Microprose drops a four-pack of demos for Steam Next Fest

Classic publisher Microprose has just unleashed PC demos for Throttle Race, The Fertile Crescent 2, Drone Sector, and Liquidation.

Microprose goes big on Next Fest

Since its return, Microprose has been making more than a few moves. The reinvigorated publisher has brought a pretty expansive catalogue to bear, across loads of genres. Now fans can look for something else, with a demo onslaught just in time for Steam Next Fest. As with the company’s roster of titles that’ve seen release thus far too, those demos are likewise quite varied.

In all, four games have demos posted as you read this. The first of those is a racer called Throttle Race. According to Microprose, the game melds both arcade “immediacy with deep racing systems”. Featuring Formula One-style vehicles, it’s also highly stylized, and reminds us quite a bit of some classic genre titles from the 90s.

After that, there’s The Fertile Crescent 2: Collapse of the Bronze Age, which might not be what you’d expect. At first glance, we thought this historical strategy title was turn-based, but instead, it’s an RTS. Set during the title period, players will have to command a group of people fighting for their survival.

Following up on that, is Drone Sector. One of the most unique looking titles we’ve seen in a while, Drone Sector puts players in charge of coordinating ground assaults, while providing air-based “firepower”. There’s a neat-sounding hook as well, where those assault troops are autonomous. So players don’t control them directly.

And finally, there’s Liquidation. An original title that nonetheless reminds us of a few existing properties, this real-time strategy title sets players to work in a “harsh science-fiction setting torn apart by endless conflict”. From what we’ve seen of the game, it has a retro RTS vibe that we’re kind of digging.

As mentioned, all of the above are up in demo form on Steam, and ready for play. Hit the links above to take a look for yourself, via Valve’s PC gaming storefront. If you’d like to see more about what’s included in each early look first, scroll down.

Throttle Trace

High-Speed Racing Meets Deep Simulation

Throttle Trace blends arcade immediacy with deep racing systems, challenging players to master overtakes, tire management, drafting, vehicle upgrades, and dynamic race conditions in a unique, stylized motorsport world.

What’s in the demo:
Players can experience a substantial slice of the game, featuring access to nearly the full experience. The demo includes Throttle Trace’s unique racing mechanics, simulation systems, replay mode, dynamic AI behavior, and progression, with career mode limited to a single three-race season. Multiplayer is also available in beta form.

Microprose press release

The Fertile Crescent 2: Collapse of the Bronze Age

A Story-Driven RTS About Survival During Civilization’s Collapse

Set during the catastrophic Bronze Age Collapse, The Fertile Crescent 2 places players in command of a small group of warrior-farmers struggling to protect their people in a world falling apart. Combining real-time strategy with narrative progression, the game emphasizes survival, migration, and protecting loved ones over conquest.

What’s in the demo:
The demo includes the first three missions of the campaign, offering approximately 45 minutes of gameplay and an introduction to the game’s story-driven RTS systems, village management, and tactical combat.

Microprose press release

Drone Sector

Command From Above in a Futuristic Drone Gunship

Inspired by the AC-130 gunship and MQ-9 Reaper drone, Drone Sector merges devastating close air support with battlefield command in a futuristic tactical experience. Players coordinate autonomous ground squads while delivering overwhelming aerial firepower, balancing precision strikes, reconnaissance, and tactical planning to complete high-risk missions.

What’s in the demo:
The Steam Next Fest demo gives players access to the core Drone Sector experience, featuring fluid and responsive futuristic gunship combat, multiple tactical camera modes including color, night vision, and thermal vision, and the ability to command and support autonomous ground squads. The demo includes two handcrafted missions with semi-randomized objectives, alongside full access to the loadout builder featuring multiple weapon configurations and support options.

Microprose press release

Liquidation

Brutal Tactical Warfare in a Dying Sci-Fi World

Liquidation is a real-time strategy game focused on tactical combat, squad positioning, and battlefield control in a harsh science-fiction setting torn apart by endless conflict. Featuring asymmetric factions, powerful heroes, and intense battlefield encounters, the game rewards tactical thinking as much as raw aggression.

What’s in the demo:
The Steam Next Fest demo offers a substantial slice of the experience, including the first chapter of the campaign featuring two Crusade maps, three skirmish maps across multiple game modes (Free-for-All, Team Skirmish, and Victory Points), three playable factions, and two playable heroes per faction. Players will also be able to experiment with new creeps, collectible items, as well as save/load and replay systems.

Microprose press release