Welcome to the latest indie game roundup! This week, we've got a mix of new releases, delayed games, and upcoming titles that are sure to keep you entertained. From sword-wielding dinosaurs to roguelite platformers, there's something for every type of gamer. Let's dive in!
The Steam Summer Sale
The Steam Summer Sale is here, and it's a great time to pick up some new games. With the sale running until July 9th, you've got plenty of time to browse the deals. I've been eyeing the Steam Machine, a Linux-based PC system that's designed to take advantage of the frequent sales on PC storefronts. While it's a significant investment, the potential savings could be worth it.
Speaking of savings, the Steam Summer Sale is a great opportunity to snag some deals. I'm sure I'll be adding a few new games to my library, even if I'm already drowning in a sea of unplayed titles.
New Indie Game Releases
Dark Scrolls
- Developer: Doinksoft
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Platforms: Steam (Windows), Nintendo Switch
- Price: $10, with a 10% discount on Steam until July 5th
Dark Scrolls is a side-scrolling platformer with a Master System-style aesthetic and a shoot-'em-up feel. It's a pitch-perfect tribute to FromSoftware games, with a variety of heroes to choose from. I enjoyed the local and online co-op support, although I haven't tried it yet.
The game lacks a traditional tutorial, relying on experimentation to figure out character abilities. You can also call a real-life hotline for help, a cute nod to classic game helplines. The review guide sent to journalists also evoked classic game manuals, a nice touch.
However, the roguelite aspect of Dark Scrolls falls short for me. The upgrade economy is brutal, with prices increasing dramatically between stages. It's a linear format that doesn't lend itself well to farming coins from enemies.
Mini AirHockey
- Developer: Geert Verhoeff
- Publisher: Sumatras Studios
- Platform: Steam (designed for Steam Deck)
- Price: $1, with a 10% discount until July 8th
Mini AirHockey is a two-player experiment that makes use of the Steam Deck's touchpads. It works best when players are positioned at each end of the Deck, like playing regular air hockey. The game is simple, with no real depth, but it's an interesting way to showcase the Deck's capabilities.
Dart Racer
- Developer: LubSoft
- Publisher: Proteus Interactive
- Platforms: Steam (Windows, VR), Meta Quest
- Price: Usually $10, with a 20% discount until July 7th
Dart Racer is an arcade podracing game with a Nintendo 64-era look. You can customize your ship and play in VR with a first-person cockpit view. The game is in early access, with a full version estimated to be at least nine months away.
Upcoming Indie Games
Tears of Metal
- Developer and Publisher: Paper Cult
- Platforms: Steam (Windows), Xbox on PC
- Release Date: July 22nd (early access), coming to Xbox Series X/S later in 2026
Tears of Metal is a hack-and-slash game with online co-op support. It features a variety of heroes to choose from and a roguelite progression system. Between runs, you can expand your settlement and unlock permanent upgrades.
The game looks chaotic and bloody, which is right up my alley. The demo is available on Steam, but it no longer reflects the current state of the game.
Erosion
- Developer: Plot Twist
- Publisher: Lyrical Games
- Platform: Steam
- Release Window: Early 2027; playtest live until June 30th
Erosion is a Western roguelike with a unique conceit. You set out to rescue your kidnapped daughter, and each time you die, time lurches forward by a decade, changing the landscape and your child's age.
The playtest offers around two to three hours of content, with replayable dungeon runs and boss battles. It's an early build, so bugs may be present, but it's a fun and unique experience.
Dinoblade
- Developer: Team Spino
- Publishers: Team Spino, Boltray Games
- Platform: Steam (Windows)
- Release Date: July 23rd
Dinoblade is an action RPG set in a prehistoric world, where you play as a Spinosaurus wielding a sword in its jaws. It features sword-wielding dinosaurs, bosses to dodge and parry, and a variety of skills to unlock.
The game looks absolutely bonkers, and I'm excited to dive into the demo and see what it's all about.
Personal Takeaway
This week's indie game roundup offers a diverse range of titles, from roguelite platformers to action RPGs. The Steam Summer Sale is a great opportunity to pick up some deals, and I'm sure I'll be adding a few new games to my library. I'm particularly excited about Tears of Metal and Dinoblade, which look like they'll be a lot of fun.
What about you? Are there any games on your radar that you're looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!
