Dark Retro Auto-Battler “He is Coming” Unveils Enhanced Demo for Steam Next Fest

Picture this: classic retro visuals and some good old auto battler combat. At first glance, “He is Coming” might seem like a simple blast from the past, complete with nostalgic sounds from yesteryears. But let me tell you, it’s anything but basic. Brought to us by the indie publisher Hooded Horse, this game cleverly blends in roguelite elements, offering unpredictable adventures, 30 formidable bosses, and an abundant variety of items. And here’s the kicker—you can dive into this intriguing world yourself with a fresh demo showcased during the upcoming Steam Next Fest.

Hooded Horse has a special talent for discovering extraordinary indie games. While Manor Lords is perhaps its most distinguished achievement, their lineup is filled with gems both released and awaiting their debut. “He is Coming” is one of their recent finds, and it has swiftly earned a spot in the Steam Next Fest to shine.

In its quest to claim the title of a top-tier auto battler, “He is Coming” presents a dynamic day-night cycle. By day, you’re out in the wild, scavenging for potent items to aid your journey. When night falls, you’re thrust into battles against corrupted minions. Every third day holds a surprise—a face-off with one of the game’s 30 mighty bosses. Thanks to its roguelike inspiration, you never know who you’ll encounter, keeping each playthrough fresh and unpredictable, reminiscent of the tension you’d find in Darkest Dungeon—though with a more streamlined approach.

This element of surprise means you’ll have to be strategic, gathering items and learning from each boss encounter to prepare for whatever the game throws your way. As an auto battler, hand-eye coordination won’t save you here. Instead, setting up your champion for battle and hoping your strategy pays off is the way forward.

And once you’ve navigated through the game’s treasure trove of 350 items and defeated every boss on a stellar run, your ultimate challenge awaits: the Demon King, the malevolent force behind the world’s descent into darkness.

Sound intense? It absolutely is, and you can get a taste of it right now. The demo for “He is Coming” is available, running through to the close of the Steam Next Fest on Monday, March 3.

Besides diving into its single-player offerings, this demo also introduces the game’s initial version of its asynchronous multiplayer mode, Kingmaker. Here, players can upload their builds and send them into the fray against others, testing their strategic mettle in thrilling confrontations. Who doesn’t love a solid invasion mechanic?

If tactical showdowns or loot collection is your thing, why not explore more? Check out our curated lists of the top strategy games and standout RPGs.

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