Strange Antiquities Gets Steam Next Fest Demo

One of the things I love about the Steam Next Fest is that I am usually able to find a few gems to keep an eye on. This time around, an announced demo for Iceberg Interactive’s follow-up to Strange Horticulture caught my eye, and the Next Fest hasn’t even started yet.

Strange Antiquities, the sequel to Strange Horticulture, is getting a demo on June 5^th as part of the upcoming Steam Next Fest in conjunction with Summer Game Fest. While we’re all working on covering showcases and whatnot, you can dive deep into the role of an apprentice antiques dealer. Here is what the press release says about the upcoming demo:

“Developed by the brothers behind Strange Horticulture, Strange Antiquities invites players back to the shadow-drenched town of Undermere. This time, you’ll be stepping into a candlelit shop filled with strange artefacts and arcane curios, taking on the role of an apprentice Thaumaturge.

Identify mysterious objects, assist a cast of odd locals, and unravel a deepening mystery[,] all while keeping a comforting eye on the ever-watchful cat, Jupiter. Oh… and yes, Jupiter is here to help, quietly providing comfort as you go about your daily task as Thaumaturge.

Study and Identify: Examine, identify[,] and catalogue strange artefacts. Observation, deduction, and careful reference to our collection of illustrated tomes will serve you well. Mistakes can be… costly.
Help… Or Hinder: When dealing with powerful items, your choices matter. Will you help someone with their problem, or curse them with a horrid affliction? In a small town like this, people remember your misdeeds.

Explore and Discover: From time to time, you will have to leave the safety of the shop. Whether investigating rumours or retrieving artefacts, my well-loved hand-drawn maps will guide you to where you need to go.
Solve and Uncover: Your day-to-day might already feel like a puzzle, but this store holds many more. Few know how old this building is, and fewer still know what secrets lie within its walls.
Tending the Familiar: And, of course, Jupiter, the shop’s cat, demands daily affection. In return for his company, please oblige him with the occasional scratch behind the ears.

Iceberg Interactive and Bad Viking are excited to finally have players experience the upcoming demo release on June 5th. This is the perfect opportunity for players to dive deeper into the mysterious & dark world of Undermere. You’ll get hands-on with the eerie artifacts, uncover hidden truths, and have a little taste of the story to come.”

I’m really intrigued by the concept of Strange Antiquities. I loved the puzzles and the branching stories of Strange Horticulture. Hopefully, this sequel will give more of that but with a new antique-store twist.