**Usual June: An Amusing Spectral Journey to Experience at Steam Next Fest**
If you have a passion for action-adventure games with an eccentric flair, *Usual June* is a title worth watching. Presently accessible as a complimentary demo during the Steam Next Fest, this game presents a delightful mix of fanciful storytelling, spectral interactions, and an unconventional gameplay feature—playful bobbin lace crafting. That’s right!
For those who appreciate games that pose a challenge, *Usual June* may not be the next *Dark Souls*, but it provides a welcome respite from the demanding nature of games such as *Hades*, *Cuphead*, or *Sekiro*. This game recognizes when you need a pause from the relentless grind of hardcore titles, all while delivering sufficient action and mystery to keep you invested.
### What is *Usual June*?
Initially, *Usual June* captivates with its remarkable visual presentation. The game boasts a charming, storybook-like aesthetic reminiscent of games like *Concrete Genie*. The vibrant neon hues and stop-motion-style animation imbue the game with a distinctive appeal, as if you’re navigating through a lively piece of artwork.
In the game, you assume the role of June, the central character, who visits the quaint town of Fen Harbor for the summer. However, rather than typical tourist attractions, June encounters spectral figures visible only to her. The demo plunges you straight into the narrative, making it slightly challenging to catch all the details immediately, but it’s evident that June is determined to uncover the enigma surrounding the disappearance of a boy named Teddy. Teddy disappeared during a dubious experiment by a local scientist, and now his ghost is guiding June through a peculiar parallel realm to reveal the truth.
### A Hack’n’Slash with a Unique Twist
*Usual June* presents two unique realms to explore: the human world and a ghostly counterpart. In the human realm, June and her girlfriend explore various spots in Fen Harbor, hunting for clues about Teddy’s vanishing. Along the way, you’ll face some hurdles—like the minor challenge of trespassing—but nothing that can’t be resolved through some puzzle-solving and exploration.
The real excitement kicks off as you transition to the parallel dimension, where you’ll battle insect-like foes in a classic hack’n’slash style. Armed with a wrench, June can smash through adversaries, toss explosive confetti, and even conjure astral barriers for defense against attacks. The combat is swift and enjoyable, though not exceptionally groundbreaking. It’s less about mastering intricate mechanics and more about having a blast, making it a fitting palate cleanser for those seeking relief from more punishing titles.
### Ghostly Bobbin Lace Crafting?
One of the standout features of *Usual June* is the incorporation of bobbin lace making as a gameplay element. While it may seem unusual in an action-adventure game, it harmonizes well with the game’s whimsical vibe. June can utilize her lace-making abilities to construct intricate designs that aid her in solving puzzles or unlocking new regions. It’s a light-footed, meditative process that provides a pleasant contrast to the more action-oriented portions of the game.
### Does *Usual June* Show Promise?
The demo of *Usual June* remains in an early prototype phase, making it difficult to render a final verdict just yet. Nevertheless, the game’s distinctive style and playful narrative approach are genuinely enticing. The stop-motion animation, vibrant color palette, and quirky characters contribute to a unique personality that differentiates it from more conventional action-adventure games.
However, there are aspects where the game could enhance itself. The level design in the demo appears somewhat linear, with limited exploration opportunities. The puzzles, although hinted at, are not fully developed, and while the combat is enjoyable, it lacks any particularly groundbreaking elements. Additionally, the demo concludes quite abruptly, just as a boss fight seems imminent, leaving you eager for more.
Yet, that’s not necessarily a negative outcome. The intrigue cultivated by the demo’s conclusion suggests promise. There’s substantial potential here, and if the developers can elaborate on the combat, puzzles, and narrative, *Usual June* might evolve into a remarkable entry in the action-adventure sector.
### A Breather from (Too) Challenging Titles
If you revel in challenging games—be it the unforgiving nature of *Dark Souls* or the rapid-fire action of *Hades*—you understand that a change of pace is occasionally necessary. *Usual June* provides that respite. It isn’t focused on mastering complex mechanics or surmounting improbable obstacles. Rather, it invites you to relish a whimsical, ghostly adventure sprinkled with humor and a