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The gaming release schedule is getting plump for the upcoming holidays, so start eating lentils so you can afford new games. Already, September's second half has a plucky title from Devolver, adventures for cat lovers, castle building, gladiator combat, body horror zoos, 80s brawlers, 90s racers, pirates, intergalactic adventures, and one screwed-up game involving mouthwash.
Note: Release dates are subject to change.
The Plucky Squire (17 September)
You have to see The Plucky Squire in action to appreciate what this game is doing. It may look like a retro 2D adventure, but this title impressively blends two and three-dimensional gameplay styles to deliver a stunning action-adventure that is both retro and super modern.
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
Copycat (19 September)
Cat-themed games have been popping up more since the success of Stray, though only a few are worth mentioning. Copycat definitely sits near the top of the list, both for its production value (which looks decent for an indie game) and the mysterious story that borders on a thriller experience (but is still friendly to feline lovers).
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
The Karate Kid: Street Rumble (20 September)
The recent trend to revive classic film franchises into retro beat-em-up games continues with The Karate Kid: Street Rumble. Play across the first three movies (and seemingly a bit of inspiration from the animated TV show) in a fast-paced retro scroller for solo and co-op with friends. No news on waxing cars or catching flies with chopsticks.
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
Zoochosis (23 September)
Take on the nightwatch job at a local zoo. Make sure the animals are fed and happy. Keep your head down, and everything should be fine. Then again, nobody told you what to do when the animals start turning into body-horror monstrosities. Zoochosis is pure nightmare fuel, mixing a first-person job simulator with something from The Thing.Â
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
Tiny Glade (23 September)
Doodle rustic castles and romantic ruins in this dynamic cosy designer. Just select a tool, start drawing on the landscape, and everything else will fall into place. Tiny Glade looks hypnotic. Push and pull the walls, drag and drop windows, and pat a few sheep as you wander around your rustic mansion to take the perfect photo.Â
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
Rune Coliseum (24 September)
The first thing that stands out about the battle game Rune Coliseum is its illustrative art style. The combat encounters look so slick yet different, enhanced by some insane combat powers. Build a card deck with equipment and special attacks, then face opponents in the turn-based battle system. The action looks intense, and there's a lot at stake because this has roguelike features. So, don't die, or if you do, die with honour!
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
Beyond Galaxyland (24 September)
Step into an intergalactic adventure with Beyond Galaxyland, a 2.5D adventure with Final Fantasy vibes that uses the popular aesthetic of blending pixel art with dramatic 3D and parallax effects. Earth is in danger, and it's up to Doug, his gun-toting guinea pig called Boom Boom, and their motley crew to save the day. Really, how can you go wrong with a character called Boom Boom?
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
#DRIVE Rally (25 September)
Hit the track in #DRIVE Rally, a throwback to classic 90s arcade racers both in gameplay and visual style. Set the best time in point-to-point races while quirky navigators shout directions, crossing deserts, tundras, forest roads, and rustic villages. You can choose from a range of cars and colourful characters, and slam the pedal back to the golden era of arcade racing.
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
Mouthwashing (26 September)
Don't be fooled by Mouthwashing's lo-fi aesthetic. This is a chilling psychological horror game where the real enemy is how people's minds decay under pressure. A space hauler is lost in uncharted space and has no prospects of rescue. Desperate, the crew open the hold only to discover it's full of alcoholic mouthwash. What follows is a trip into terror that will keep you gripped.
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
Rogue Waters (30 September)
Yar! The world deserves more pirate games, preferably good ones where yea can fire yea cannons at other ships, then board them for a rumble to steal the loot and fund your buccaneer lifestyle. Rogue Waters brings all that together in a fun-looking tactics game: choose your crew, stock your ship, and become the terror of the open seas. Peg legs and parrots are optional.
[Steam Store][Watch the trailer]
These release dates are sourced from the fantastic SteamDB.
Will you do a top indie games of 2024 post later this year?
There’s so many!! I’d love to know your pick of the year.
That screenshot from Beyond Galaxyland feels like you're staring at an alternate version of Jenova.