Heads up, indie game lovers! FINJI, the development studio known for award-winning titles like TUNIC, Night in the Woods, and Chicory: A Colorful Tale, has just dropped a playable demo of their highly anticipated new game Usual June as part of Steam’s Next Fest. A demo is already available for download, giving players a first peek at the mysterious, retro-inspired world.
So, what is Usual June? From the moment you boot it up, it’s clear you’re in for something special. The game has a unique blend of nostalgia and unease, blending cozy, small-town vibes with an ever-present sense of something… off. You play as June, a seemingly ordinary girl navigating her life in a quiet, mid-century-inspired town. But as you guide June through her routine, you’ll quickly realize that this town holds some very unsettling secrets.
What stands out right away is the art style. Visually, Usual June nails that old-timey, Saturday morning cartoon look. But here’s the twist—the cheery visuals are wrapped around a creeping, ominous tone that contrasts beautifully with the bright colors. It’s like if Twin Peaks had a baby with a 1950s picture book. You’re charmed, but you also can’t shake the feeling something could go wrong any second.
The demo does a great job of setting up the story without revealing too much. While wandering through June’s day-to-day life, you’ll encounter a variety of quirky NPCs, each with their own subtle oddities, hinting at darker undertones. The dialogue has a sharp, witty edge that fans of Night in the Woods will immediately recognize, but there’s also a tension simmering under casual conversations. As for gameplay, while this isn’t a combat-heavy experience, it’s about unearthing the story, solving puzzles, and peeling back layers of mystery—piece by piece.
One key feature that has players talking is how Usual June invites you to pay attention to small details. It’s not just about rushing through objectives—slowing down, taking it all in, and picking up on the subtleties is where this game shines. Whether it’s a strange response from a neighbor or an unusual noise in the distance, the game uses these micro-moments to keep you on edge. There’s also a lot of emphasis on interaction with items, so be sure to comb through every corner of your surroundings. You never know what might be important later on.
As far as gameplay goes, the demo clocks in at just around 30–40 minutes depending on how much you want to poke at things, and let’s be honest, if you’re the type that loves unraveling a good mystery, you’ll be poking around pretty much everywhere. For those into deep narrative-driven games, the hint of things to come is tantalizing. There’s some light puzzle-solving, but nothing too brain-breaking so far—it’s all about keeping that sense of curiosity going.
If you’re hooked on story-rich games that make you think and feel, then Usual June is going to be your jam. And honestly, if you’re a fan of games that offer a bit of head-scratching mystery, the demo’s cliffhanger will leave you itching for more. Even in this early stage, there’s a sense that something is lurking beneath the surface, and when the full release drops, you’ll definitely want to be there to dig deeper into June’s world.
You can check out the demo on Steam right now here! Don’t wait too long though—Next Fest wraps up on October 16th, and after that, who knows when the next opportunity to dive into June’s strange little world will come?
Follow the game’s development journey on their official site or stay in the loop with updates on their Twitter. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on what’s shaping up to be another unforgettable FINJI experience!
