Elden Ring Meets Returnal In PC’s Latest Impressive Free Download

Steam Next Fest has begun and admittedly, it can be a tad overwhelming.

With hundreds of new demos flooding the popular PC storefront, it’s difficult to know where to start when it comes to discovering the next big hit.

Well, I’m here to help with a recommendation that’ll get you started.

Returnal Meets Elden Ring In This Third-Person Roguelite Shooter

If you enjoy the gameplay loop of Returnal, you’re in the right place. This latest Steam game has that awesome gameplay loop that keeps you coming back for more.

Picture that but transported to a world akin to those which you’ll find in Elden Ring or Dark Souls.

That’s practically what Armatus is, and this upcoming third-person roguelite shooter has dropped a new free demo on Steam.

Developed by Counterplay Games and published by Fictions, Armatus is set within “the demon-infested ruins of Paris”.

“As the last supernatural warrior of an ancient order, armed with powerful firearms and incredible celestial powers, scour the city in search of a lost gateway to heaven – the Sunless Gate,” the synopsis reads.

Demons and monsters now overrun Paris’ streets which you’ll need to put a stop to using a scythe and a gun of your choosing.

To overcome the threats in your way, players will have to evolve their combat style “with powerful celestial abilities and passive enhancements”.

“Fight, die, revive, and try again; Push forward to get farther each run and master your arsenal,” devs tease.

There are a range of guns on offer, from SMGs to shotguns, so you should be able to tailor Armatus to suit your preferences.

It’s a tried and tested gameplay loop. I have to say though, I’m impressed by Armatus’ world building.

The setting and character design look really well considered, allowing Armatus to stand out from the crowd.

If Armatus has secured your attention, that demo will be available from today (23 February) at 10am PST / 6pm GMT.

There’s no exact runtime for the demo, but it’ll see you attempt to complete a run that results in a fight against a boss known as The Monument.

Players will thus have the opportunity to get to grips with the game’s combat as they try and defeat this early big bad.

Armatus is scheduled to launch in full on PC this year, although no exact release date nor window has yet been provided.

You can wishlist the title on Steam to be kept up to date on its progress.