The summer months are known for being relatively sparse in terms of video game releases. While this may be the case for AAA titles, this month has proven to be a fruitful time for indie games. Here are our picks for the best indie game releases of July 2017.
Black the Fall
- Release Date: July 11th, 2017
Black the fall is a dark, dystopian puzzle platformer made by Sand Sailor Studio. In Black the Fall, players control an old machinist who is attempting to escape an oppressive facility within a Communist State. Fast reflexes and ingenuity are the keys to solving the game’s clever puzzles. You even get a little robot companion to help you with puzzles, which adds a nice touch to an otherwise thematically-heavy game. Black the Fall is out now for Xbox One, PS4, and PC (via Steam).
See also: How to Unlock All 14 Achievements in Black the Fall
The End is Nigh
- Release Date: July 12th, 2017
The End is Nigh is a dark, sprawling adventure platformer made by the creators of Super Meat Boy and The Binding of Isaac. Like Super Meat Boy before it, The End is Nigh involves lots of jumping and dying, and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
The End is Nigh features difficult jumping puzzles and dark humor that we've come to expect from titles designed by Edmund McMillen. While there’s obvious similarities between this game and its predecessors, the The End is Nigh feels a bit different in terms of pacing. The color palette is also a tad bleak, but that doesn’t take away from the overall quality of the game. The End is Nigh is out now on PC for $14.99 USD. Versions for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 are in development, but currently have no release date.
See also: The End is Nigh - All Game Cartridge Locations
Serial Cleaner
- Release Date: July 14th, 2017
In Serial Cleaner, players are tasked with cleaning up crime scenes for the mob. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. This 2D action/stealth game takes place in the 70s, so you’ll have to make sure not to get blood on your bellbottoms as you clean up the mob’s mess. The challenge comes from trying to avoid being detected by the cops during the cleanup process.
A successful cleanup job requires quiet maneuvering and staying out of the cop’s vision cones. If you’re through with mopping up the space stations in Viscera Cleanup Detail and are looking for a new job that works with your skill set, then Serial Cleaner is for you. Serial Cleaner is available now on PC, PS4 and Xbox One for $14.99.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
- Release Date: July 18th, 2017
Developed by Prideful Sloth, Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is a charming open-world adventure that conjures the mood of a Zelda game while incorporating gameplay mechanics reminiscent of Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley.
There are multiple biomes to explore, each housing an array of animals, plants, and secrets. Players can craft, farm, and adventure to their heart’s content throughout eight distinct environments. There’s no combat either, which makes the game quite relaxing as well. Find out what Morgan thought of the game in our Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles Review.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is available now for PC and PlayStation 4.
Pyre
- Release Date: July 25th, 2017
From the creators of Transistor and Bastion comes a gorgeous party-based RPG called Pyre. Players control a band of exiles who must compete in mystical battles across purgatory in an effort to secure their freedom. The hand-painted artwork immerses players into Pyre’s world, and the interactive narrative makes for unique gameplay experiences that can differ from player to player.
In Pyre, players must build a team of three that can carry them through the single-player campaign, and the 20-character roster allows for some unique and powerful team compositions. There’s also a two-player local Versus Mode for those who wish to challenge their friends or face off against a CPU opponent.
Pyre will make its debut on PlayStation 4 and PC on July 25th.
Sundered
- Release Date: July 28th, 2017
Sundered is the latest title from Jotun developers, Thunder Lotus Games. Sundered is described as a “Lovecraftian” Metroidvania-style platformer that features gorgeous yet harrowing combat. Players must take on the role of Eshe, a wanderer who must brave the perils of a procedurally-generated world to find Elder Shards that possess great power. Like Jotun, Sundered will depict the player’s fight for survival through stunning, hand-drawn illustrations.
After recently ending their closed beta test, the developers finally revealed that Sundered will be released for PC and PlayStation 4 on July 28th.
July 2017 has delivered a pretty solid lineup of indie games to keep you occupied over the summer. Let us know in the comments below which of these games you plan to play!
