealth back to the Claws (sound familiar?). You are tasked in making sure that the Whiskers have everything they need in order for them to do their tasks. Source material (and sobering similarities) aside, the game is pretty fun. I sent a fair amount of hours with the demo and I can’t wait to see what the full release has in store.
Marvel: Cosmic Invasion
This game is brought to you by Dotemu, maker of games such as: TMNT Shredder’s Revenge, Windjammers 2, Streets of Rage 4, and Absolum. Felt like I was in the arcade. I can’t wait to play this again.
Hungry Horrors
It’s like Slay the Spire but you feed monsters instead. Each meal plays on a different craving (salty, sour, sweet, bitter). Monsters have a favorite food that they like/love. Humor is on point.
Hermit and Pig
You are a hermit who with their pet pig get wrapped up in a comical adventure. This game really cracked me up! Has this simple but pretty art style. The combat system is really interesting.
Slots and Daggers
In a long line of very unusual roguelite pairing, we have a narrative slots based roguelite. Given to us by the dev of SUMMERHOUSE (a good game itself btw). Gameplay is simple and effective. Definitely leans into that “one more turn” energy that I love so much! It has also been released, so go check it out.
Walk of Life
A sort of a sequel to No Time To Relax. A board game/life sim rolled up into one. Has online/local multiplayer. The art style has this wildly exaggerated look to it. It is also, also out in Early Access.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a few demos I really liked that should be mentioned
- Fading Seranades
- Tavern Keeper
- Starsand Island
- Pazleum
- Luxman Moonlit Market
- Pieced Together
- Coffee Talk Tokyo
- Sheepherds
- Kingdomino
- Lessaria
Conclusion
So that’s another one in the books. February will be here before we know it and I’m looking forward to some more awesome demos!
If you want to see everything including the honorable mentions, check out the Youtube playlist below. I got a full plate before year’s end!
