Thousands of new demos have just debuted on Steam for the first Next Fest of 2025. This event is a prime opportunity for developers to showcase their work, whether through an announcement or, even better, a playable build—allowing them to gather early feedback and, hopefully, rack up wishlists.
For us turn-based strategy lovers, there’s plenty to sink our teeth into this year, with a huge selection of playable titles. So, in this article, I’ll highlight 10 must-try games to add to the 10 featured in last week’s roundup. Keep in mind that lots of these demos will stay up till March 3, 2025, the day when the Festival ends.
Guns Undarkness
- Developer: Shoji meguro
- Release date: 2025
At last, we can get our hands on this JRPG developed by none other than Shoji Meguro, the renowned composer behind the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series. For a while, it seemed like the project had stalled, with barely any updates—but thankfully, a playable demo has finally arrived.
The game takes us into a futuristic world with environments that evoke Metal Gear Solid, blending stealth mechanics with squad-based combat. Visually, it doesn’t blow me away, but I’ll be diving into the demo over the next few days to get a better feel for it.
Shuffle Tactics
I had already tried the demo in the past, and Shuffle Tactics is making a return for this Next Fest. This tactical RPG combines deckbuilding mechanics with grid-based battles featuring elevation, obstacles, and a well-defined cast of playable characters—not to mention its stunning pixel-art style. There’s no release date yet, so you might as well jump into the demo while you can!
NITRO GEN OMEGA
- Developer: DESTINYbit
- Release date: 2025
First introduced here a few months ago, NITRO GEN OMEGA is ready to showcase what its robot protagonists can do. With an anime-inspired art style, a combat system highlighted by cinematic battle sequences, and a strong emphasis on character relationships that will play a key role in the game’s mechanics, it’s shaping up to be an intriguing tactical experience. The game is expected to launch sometime in 2025.
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-
- Developer: Too Kyo Games, Media.Vision Inc.
- Release date: 23 Apr, 2025
This is one of those games I hadn’t heard of until this Steam Fest—The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-—and its premise is definitely intriguing. Fifteen students must defend their school for 100 days, with battles unfolding in classic SRPG style. Outside of combat, you’ll manage your schedule to earn bonuses and strengthen relationships with other characters. The game is set to launch on April 23, 2025.
Starless Abyss
- Developer: Konafa Games
- Release date: TBA
Occultism and science collide in Starless Abyss, another title that was completely off my radar until now. This time, we’re facing an Eldritch threat—something that seems to be popping up more and more in games lately.
The combat system is tactical, played out on hex-based space maps where you command ships using a deck of cards. The setting and visual style are definitely intriguing—worth a try!
Dust Raiders
- Developer: Vixa Games
- Release date: TBA
I had been waiting for Dust Raiders for a while, and seeing it debut during this festival was a fantastic surprise. Thankfully, it lived up to my expectations.
Think Battle Brothers, but set in a post-apocalyptic Mad Max-style wasteland. You’ll lead a caravan across vast deserts filled with bandits, enclaves, and all kinds of points of interest. The combat system is actually real-time, but you can trigger a brief slow-motion mode to coordinate your caravan’s movements and actions. It’s an impressive game—you absolutely need to try it!
Blightstone
- Developer: Unfinished Pixel
- Release date: 2025
Blightstone is also high on my list of most-anticipated games, and I can’t wait to try it. This roguelite RPG features a dark yet striking art style and puts you in control of a party of adventurers facing off against demonic forces.
The maps are designed with interactive elements that can be used to unleash devastating attacks, adding a strategic layer to combat. With solid meta-progression and plenty of style, this is definitely a game worth checking out.
Rise Eterna II
- Developer: Forever Entertainment S. A., Makee Games, Ricci Cedric Design
- Release date: TBA
I’m not sure what to expect from the newly announced Rise Eterna 2, but I have a soft spot for SRPGs in the Fire Emblem style.
The visuals seem to have changed compared to its predecessor, and according to the Steam page, the developers have worked to refine and improve every aspect of the original formula. Definitely a game worth trying out.
Intermundia: Dungeons, Polygons & Magic
- Developer: Trinity Team, Excaliber
- Release date: Q4 2025
Another title that piques my curiosity is Intermundia: Dungeons, Polygons & Magic, an RPG that unfolds like the pages of a book, with scenes brought to life as dungeons to explore.
The combat plays out in 2D environments, vaguely reminiscent of Darkest Dungeon, and the art style is definitely appealing. Let’s just hope it doesn’t rely too heavily on excessive reading!
The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily
And finally, a game that definitely stands out with its striking visual style. The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily is a strategy game where you lead a rebellion as Duchess Scarlet, a falsely accused noblewoman turned revolutionary, in a voxel-art, turn-based strategy game. With the cutting-edge “Stream Airship” and the power of live propaganda, you manipulate the battlefield by rallying support and distracting enemies. Will you be remembered as a villain—or a liberator?
