New Indie Games: Beat-'Em-Ups, Platformers, RPGs, and More Await

Plus, Navigate Pinball in a Unique Style

Our latest indie game roundup unveils a selection of visually stunning new releases, accompanied by a glimpse at demos and upcoming project announcements. This month, Simogo—the creative minds behind Lorelai and the Laser Eyes—is set to mark its 15th anniversary by sharing updates and surprises. There's speculation that earlier titles might be broadened to additional platforms, but I eagerly anticipate news on Simogo's forthcoming project.

Although I remain skeptical about a sequel to Sayonara Wild Hearts, my all-time favorite game depending on the day (or alternatively the classic The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past), excitement would peak if a live concert featuring the game's music is announced. Tune in on October 28th to discover what Simogo is planning.

This week also saw Entalto Publishing and GGTech hosting the Out of Bounds event, spotlighting an array of indie games cutting across multiple genres. Additionally, remember that the upcoming Steam Next Fest kicks off on Monday, October 13th, at 1 PM ET, offering a plethora of game demos to explore over the course of a week. Dive in—you might be among the first to experience hits like the next iterations of Balatro, Manor Lords, or Deep Rock Galactic Survivor.

Recent Game Launches

Dotemu, famed for their work on Streets of Rage 4, introduces Absolum—a fresh beat-'em-up IP. Coming in strong from successful ventures like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, this game is co-developed with Guard Crush Games and Supamonks, featuring their stunning artistry. Absolum caters to both single-player and co-op modes, infusing roguelite mechanics where each playthrough allows for character enhancements, fostering long-term growth and exploration.

Currently available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5, Absolum has garnered favorable reviews. Further exciting news from Dotemu includes another beat-'em-up titled Marvel Cosmic Invasion, set to release soon.

Bye Sweet Carole, a 2D horror-platformer from Maximum Entertainment, is another new title gaining attention. While critique points to awkward controls and some player experience issues, its compelling hand-drawn animation akin to early ‘90s films and its captivating soundtrack remain standout features. Players take on the role of a girl searching for her missing friend from an orphanage. The game is now available across PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.

Enter a distinct visual experience with Dreams of Another, an exploration action game that leverages point cloud rendering, providing an otherworldly environment to manipulate. Directed by Baiyon at Q-Games, this title is accessible on PS5, PS VR2, and Steam. Concurrently, Q-Games released PixelJunk Eden 2 for PS4, PS5, and Steam; the title initially appeared on Nintendo Switch in 2020.

Distinctive Indie Creations and Anticipated Projects

Pixel-art enthusiasts will find delight in Little Rocket Lab produced by Teenage Astronauts and published by No More Robots. Players become Morgan, an aspiring engineer constructing factories with the family dream of launching a rocket at heart. Available on Steam and Xbox, this charming life-simulation game intertwines factory building with personal aspirations.

From the Scottish Highlands emerges Cairn: Mathair’s Curse, a turn-based RPG crafted by Ross McRitchie. Set in the early 2000s, it unveils a tale of youth combating a cult-inflicted curse. Enriched with a Celtic soundtrack created by McRitchie’s partner Christine, the game presents Scottish humor familiar to EarthBound fans and is now accessible on Steam.

Looking ahead, Blackwood sets an intriguing scene: managing a DVD store by day and living the life of an assassin by night. Scheduled for release in late 2026, this cinematic third-person shooter promises intense combat akin to John Wick. Although initial trailers show room for graphical polish, its potential remains high.

As for upcoming releases, Bittersweet Birthday—an action RPG featuring hand-crafted pixel art developed by World Eater Games and published by Dangen Entertainment—focuses exclusively on boss combats and is slated for a November 11 release. It will appear on Steam, GOG, Humble, and Itch, with console versions to follow.

Expect a unique gaming experience with A Pinball Game That Makes You Mad, a pinball-themed precision platformer from Azimuth Studios that provides challenge and amusement alike. Currently available demo-wise on Steam, the project awaits its full release.

Finally, Don't Stop, Girlypop! presents a dynamic arena shooter infused with an anti-capitalist theme. Its demo, drenched in nostalgic aesthetics and vibrant Y2K girly-pop flair, appeals to fans of Doom Eternal-style gameplay. Though Funny Fintan Softworks and Kwalee haven’t announced a release date yet, excitement is in the air.