We’re just past the halfway point of 2024 and the indie scene’s only gathering more momentum towards the end of the year. Continue reading to discover great titles that you might have been sleeping on.
Showcasing July 2024s Indie Titles
The latter part of 2024 has just begun, and the indie scene is skyrocketing towards the year's end. This month’s lineup is a stellar cascade of titles, kicking off with a few chart-toppers followed by a plethora of high-quality indie games. From Lego-like last-stand simulators to the most outrageous FPS you’ve ever seen, and a wealth of RPGs ranging from classics to fresh arrivals, there's something for everyone. The indie scene shows no signs of slowing down, offering the best and greatest games July has to offer!
Check out last month’s edition of our indie showcase if you missed it!
Cataclismo
Kicking off this month’s lineup is Digital Sun’s stylish last-stand simulator, Cataclismo! This game marries the boundless creativity of a Lego set with the relentless swarming hordes of an RTS like Starcraft. Throw in some colony-simulator and roguelite elements here and there, and you’ve got this month's chart-topping, wall-building, stronghold-sieging pinnacle!
Cataclismo soared to the top of the charts thanks to Digital Sun’s reputation for high-quality stylization and innovative gameplay mechanics. The integration of creative strategy and structure building with the Steam Workshop feature was a brilliant move, expanding the game's appeal from individual architects to entire communities of builders and masons working in cooperation. Among the games released this July, this one built itself up to be an absolute must-have.
Anger Foot
Next up, we’re flipping the script from sophisticated architectural mastery to low-brow humor and gratuitous violence with Devolver Digital’s wildest title to date, Anger Foot! If you’re feeling any emotion apart from unbridled rage while playing this game, you’re doing it wrong. Anger Foot is the most heart-poundingly high-octane FPS on the market, featuring blazing-fast pacing and an incredibly high skill floor to boot.
There’s no two feet about it: this is a John Wick simulator if he were hopped up on stimulants, and you’re going to have to play the part. Pixel-perfect movement, Hawkeye-level accuracy, and an absurdly high tolerance for swearing and fart jokes are required. But for those who master its challenges, this game offers some of the most satisfying and authentic aesthetics and sounds you can expect from an indie title. This isn’t a game for the faint of heart, but it’s certainly one for those looking to get a kick from the indie scene this month.
Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance
Continuing from the top of our list is Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance, the latest entry in Ironhide Game Studio’s historic line of tower-defense games that originated in the Flash Era. This game is a testament to the series’ evolution, representing the pinnacle of its development over a decade of bombastic tower-defense mechanics. No longer limited to a handful of towers and a single hero, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance introduces a Tower Loadout mechanic, new tower upgrade tiers, and the much-anticipated dual-hero setup.
This game is a nostalgic blast from the past with fresh updates where it counts. If you’re looking to relive your tower-defense obsession from the mid-2010s or are just in the market for a fun strategy game with the aesthetics to back it up, then Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance is the game for you.
Lost Castle 2
If you enjoyed that blast from the past, here’s another to fuel your nostalgia trip. Lost Castle 2 is Hunter Studio’s latest entry into the party-based beat-em-up genre. Although it’s plainly reminiscent of the classic Xbox title Castle Crashers, this game is more than just a homage; it’s quite possibly the sequel to Castle Crashers we've been waiting for all these years. With its fun aesthetics, fast-paced action, diverse weaponry, and roguelite elements, Lost Castle 2 stands out as one of the best multiplayer games to grab this July. Just make sure your Castle Crashers skills are up to par because this game takes no prisoners.
Ark of Charon
Striding in as yet another chart-topper is Ark of Charon, a colony-simulation/tower-defense game set atop a wandering titan! One of this month’s most eye-catching entries, Ark of Charon sets the bar high for other indie games, capturing the coziness of a well-written story and the challenge of a well-fought battle. This game tells a tale of resilience and perseverance, allowing players to build, rebuild, defend, and fight for another day as the wandering titan beneath their feet strides ever onward.
While there may be minor hiccups in terms of progression, pacing, and the occasionally frustrating summoning mechanics for the player’s golem creatures, these issues pale in comparison to Ark of Charon's mastery of presentation and gameplay design. If you’re a fan of tower defense or colony simulation games, Ark of Charon is not only a must-have but an experience you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Old RPGs were a blast, but a new contender is here to make waves—perhaps even an avalanche. Dungeons of Hinterberg is a 3D RPG action-adventure game from the two-person dev team at Microbird Games. Drawing aesthetic inspiration from classics like The Legend of Zelda and Persona, Dungeons of Hinterberg blends heart-pounding RPG action with the exploration and puzzle-solving elements of an adventure game.
Set in a fictional version of the Alps teeming with dungeons to conquer, this game offers an absolutely stunning slaycation
with a surprisingly complex social layer to explore after each dungeon crawl. If you’re looking for a game that’s as fun as it is picturesque, look no further than the snow-covered peaks of Dungeons of Hinterberg.
Gestalt: Steam & Cinder
If Metroidvanias are more your speed, the indie scene has you covered with this month’s lone entry, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder. Hold on to your wide-brimmed hats, folks, because this game is coming in hot and fast with stunning pixel-art graphics, amazing stage design, and one of the most thought-provoking stories you'll find on this side of Canaan.
While the combat and platforming mechanics might be a bit simplistic, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics, especially when they’re accompanied by stellar sound design and truly captivating steampunk aesthetics. No need for fancy bells and brass whistles with Gestalt: Steam & Cinder.
Gorgon Shield
Now here’s a game that defies all descriptions! Gorgon Shield is in the running to be the most unique roguelike indie on the market, thanks to its overwhelming cascade of innovative mechanics. The standout feature is the rotating platform you fight enemies on, making directional combat a crucial part of the gameplay. Paired with sidescrolling segments, standard RPG abilities and equipment, and 2.5D pixel-art graphics, Gorgon Shield is a genre-blending experience that’s hard to categorize but easy to love.
Despite its unconventional nature, the game’s quality is undeniable. The enjoyment one can gain from its wacky mechanics is sure to rival its standout gameplay. If you’re looking for a roguelike that doesn’t just break the mold but also redefines it, cast your gaze on Gorgon Shield.
Wéko The Mask Gatherer
Let’s wrap up this list with a familiar yet refreshing entry. Wéko The Mask Gatherer offers sprawling landscapes, 3D platforming, and adventurous exploration that clearly draw inspiration from beloved classics. Our review even dubbed it "Zelda’s Palworld," highlighting the similarities to a certain legendary hero's adventures. However, Wéko The Mask Gatherer is far from a mere imitation. It builds on the Zelda series’ core premise, introducing shifting combat styles, unique masks, and stunning 3D environments that give it a distinct identity. If you’re craving an action adventure with rich exploration, don’t miss out on Wéko The Mask Gatherer.
