Recap: Best Indie Games Summer Showcase 2025
I was not expecting this to be a massive four hour showcase but hey that's what got delivered. I watched the entirety of it. I'll link in any steam pages I can when relevant along with a brief blurb.
Let's Build A Dungeon (Xbox/PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2365790/Lets_Build_a_Dungeon/
It's a management sim with a bit of tongue and cheek. You are building the next great MMO RPG in what feels like the natural evolution to what Game Dev Story started almost 15 years ago. This one is also dropping as an Xbox console exclusive (unstated if timed or not)
Kingdoms of the Dump (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2159270/Kingdoms_of_the_Dump/
This is already the 2nd time this has showed in 'E3 Season' and likely not the last. In what presents itself as a platforming Chrono Trigger about garbage, literal garbage. I have been waiting for this one for years and it is finally landing in 2025
Dustin the main trash can swordsman of this game will also appear in an RPG Indie All Stars Collab game that is launching for free.
Anomaly President (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3156330/Anomaly_President/
"Win votes by day, murder by night." A part political satire simulator and part hack and slash 2d roguelite. Yeah this has all the markings if this hits to be an absolute insane delivery. One to watch for sure.
Ruff and the Riverside (All Systems)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1002260/Ruffy_and_the_Riverside/
I have some hesitations with this game but I still will list it. Ruff has the graphical style Demon Turf used and doubles down on the Paper Mario effect. It is a 3D platformer where you alter the environment.
Faeland (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1280080/Faeland/
I will try not to write about Early Access game if I can but since this one is leaving it for its 1.0 I think it feels safe. An absolute gorgeous metroidvania take that instantly gives me Timespinner vibes graphically.
Truckful (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3090810/Truckful/
At first I wasn't too into this trailer but as I watched I realized what I'm watching is a gorgeous and calmer Trials esque game about driving a pickup and keeping your cargo on board. There is an element of mystery and spook to it that creeps into the trailer. I have my eye on this one as a big sleeper hit.
The Great Coffee Caper (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3529910/The_Great_Coffee_Caper/
The graphics caught my attention, being a nod to Zelda DX, but it was the charming adventure mystery here that got my other foot in the door. This has all the makings of a tiny indie adventure that can have a lasting legacy, crossing my fingers.
Hungry Horrors (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3048840/Hungry_Horrors/
I love Slay the Spire but like most hits we are now a bit overloaded with them. This one though caught me, instead of trying to just slay the monsters you are trying to feed them to defeat them. That might be enough of a game play hook to swing this game into being memorable, one to watch.
Discounty (Everything)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2274620/Discounty/
Reccetear started a trend over a decade ago of these shop genre games, and this one looks simple enough. Sometimes devs don't love to tip the full hand though and this game may have something boiling under the surface that could make it special. Not a lock but enough I'm watching it to see.
Doggy Don't Care (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2438180/Doggy_Dont_Care/
File this under this could be REALLY dumb or Goat Sim brilliant. The entire premise is the dog is left alone to his own mischief and goes wild pissing, breaking things, and apparently raising the dead to destroy the world. If the game controls well and there is enough lean to the absurd this could be a real fun one to play.
Gundroid (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2416510/Gundroid/
Do you like Turrican? Well then you'll enjoy this indie game. A 2d run n gun filled with big explosions and lots of gunfire. Simple yet effective.
Frogreign (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2468430/Frogreign/
A 2d metroidvania where you play as a frog and use your tongue as a grappling mechanic. The game has a great look to it and while this one seems early it has the elements for Frog of the Year.
Music Power Up (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2246370/Music_Power_Up/
Full disclosure I am not big on music and rhythm genres, but the premise of this is so unique even I'm intrigued. Instead of just being a music creator its an adventure game where you live in the 1980s and get to play some games that are inspired by Bubble Bobble for instance but then you create the sound effects and music for the games.
Big Hops (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1221480/Big_Hops/
Frogs are always a big component of E3 times. This one is a 3D Platformer where you also use your tongue as a grappling hook. Lots of leaping, and diving await in this 3d Platformer. Movement is big in this genre so the fact the focus is on this first is a good outlook.
Chronicles of the Wolf (PS4/PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2371890/Chronicles_of_the_Wolf/
Castlevania by any other name and it even includes the blood bath lady from Bloodstained as a cameo. If you have been needing a Vania fix this looks like it'll be for you.
Vice Magic City Mayhem (PC)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2972820/Vice_Magic_City_Mayhem/
GTA Vice City meets Zelda in this indie game themed after 1980s nostalgia. Stab a dinosaur at the beach, hang in some hot tubs, and encounter disco wizards. Has all the makings to be a good time.
Lil Gator: In The Dark (Everything)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3205060/Lil_Gator_Game_In_the_Dark/
DLC for the base game is coming, if you enjoyed the cutesy stylings of the original release then you will have fun with this cozy adventure
