Summer’s nearly over with Autumn just around the corner, but the ball keeps rolling for the Indie scene with this month’s best entries. Continue reading to discover great titles that you might have been sleeping on.
Showcasing August 2024s Indie Titles
Summer's winding down, with the first leaves already turning orange, but the indie scene is still in full swing as we head into autumn. This month brings a wonderfully eclectic selection of games, ranging from tactical turn-based strategy with a modern arcane twist to the pinnacle of British humor. Whether you’re in the mood for deep thinking or hearty laughs, there's something for everyone. City-builder enthusiasts also have an innovative title to look forward to, and yes, there’s even a squirrel with a literal gun. It’s shaping up to be an eventful fall if you’re an indie fan, and it’s just getting started!
Check out last month’s edition of our indie showcase if you missed it!
Tactical Breach Wizards
Let’s kick things off with Tactical Breach Wizards, a delightfully tactical and hilarious turn-based strategy game that’s sure to remind you of XCOM. Easily one of the more unique titles this month, Tactical Breach Wizards blends the precise, modern breaching tactics found in games like Rainbow Six: Siege and XCOM: Chimera Squad with the arcane magic of Dungeons & Dragons.
Add to that a quippy, entertaining cast of wizards and a world-spanning narrative set across intricately designed levels, and you’ve got a truly magical experience. The game’s attention to detail is a testament to the passion behind it, making it an instant hit for the strategy lovers out there.
Dawn of Defiance
From modern-day SWAT magic to ancient Olympian favors, we move on to this month’s next standout indie title, Dawn of Defiance. If you're craving an open-world survival sandbox steeped in ancient Greek mythology—complete with gods, heroes, and legendary monsters—this one’s for you. The game is packed with opportunities for creativity, whether you're building your own stylish Greek abodes or forging legendary weapons blessed by the gods themselves. For those who lean toward adventure, the islands are teeming with iconic foes from Greek myth waiting to challenge you.
Although Dawn of Defiance is still in early access and has room for improvement when it comes to polish and bug fixes, it’s already plenty of fun to dive into, especially if you’ve got a few friends to explore the Greek countryside with.
MEMORIAPOLIS
If Dawn of Defiance didn’t satisfy your thirst for ancient history, why not shift from Greece to Rome? MEMORIAPOLIS is an innovative city-builder that captures the diorama-style visuals of museum exhibits. With a focus on natural urban design, it transports you through the glory of Rome and other European cities, allowing you to build and shape a bustling metropolis that adapts to the lay of the land. In addition to city planning, you’ll manage emerging factions within the growing empire, dealing with the complexities of Roman society and the challenges of antiquity.
While it’s not the perfect city-builder just yet, MEMORIAPOLIS offers stunning visuals and plenty of potential as it continues to develop in early access. It’s certainly worth keeping a close eye on.
Squirrel with a Gun
If city-builders aren’t quite your speed and you’re in the mood for something more lighthearted and delightfully random, then Squirrel with a Gun is the game for you. It’s exactly what it sounds like—and then some. With quirky platforming, wacky gunplay, and a hilariously absurd premise, this game is sure to get your adrenaline going and keep you laughing at the sheer chaos that unfolds.
It’s definitely not aiming for depth or complexity, but it doesn’t need to. Sometimes all you need is mindless fun with guns, nuts, and squirrels. What’s not to love?
Thank Goodness You’re Here!
Surprisingly, a game about a gun-wielding squirrel isn’t the strangest title this month—not when Thank Goodness You’re Here! is in the mix. This self-proclaimed "action slapformer" flips conventional comedy on its head, delivering a wild and gut-busting experience that will have you rolling with laughter. With its random humor and perfectly executed slapstick, it's hard to believe this game doesn’t already have a cartoon series to match its zany, "Dumb Ways to Die" style.
It’s a must-try if you’re in need of a comedic pick-me-up, but if you’re craving something more serious, it might not be your speed. Still, a bit of lighthearted, low-stakes fun could be just what the doctor ordered!
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain
Exploring a whimsical cartoon world and helping others isn't just reserved for little yellow men—Mika and the Witch’s Mountain offers a similar charm with its own magical twist. In this delightful game, you play as an adorable witch-in-training, delivering packages across a charming island. As you soar on your ever-evolving magical broom, you'll work your way up the mountain, honing your craft and earning your place as a fully-fledged witch.
With its simple, fun, and heartwarming gameplay, Mika and the Witch's Mountain promises to deliver not only the joy of adventure but also the cozy satisfaction of fulfilling your duties as a postal witch. Worth a try? No. Worth a playthrough!
Fields of Mistria
One of the best indie titles of August 2024, Fields of Mistria, is a farming RPG/simulator poised to challenge the genre's reigning champion, Stardew Valley. This pixel-art gem casts you as an adventurous soul tasked with rebuilding a town devastated by a natural disaster. Through hard work, resource gathering, and collaborative efforts with fellow villagers, you’ll transform the shattered village into a vibrant community once more.
Fields of Mistria is shaping up to be a strong contender, offering a compelling story, polished gameplay, and plenty of replayability. While it hasn't dethroned Stardew Valley just yet, it’s clear this under-the-radar title has the potential to shake up the indie scene in a big way—so be ready when it does.
Crypt Custodian
From the vibrant fields of Mistria to the eerie crypts of Crypt Custodian, no two games could be more different in tone. Yet, despite the shift from sunlight to shadows, Crypt Custodian manages to be just as charming. Don’t be fooled by the grim-sounding title—this game features a mischievous, undead black cat as your protagonist. With your afterlife on hold until you complete your sentence as the new custodian of the afterlife, your tasks involve dusting, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning your way to redemption.
It’s a lighthearted and fun game with a unique premise, executed with simplicity and skill. Plus, it’s irresistibly cute, making it well worth your attention and at least a few playthroughs.
Cat Quest III
Yohoho and a can of tuna! Rounding out the best of August is the swashbuckling fun of Cat Quest III, where pirate adventures meet feline mischief. This 2.5D action-packed adventure lets you sink your claws into a delightful world filled with charming cartoonish graphics, polished RPG mechanics, and all the cat-themed antics you'd expect.
While Cat Quest III leans more toward exploration than pure RPG, that’s far from a drawback. The exploration is masterfully executed, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience that you won't want to miss.
