Seven Free-To-Play Games You May Have Missed That Are Part Of Steam Ocean Fest

We still have a little bit until the next Steam Next Fest. (Although I know some devs are gearing up for it.) But that’s okay, because Steam seems to be pretty adept at coming up with fest theme ideas. In fact, right now (and through Monday, May 25), the Steam Ocean Fest is underway.

The idea is pretty simple: compile a bunch of games that have something to do with the ocean. These can be pirate games, war games, fishing, sailing, or simulation – just to name a few. Seeing that a new Steam Fest was underway, I decided to poke through the free-to-play offerings. There admittedly aren’t a lot, but it is a decent amount. I’ve got a few here for you to look at, but if none of those strike a chord, you can check the full list out on the Ocean Fest page.

The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt

Ah. The age of pirates. Always a good time, provided it’s digital, and you’re not at a real risk of coming down with scurvy. Home Net Games’ The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt is a mix of single-play and online co-op/PvP. Players command fleets of ships in battles and raids. The game boasts 20 classes of ships, and players can build fleets of any size. The game also offers five different types of ammo. You have your cannon balls, chain balls, grapeshot bombs, and more. Of course, you’ll need to be able to board enemy ships, and that means having things like battering rams on hand as well. Ships and captains are both upgradeable. Honestly, the game seems to have a nice set of features. Beyond that, there is even a story-driven campaign for players to enjoy.

If you like Caribbean Hunt, you might also be interested in another game in the same IP, The Pirate: Plague of the Dead.

Sirocco

This one’s for the MOBA fans, if you don’t mind your lanes being the water between islands. Sirocco is a 5v5 MOBA that takes the fight to the ocean. Aside from the whole water-fighting thing, the game differs from other MOBAs in that it has no fixed roles, allowing players to swap abilities in the middle of a match. And, rather than a farming arena, it boasts an “auto-firing arena” built around team fighting rather than NPC killing.

Pancake Sailor

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, Pancake Sailor is intended to be just that. Players explore the Akalan Island in the Caribbean in their sailboat. The game offers simple controls, immersive audio, and plenty to explore. The game includes online co-op, allowing players to sail together or even get in some racing action.

Aquarius

You know, I would say Aquarius should be a more relaxing offering than a MOBA or a pirate game, but it’s designed in the style of a 90’s arcade game. In fact, it reminds me of Ecco the Dolphin. Only, you’re a scuba diver. But the point is you’re still swimming through narrow spaces trying to avoid danger the whole time. Like the real ocean, it seems like almost everything is against you. The good news is that there do appear to be level-up abilities, like unlocking a submarine.

The Day of the Jellyfish

While we’re on pixel-style games, how about a point-and-click comedy? In The Day of the Jellyfish, players take on the roles of Hank and Duck, whose concert plans have been put on hold thanks to a “cola-based” jellyfish invasion. This is a single-player adventure game in which players play as two characters to solve puzzles while defeating evil jellyfish so they can hold their concert.

Maelstrom

Here we are, back to the naval battles. This time, you have a bit more to contend with than other ships and their captains. How about some giant sea monsters? Like, big creatures or leviathans that pop out of the ocean to smack your ship around. Sounds like a good time, right? As with other multiplayer sea battle games, players can upgrade their ships and captains as they progress, making survival more likely.

Combat isn’t just about firing cannonballs at each other. Ships can be rammed, grappled, and boarded. Ships do have armor, so players will have to be smart about how they engage.

Fish: First Catch

What’s the ocean with out a little fishing. This last games is a speed-fishing adventure with a twist. The player’s boat is powered by fish. This doesn’t seem to be very big game. It features three levels, over 15 exotic deep sea creatures, and a mystery that players will need to solve. It probably has something to do with why there’s a horse in the ocean and whales in the sky.

Players cast, like they would in most fishing games, but catching the fish isn’t exactly where they stop. Catch a powerful fish and get it to pull your boat as you use the fishing rod to steer. You can even use two rods and get double the fish power.