This week, explore the most engaging demos available during the Steam Next Fest, which is scheduled from February 24th to March 3rd. One standout game, “Haste: Broken Worlds,” developed by the creators of Clustertruck and Totally Accurate Battlegrounds, focuses primarily on speed. The game propels players through its vibrant, cartoonish landscapes with a sense of urgency that can only be described as exhilarating.
“Haste” is a momentum-based game where players need to accelerate on downward slopes and launch themselves into the air with perfect timing. Staying airborne too long will slow you down due to air friction, creating a fluid challenge of rapid ascents and descents reminiscent of a skillful dolphin navigating waves.
The simplicity of just running forward is complicated by a variety of randomized obstacles that appear in your path. From simple trees and spiked vines to more daunting hazards like giant lasers and rising lava pools, the game keeps you on your toes. Advanced challenges include dodging rockets from robust robots, which you can overcome by strategic high-speed collisions.
Each level in “Haste” lasts less than a minute, ensuring gameplay remains fresh and engaging. Players can choose their next route from a branching map, with opportunities to stop and gather health boosts or acquire speed-enhancing gadgets with collected crystals.
Although “Haste” incorporates elements typical of roguelike games, such as run-specific upgrades, its core remains a test of speed rather than strategic character building. Mastery of the game’s mechanics, especially the critical ‘glide downwards’ function, can unleash tremendous speeds.
At its core, “Haste” delivers a thrilling experience, with a dynamic soundtrack that reflects your performance. Slow down, and the music becomes tense, urging you to regain momentum. The game consistently rewards quick reflexes and precise movements, ensuring a heart-pounding adventure.
While not all stages are centered on speed—some involve coloring a monochrome island by running circles around it—the game generally maintains a compelling pace that should satisfy any enthusiast of high-speed gameplay. Check out the demo on Steam to see if “Haste: Broken Worlds” matches your gaming tempo.