I played a few demos from the current Steam Next Fest, and have some very brief thoughts on them. I don't normally play many demos, but decided to give a few a try with some having been on my wishlist for a while.

Speed Demons 2 - fun racer, but probably not enough here to be a full game purchase for me.

Silk Roads II - has potential as a sort of Oregon Trail-like with a medieval skin. UI needs a lot of polish.

BALL x PIT - Very cool Breakout-style roguelike. Really smooth, cool art style, and has some Survivors-like level-up and loot mechanics. Wishlisted

Loot of Baal - Nice Medieval idler game. Enjoying it so far and worth a few bucks. Wishlisted.

Cast n Chill - Semi-idle fishing game. Absolutely gorgeous art style.

Drone Sector - Premise looks cool, but couldn't get it to work with my controller.

Mina the Hollower - Very polished, as expected. Distinctly different gameplay than Shovel Knight. Feels good, controls are smooth, but maybe not for me. Surprisingly difficult.