Just a couple additional thoughts and reviews I wanted to share regarding the current Steam Next Fest (which ends soon, by the way). Attaching it to the review-article I wrote seemed like a bad move, this late into the event.

1. I don't think I gave Enotria: The Last Song enough credit, and Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn might be better than I described - I was worried about the combat in both of them, but it probably wasn't fair in hindsight. Trying to get used to a new combat system (or two) can be a bit of an uphill climb until you get more familiar with their different flow. Just because they're souls-likes (or "souls-lite" in the case of Flintlock) doesn't mean I should automatically assume they'll feel like Elden Ring, even if that's currently my only frame of reference for the genre.
2. I heard great things about Sworn, but it just felt like an undercooked Hades to me...at least, one that has multiplayer. My lack of friends strikes again. I would slot it between Enotria and KILL KNIGHT, on my recommendations list found in the article.
3. If you're like me and impatiently waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong, Voidwrought might fill the...uhh...void. It's shaping up to be a fun metroidvania, although the release date is currently unknown beyond "2024". I would've put it fourth on my enjoyment-list, right after Flintlock, and I ended up putting it on my Wishlist.
4. About to try out Lords of Ravage - kind of a dumb name, honestly, but it's a turn-based JRPG where you overthrow the king and (presumably) conquer the land. Soften up would-be hero types with your minions or go toe-to-toe with them yourself; there are other "you play as the villain" games out there, but not many are actual RPGs. I'll update with an opinion in a bit.
   1. Edit: It's certainly different. I'm not even sure how to compare it to anything else; you could say it has the FTL: Faster Than Light system where random events can happen when you venture to a new space on the board - oh, FYI: this is a board-based game - but that's the only thing it takes from that title. It's very hodge-podgy with its influences, but not necessarily in a bad way. I'd probably place it just above Metal Slug Tactics on the list.
5. All-in-all, I added five games to my Wishlist this time, which is pretty cool. I don't always end up buying everything that makes it onto the list, but I'm grabbing Wild Bastards and Flintlock for sure.

Anyone play some demos from the Next Fest? Share your thoughts on them!