Summer is here in full force, but don’t worry, that won’t stop us from telling you about awesome indie games – so, without further ado, here’s Part 1 of our July coverage, featuring several potentially cool indie titles set to launch in the near future. Enjoy!
BloodRush: Undying Wish (July 1)
This one’s a fast-paced hack and slash roguelike with a wonderfully gothic visual aesthetic and a focus on speed – your health is gradually running out, meaning you need to be constantly on the move in order to survive. Sounds tense, but hey, some people perform better under pressure.
The Merry Fairy (July 9)
Stress is the enemy of creativity and mental peace, which is why it’s so important that we all know how to relax and organize ourselves. The Merry Fairy is a cozy casual game that offers you the chance to create your own scrapbook journal in a magical environment.
Mycopunk (July 10)
A mission-based co-op FPS with a unique art style, Mycopunk will have you take on the role of misfit robots sent planet-side to exterminate hordes upon hordes of fungal monstrosities. Get loot, get upgrades, get bigger guns – and shoot bigger baddies. Or each other. (Yes, there is friendly fire.)
Everdeep Aurora (July 10)
An exploration game with adorable pixel art reminiscent of retro classics, Everdeep Aurora follows the journey of Shell, a tiny kitten who ventures underground to find her missing mother: during her journey into the subterranean depths, she meets various unique characters and uncovers the many secrets of the deep.
Return to Ash (July 10)
A narrative-centric visual novel about a young woman who one day wakes up in the afterlife. She’s not alone, though: the world beyond is filled with a cast of varied characters, including a mysterious person calling themselves “Death” – and it’s up to you to get to know them.
Kaizen: A Factory Story (July 14)
I’ll just come out and say it: I’m probably not smart enough for this game. It does look absolutely fascinating, though. Whisking you away to the Japan of the 1980s, the game tasks you with designing and building classic gadgets like calculators, arcade machines and more – while making sure that they actually work.
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream (July 15)
One of my personal favorites from the recent Steam Next Fest, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream stars young Hanna on a quest to find her missing brother. The game introduces a gorgeous setting in the form of a steampunky, Dishonored-esque city, along with satisfying isometric stealth gameplay that, at least based on my experiences with the demo, remains smooth and enjoyable without ever becoming overly frustrating.
Becoming Saint (July 15)
Becoming Saint looks like a fascinating little strategy roguelike: in it, you’ll need to command your followers in medieval Italy and make use of their faith to conquer – and convert – as many city-states as you can, potentially becoming a saint in your lifetime.
