Demos I Played in June
This June, I spent some time exploring a few demos on my Steam Deck. It was a diverse mix of genres and moods, and each title left a different impression. Here’s what I played and how I felt about it:
Hotel Barcelona
A highly stylized game with a surreal, over-the-top visual style. The presentation is bold and unique, full of personality and strange charm. Unfortunately, the gameplay didn’t quite work for me. The controls felt a bit loose, and the pacing was too chaotic for my taste. It’s a game with a strong identity, but in the end, it just didn’t click with me.
Cast n Chill
A pleasant surprise. Cast n Chill is a slow-paced, relaxing fishing game with a very calm and peaceful vibe. You cast your line, catch some fish, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. There’s no pressure, no big objectives – just a cozy little experience that’s perfect for unwinding. It works beautifully on the Steam Deck for short breaks or low-key gaming sessions.
Danchi Days
Visually impressive and emotionally rich. The game takes place in a Japanese apartment block where you explore the everyday lives of different residents. The presentation is carefully crafted and atmospheric, but the themes are quite serious and sometimes emotionally heavy. For me personally, it was a bit too intense – I usually play games to relax, and this one didn’t quite fit that mood. Still, it’s a remarkable example of narrative storytelling in games.
Squeakross
A Picross game – and I love Picross! The puzzle mechanics are well done and engaging, offering that satisfying logic challenge I enjoy. What didn’t appeal to me as much was the surrounding context: you play as a mouse decorating a home between puzzles. I found the decorating and character interactions a bit distracting. I would’ve preferred a more focused puzzle experience. Nevertheless, it’s a solid title for fans of nonogram games.
All in all, it was an interesting mix of demos this June – from bold artistic statements to small, cozy experiences. I’m already looking forward to discovering what the next month has in store.