this nextfest demo proves the Customer Isn't Always Right, Sometimes They're a Fucking Monster

Another Steam Next Fest, another batch of job simulators. But this one? This one has teeth. I just punched the clock for three days at HELLMART, and I think I need therapy.

This isn't your average retail management game. It's what happens when you mix Supermarket Simulator with a full-blown horror show. During the day, it's all about the grind: hitting sales quotas, restocking shelves, and keeping the place clean. At night, you're just trying not to get eaten.

Minimum Wage, Maximum Fear

The daytime shift is deceptively normal. I was scanning items, dealing with customers, and trying to keep my sales numbers up. It feels familiar, almost cozy. You start thinking, "Hey, this isn't so bad." That's the trap.

Because as soon as the sun goes down, the vibe shifts. The lights flicker, the generator needs watching, and you start barricading doors, hoping to keep whatever is outside... well, outside.

Night Shift Nightmares

The atmosphere in this demo is its strongest asset. The developers have absolutely nailed the feeling of being alone in a brightly lit box surrounded by suffocating darkness. The sense of dread is palpable as strange customers show up, and you have to decide who's just weird and who might be the monster in disguise.

And let me tell you, when the real monster shows up, it's genuinely terrifying. The game got a few solid jump scares out of me, and the tension of hiding and trying to survive until morning is legit.

Now, it's not perfect. It’s a demo, and it feels like one. I hit a few bugs where items wouldn't scan properly, and the performance could definitely use some work. The whole thing is still a bit rough around the edges, but honestly, that almost adds to the charm.

For an early look, HELLMART is insanely promising. It’s got a killer concept and an atmosphere that sticks with you long after you've quit the game. If you're looking for something that will make you terrified of your next trip to the grocery store, you have to check this out.