Indie & AA Games Shine in Summer 2025
▼ Summary
– The summer gaming season features the Nintendo Switch 2 release and Summer Game Fest, but smaller indie and AA games are stealing the spotlight.
– *The Alters* is a survival/base-building game where the protagonist works with alternate versions of himself to survive on a hostile planet.
– *BloodRush: Undying Wish* is a fast-paced roguelike where combat revolves around managing blood loss while dashing and killing enemies.
– *Wheel World* is an open-world biking adventure where players customize their bike and race to save the world with a lighter, joyful tone.
– *Hell is Us* is a Soulslike-inspired game with less punishing mechanics, focusing on exploration in a war-torn country with eerie enemies.
The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting season for gamers, with a mix of indie and AA titles stealing the spotlight alongside major releases. While the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and high-profile announcements at Summer Game Fest dominate headlines, it’s the smaller, innovative games that are generating the most buzz. From survival sims to open-world adventures, here’s a look at 11 standout titles worth keeping an eye on.
The Alters Available now on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, this survival game from 11 Bit Studios puts players in the shoes of Jan Dolski, the lone survivor of a doomed expedition. With base-building mechanics and a twist, alternate versions of himself, Dolski must navigate a hostile planet while confronting the paths his life could have taken.
BloodRush: Undying Wish Launching July 1 for PC, this roguelike hack-and-slash channels the energy of Bloodborne and Crank. Combat revolves around managing your character’s rapidly depleting blood supply, forcing aggressive, high-speed gameplay. The pixel art aesthetic and adrenaline-fueled action make it a must-try, with a demo already available on Steam.
Wheel World Set for release on July 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, this open-world adventure swaps cars for bikes. Players customize their ride, complete with a ghostly companion, and pedal through a vibrant world on a mission to save it. Originally titled Ghost Bike, the game was reworked to emphasize the joy of cycling, offering a lighter, more uplifting experience.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Fans of the classic franchise can dive into this side-scrolling action-platformer on July 31. Available on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Ragebound pays homage to the series’ NES roots with pixel art and brutal combat. Developed by the team behind Blasphemous, it’s a nostalgic yet fresh take on ninja action.
Panta Rhei Also arriving July 31 for PC, this time-bending roguelike tasks players with protecting the flow of time. Drawing inspiration from Prince of Persia, it combines environmental puzzles with strategic combat. The striking art style, reminiscent of Cocoon, adds to its appeal, and a demo is currently live on Steam.
Artis Impact Launching August 7 for PC, this turn-based RPG blends combat with slice-of-life activities like cooking and managing passive income. Set in a futuristic world overrun by rogue AI, it balances dark themes with cozy moments, all wrapped in gorgeous pixel art and manga-style cutscenes.
Tiny Bookshop For those craving a chill, retail-free experience, Tiny Bookshop drops on August 7 for PC. Players run a mobile bookstore in a quaint coastal town, curating shelves and decorating their space. It’s a love letter to bibliophiles, complete with a nostalgic classified ad system for sourcing rare books.
Sword of the Sea From the creators of Abzû and The Pathless, this stylish adventure hits PS5 and PC on August 19. Instead of combat, the focus is on fluid movement, using a massive sword to surf across sand dunes. The goal? Restore a vanished ocean and ride its waves in a visually stunning world.
The Knightling Arriving August 28 for Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, this shield-centric action game channels Captain America with its defensive combat and shield-surfing traversal. Its PS2-era platformer charm and modern polish make it a standout, and a demo is available on Steam.
Hirogami Launching September 3 for PS5 and PC, this origami-inspired platformer lets players fold into different forms, like an armadillo or frog, to navigate a delicate paper world. The unique art style and creative mechanics set it apart, with a demo offering a taste of its inventive gameplay.
Hell is Us Closing out the summer on September 4 for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, this Soulslike-lite emphasizes exploration over punishing combat. Players explore a war-torn nation, uncovering dark secrets while wielding a glowing sword. With permanent enemy deaths and a focus on storytelling, it’s a fresh take on the genre.
Whether you’re into fast-paced action, thoughtful puzzles, or cozy simulations, this summer’s lineup has something for everyone. Keep an eye on these under-the-radar gems, they might just become your next favorite game.
(Source: Polygon)
