New indie games: dinosaurs with swords, making music with gnomes, and more
This week's indie game roundup features several new releases, including an action RPG with a sword-wielding Spinosaurus, a music creation game, and an embroidered visual platformer. The Video Game History Foundation also released an archive of E3 materials.
E3 History Archive
The Video Game History Foundation unveiled a collection of materials from decades of E3, including flyers, press kits, panel transcripts, and videos from the event's early years. Among the rare footage are the only known clips of the Sega Saturn's reveal and Sony's announcement of the original PlayStation price at the 1995 show.
New Indie Game Releases
Dinoblade — An action RPG where players control a Spinosaurus holding a sword in its mouth. The goal is to prevent the species' extinction. Enemy dinosaurs wield weapons, and players can summon souls of defeated bosses. Available on Steam for $20 (10% off until July 30).
Offbeat — A music creation game in early access. Players receive a four-track sequencer and start making music with a toy keyboard that makes cat sounds. By earning money from client orders, they can buy funky instruments like a singing gnome. Creations are saved as WAV files. Early access expected to last 6–8 months.
Fading Echo — An adventure game where the protagonist One controls water and its states. Players use this ability to navigate and set off chain reactions. Fully voiced in English, with Samantha Béart as the lead. Available on Steam for $20.
Scarlet Deer Inn — A platformer with visuals made from physical embroidery and hand-painted backgrounds. It's a dark medieval folk tale about a village with secrets. The game is short (1.5–2.5 hours). Available on Steam for $20.
Lifted — An adventure game about a reluctant traveler helping a professor with a time machine to woo a history teacher. Game length is about three hours. Available on Steam for $20.
Tears of Metal — A hack-and-slash roguelite set in medieval Scotland. Players can fight solo or in online co-op. Early access may last up to a year. Available on Steam for $25.
Life's Too Short — A short adventure where the player is a ghost trying to settle a feud between two vampires. Originally released on Playdate and Game Boy, now on Steam for $6.
Upcoming Games
Darkest Dungeon: The Fire's Edge — DLC adding two new characters and features from the sequel. Release date: August 18.
ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs — A retro repair shop simulator. Release date: August 6.
Reply All — A game where email is presented as turn-based combat. Players use cards to craft passive-aggressive replies. Release window: Q1 2027.
