With the Steam Next Fest going on, the online storefront is shedding a light on upcoming indie video games. Most importantly, all of these titles include free-to-play demos that you can try out today!
The racing section of the ongoing event includes roughly 30 titles, 3 of which I have hand-picked for you to check out.
Now to be fair, these titles try a new spin on "racing". It's not the classic drive-around-a-circuit-against-others type of deal. Furthermore, these titles are to be controlled with a keyboard or gamepad.
Nonetheless, these games are action-packed and might serve as a great diversion from the seriousness of sim racing.
So without further ado, let's get into the most exciting upcoming indie car games featured at Steam Next Fest!
Turbo Golf Racing
Turbo Golf Racing is an upcoming game with seemingly 1 goal: Ticking all the boxes Rocket League did. Just on the golf court instead of the football field.
Gameplay
Turbo Golf Racing follows some simple control rules: You have a car that can jump, boost and glide. Your objective is to be the first among up to 8 online players to sink your ball in the hole. Contrary to real golf, this is not counted in shots but passed time.To spruce things up, players can collect a rocket power-up that targets the next player in sight. Liken this to Mario Kart's red shell.
Apart from this single power-up, there are several objects in your way that you need to circumnavigate as well as boost areas that either propel your car or ball. The rest is your ability to control the car.
Review & Outlook
Overall a fun experience that is worth trying out for free. I'm not too sure about the longevity of Turbo Golf Racing though as there is very little contact between different players. And with little contact comes the problem of skill ceilings. You are virtually only reliant on your own skill. And not on what other people can do to hinder you.You can liken this to racing against other people. In which case Turbo Golf Racing would be taking the approach of time trial racing. Ultimately the lifespan of this game depends on how the developers tackle diversification.
You can download the Demo today on Turbo Golf Racing's Steam page.
Currently, there is no fixed final release date.
Pocket Wheels
A 3D platformer with Cars? Yes, this game combines objective-based 3d platforming while driving around with toy cars.
Gameplay
Controls are comparable to Turbo Golf Racing, you control a vehicle that can also jump, boost and glide. Your objective here however is to collect 'em all.This solely single-player experience rewards collecting coins by being able to buy new vehicles to drive around with. What you need to collect however are batteries. You will find those hidden around the map while having to solve puzzles to receive some.
After collecting enough batteries you unlock the next area to play in.
This game allows competitiveness as it features an in-game timer for each stage. This setup easily allows for speedrunning.
Review & Outlook
It's fun just discovering the level and the art style is beautiful. Clearly, there was some inspiration taken from Katamari Damacy both in setting and art. But overall, if the other levels featured in the final release are as well-designed as the demo first level there is some potential here.You can download the free demo on Pocket Wheel's Steam Page.
Currently, there is no planned final release date.
You Suck at Parking™
The most "racing" game on the list includes one of the dullest real-life driving activities. Parking. But it's not as simple as that.
Gameplay
This racing game only allows for keyboard control. You only need 4 buttons anyways. Gas, brake, steer left and steer right. Your objective is simple, park at the designated area.This game will feature both a single-player and multi-player mode. The single-player campaign requires you to park at various, sometimes hard-to-reach, places while timing you. This means you compete against everyone else in the world for the fastest time.
In multi-player mode, you square off to be the first to park in the designated area. This follows several rounds of parking and the winner will be the one to collect the most points in each of the rounds combined.
Review & Outlook
Despite being only able to control the vehicle with a keyboard, the gameplay is quite engaging and funny.This game's big chance is the multiplayer though. Being able to race in this top-down setting to reach the parking space is quite enticing. Maybe not for eSports purposes but to have a fun online night out with the boys.
You can download the free demo at You Suck at Parking™'s steam page.
The final release is set to be within 2022.
