RPG Demos You Should Try Before Buying

A good demo can make or break a game’s release, especially in Steam’s saturated market. Demos are a pivotal part of game marketing. Not only do they allow their developers access to potential consumers’ feedback before release, but they also allow content creators and festivals to get their hands on a game early and give their impressions. The right influencer streaming a game is usually a deciding factor in that game’s long-term success, and taking part in events like Steam’s Next Fest can also get a project in front of potential players.

Even though it may seem like Game Development 101 to make sure there’s a good demo included alongside a Steam page, there are thousands of games that opt to omit demos entirely, especially RPGs. A common argument against demos is that they dissuade the player from trying the finished product. This is true for some players, but in the grand scheme, there are many phenomenal demos available that provide a nice slice of gameplay to turn a player’s interest into a wishlist, and then finally a sale. Here are some RPG demos players should try before buying the full game.

6 Voice Of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars

A Prologue To A Departure From Typical Square Enix Games

The best kind of demo is one that carves out a portion of the game for players to get a real taste of what the game has to offer. Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars’ demo that showcases a prologue that not only serves as a look into the game’s mechanics, it also showcases content that is unique to it.

Voice of Cards is a major departure from other Square Enix titles, and its Steam reviews reflect that. The demo allows players to decide if its unique gameplay mechanics click with them while hitting all the other markers of what makes a good demo. Voice Of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars isn’t for everyone, but its demo is perfect for those on the fence.

5 Quartet

A Vertical Slice From The Game’s Mid-Point

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS, Linux
• Released: December 2023
• Developer: Something Classic Games LLC
• Demo Link

Demos don’t only help AAA studios but indie developers as well, and Something Classic is one of many indie teams that benefited from an amazing demo.

Inspired by Octopath Traveler, Quartet starts with four separate stories that can be played in any order. The Quartet demo takes place in the middle of the game, allowing the player to get a vertical slice of exactly what to expect once the game hits its full stride. Fans of traditional turn-based RPGs and unique party structures will find themselves at home with Quartet, and Something Classic’s other titles.

4 Alterium Shift

A Demo That Representes Clear Communication Between Developer And Player

• Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, PC, macOS, Linux
• Released: June 9, 2021
• Developer: Drattzy Games LLC
• Demo Link

The Alterium Shift demo showcases the first act of the game for players who are interested in buying the game in early access. Early access games are a huge risk for consumers, which makes a good demo vital to maintaining a good rapport between the developer and the player.

Alterium Shift invites players to give the demo a try before spending any money on the game and is also open about the issues present in the paid release. Alterium Shift is rated Mostly Positive on Steam due to its user reviews. The game is praised for its unique mechanics and interesting take on a save system.

3 Trials Of Mana

A Taste Of A Top-Notch Remake

Remakes are a point of contention with gamers for good reason, but Trials of Mana beats the pointless remake allegations with its great demo. Originally released in 1995 as Seiken Densetsu 3, Trials of Mana made a grand comeback with its modern remake. The demo allows fans of the original to see just how much one of their favorite games has been reinvigorated for a new generation.

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The demo showcases the game’s new beautiful graphics and arrangements while bringing attention to what makes this iteration different from the original. Players can easily spend over an hour in the demo becoming acquainted with the remake.

2 Absinthia

A Chapter Of A Retro-Style RPG Modernized

• Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS
• Released: March 13, 2023
• Developer: Joshua Keith, Team Bewitched
• Demo Link

As developers become more comfortable exploring LGBTQ+ themes in video games, Absinthia provides a safe space for players of all backgrounds. The demo of Absinthia covers the first chapter of the game’s story and introduces the player to its mechanics and themes.

Absinthia is a turn-based RPG reminiscent of classic RPGs from the SNES era. It takes classic game design pillars and modernizes them for players on top of providing a grounded narrative with a diverse cast of characters. In the demo, the game uplifts its LGBTQ+ cast and provides a thriving world to get lost in.

1 Final Profit: A Shop RPG

A Deeply-Addicting Shop-Based RPG

• Platforms: PC
• Released: March 6, 2023
• Developer: Brent Arnold
• Demo Link

One of the most interesting RPGs on Steam isn’t an RPG at all. Final Profit: A Shop RPG has one of the most addicting demos on the entire platform. It subverts expectations and introduces the player to a unique gameplay loop: The title is a story-driven shop-sim with RPG elements.

Instead of combat, the player progresses by upgrading their shop. The game is funny, polished, and has a well-written story that acts as a cheeky commentary on capitalism.

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