The 18 best demos from the Xbox Summer Game Fest
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A few days ago, Microsoft announced the Xbox Summer Game Fest showcase that would feature a number of game demos. The event will last from July 21 to 27, and according to various companies who are promoting their projects, could go to 100 demos.
We've been playing a number of these demos since last night and thought we'd compile a list of the games that stood out to us. You should visit the Game Demos section of the Microsoft Store if you want to take a look at them all.
9 Monkeys of Shaolin
In this beat 'em up game you'll play as the Chinese fisherman Wei Cheng who wants to avenge the death of his friends and family. Get your battle staff ready for a challenging adventure in Medieval China and for merciless fights with hordes of various enemies.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Alchemist Adventure
Enter a fantasy world waiting to be explored. Follow the story of Mya, a young alchemist trying to solve the mystery of a forgotten land while searching for her loved ones. Solve puzzles and fight monsters using the power of alchemy granted by combining fire, water, air, earth, and many ingredients.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Ars Fabulae
When they were young, the Actress and the Director were full of dreams and ambitions. Decades later, the Actress returns to the theatre, to once more become the performer, the audience and the muse. Exploring an old theatre, you will be able to enter performances, replaying events of the past seen through the eye of an artist.
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You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Book of Adventum
Book of Adventum is quirky, old school, atmospheric first-person adventure that throws you in the middle of a conflict on a remote island. Discover a story of deep philosophical meaning or dual-wield your way through the crisis.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Cris Tales
Cris Tales is a love letter to classic Japanese role-playing game with a new perspective. Peer into the past, act in the present, and watch as your choices dynamically change the future. Beautifully hand-drawn 2D animations bring to life a world where your choices will change both the present and the future across more than 20 hours of gameplay.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Dandy Ace
Dandy Ace is an over-the-top action game that follows this fabulous magician seeking to combine and use his magical cards, fighting, and looting his way to defeat the Green-Eyed Illusionist and free himself from a cursed mirror.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav
With a history of more than 25 years, The Dark Eye is one of Europe's best-known role-playing franchises. In addition to the popular pen and paper adventures, The Dark Eye has also inspired a series of successful games. The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav immerses players deep in the world of Aventuria.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
The Dark Eye: Memoria
In The Dark Eye: Memoria, players travel through different time periods, following two distinct protagonists: Sadja, a southern princess who wants to be a war hero, and Geron, a bird catcher who wants to lift a curse from his girlfriend.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Destroy All Humans!
Destroy All Humans! is a remake of the cult classic on the original Xbox. It appears to be running at 60 frames per second on Xbox One X and is a blast to play. You're going to destroy buildings, abduct humans, and cause a lot more chaos as the levels go by.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Fractal Space
Live the memorable experience of a first-person, story-driven adventure, and puzzle game! Use your Jetpack and Taser-Gun to think your way through zero-gravity puzzles of this mysterious space station.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Genesis Noir
Genesis Noir is an adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you'll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god — otherwise known as The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Kova: AlphaLink
Kova: AlphaLink is a new multiplayer shooter. Compete in local or online player vs. player matches, talk to character in the hub about lore and upcoming events, customize your fighter, and take part in the global faction leaderboard.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Nine Witches: Family Disruption
When an occult Nazi World War II division releases an ancient curse upon the world, a supernatural problem is going to require a supernatural solution. Take control of two playable heroes as they embark on a comedic, alternate-history adventure with a truly original story.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Ponpu
Get ready to break some eggs in this frantic multiplayer party game! Ponpu mixes classic gameplay with new crazy mechanics, all packaged in one of the coolest art-styles ever seen.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Projection: First Light
Projection: First Light follows Greta, a girl living in a mythological shadow puppet world, as she embarks on a journey across cultures meeting legendary heroes on an illuminating journey of self-enlightenment.
You can download the demo from the Microsoft Store.
Raji: An Ancient Epic
The story of Raji: An Ancient Epic begins with the start of a new war between the demons and the gods. Seeking to avenge their defeat in the last great war from a thousand years ago, the demons have challenged the gods who humiliated them and have invaded the human realm, threatening them with extinction. Amidst the chaos, as cities and fortresses fell, and as young children were abducted from their homes, a young girl named Raji is chosen by the gods to be the sole defender of the human race.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
ScourgeBringer
From the developers of NeuroVoider, ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer, much like a crossbreed between Dead Cells and Celeste. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious entity wreaked havoc on all humanity, ScourgeBringer puts you in the shoes of the deadliest warrior of her clan. Help her to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity.
You can download the demo on the Microsoft Store.
Tesla Force
With science as your superpower, charge up your coils, and zap into action! Tesla Force is a roguelite top-down shooter featuring endless procedural gameplay with tentacle splitting action. Play as Tesla, Curie, Lovecraft, and Shelley and blast the cosmic horror back into the galactic abyss!
You can download the demo through the Microsoft Store.
Which games are you most interested in? Which demos appealed to you? Let us know.
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Asher Madan handles gaming news for Windows Central. Before joining Windows Central in 2017, Asher worked for a number of different gaming outlets. He has a background in medical science and is passionate about all forms of entertainment, cooking, and antiquing.