Algorithm Golem
This is a dungeon RPG where players write programs to control the golem's actions, with both combat and exploration fully automated. No commands can be issued during exploration, so for each run, players must decide "what to do" and write the corresponding program accordingly.
Although it's called programming, the basic mechanism simply involves connecting "nodes" that contain conditions and instructions, so no prior programming knowledge is required. As the game progresses, new types of nodes are gradually introduced, enabling increasingly complex movements.
Since enemies operate under the same rules as golems, there is no randomness in combat; the same combinations always yield the same results. Information such as which nodes enemies possess and which node combinations they use to unleash powerful skills can itself serve as clues for creating new programs.
The design of the exploration elements is also excellent. Basic movement follows the "left-hand rule," meaning you move along the left wall. Exceptions such as "turn right at designated points" and "retreat when a party member falls" allow for some player adjustments. The limited-color pixel art style and the sound effects composed by Yuzo Koshiro are also very appealing, making it worth trying just for these aspects alone.
Ladder Kid
It is a so-called 2D precision platformer, but the protagonist cannot "jump." Instead, he has a ladder much taller than himself, which he can use to move up and down. Movement and ladder operations are controlled simultaneously by the left and right sticks of the controller.
Ladders have various uses. Besides climbing, you can tilt them like a pole vaulter to cross obstacles, or stand in the middle of a ladder to dodge incoming objects—ladders have more uses than you might imagine. Its charm lies in the unique and rich actions you can experience, rather than being just a fleeting gimmick.
However, long ladders can also hinder your movement. If you hold onto ladders as usual, they easily get stuck on terrain, and you cannot proceed unless you properly retract the ladders you've already placed. This requires puzzle-like thinking—you need to find the right angle to get over the ladder and the right fulcrum to reach the other side.
The game has a high difficulty level, but the friendly and approachable veteran members of the team add a lot of fun, which is definitely a highlight. The game occasionally features an unsettling atmosphere, and I look forward to the story's conclusion in the final version.
In addition to the six featured titles above, the demo content also includes short reviews of numerous demos such as Town of Embers, Neverway, Gravity Circuit 2, and PRISON OF HUSKS, providing more gameplay references for choosing demos during the Steam Next Fest.
