The Mix Summer Game Showcase Offers Dozens Of Cool Indie Titles

Summer Game Fest is upon us once again. Most of the time, people tend to focus their attention entirely on the major AAA experiences coming from the most well-known developers. Increasingly, though, it’s becoming obvious that indie games are the lifeblood of this industry. That’s why it’s great to have places like The Mix’s Summer Game Showcase to get a glimpse at indie games of the future, with over sixty games presented across two hours.

Of course, some titles stood out more than others, so here are a few of the highlights:

Wild Blue Skies has been hyped a few times before, but it’s finally time for this game to get a release date. It’s the perfect title to satisfy a Star Fox craving, offering a modern, anime-inspired on-rails shooting. They’ve built a convincing universe that feels like it was pulled right out of the 1990s, and there’s already a demo available for people who can’t wait. Still, it might just be better to experience the full thing when it launches August 13th.

N-Zone’s Mega Gum is the kind of title that was common during the late ’90s and early 2000s, but gradually faded away as games became more serious. As Uja, players explore Mr. Gum’s dangerous Gum Factory, learning more about its mysteries and fighting against the enemies within.  A 3D platformer dripping with personality, Mega Gum is scheduled to release sometime in 2027.

Twinkle’s Galactic Tour comes from Molegato and Top Hat Studios, and follows the adorable Twinkle as she travels the galaxy to rescue her audience and save her debut concert from being a disaster. While it’s low-poly look is clearly inspired by ’90s era platformers, the game’s musical elements bring a unique vibe from any of the titles it’s aping. Honestly, the trailer makes it feel like playing a PS1-era platformer to custom anime soundtrack. The game’s Steam page also hints at more of a narrative, with Twinkle getting to know the people around her through a special hangout system.

There’s no release date for this one, but if its gameplay can live up to what’s present in the trailer, this could definitely be a standout, no matter when it releases.

Honestly, “roguelike” infecting basically every aspect of gaming doesn’t feel great. However, HeartLoop games might just be onto something with Poly Fighter, a single-player fighting game with added a roguelike element. Essentially, Poly Fighter offers an arcade ladder where the player can pick any character, and after defeating opponents on the ladder, they’ll get to add new moves or swap out old ones until they’ve created their perfect character.

It’s a new approach to fighting games, one that designed for people who don’t want to spend hours raging in online modes. And with over forty characters available, it’s unlikely players will ever get bored. There’s no release date, but there’s already a demo available now for people who are curious about it.

From Agate and Red Dune Games comes Blades of Mirage, a new isometric ARPG. In the game, players will take on the role of Mira, a talented young woman preparing for her coming-of-age ritual when her village is attacked and her loved ones are kidnapped. To get them back, Mira will have to face enemies that have been corrupted by powerful deities … and eventually take down the gods themselves.

With a focus on fast-paced combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, Blades of Mirage is a game every every ARPG fan should keep an eye on.

With Edenfall: Legacy of the First Wardens, the developers at Everflux Games are looking to offer a game for everyone who’s ever wished they could turn into a wolf to solve their problems. The game puts players in control of Venya, a young woman with incredible shapeshifting powers, allowing her to transform into a wolf, a raccoon, and a raven. Not only does each form have a benefit in exploring the world and solving puzzles — they also have their own special skills in combat, helping Venya fight to save the world.

Everflux Games is aiming to release Edenfall at the end of the year, but those who are curious can check out the demo for the game now on Steam.

Another fun announcement coming from the show was Akupara Games and Curious Fate’s Bracer, a 3D shoot ’em up with co-op elements. A knight, wizard, and bounty hunter fight together against the endless waves of a necromancer who’s gained incredible power and is corrupting the land.

It feels like top-down wave-based games like this aren’t as common anymore, and the ones that do exist definitely don’t have this level of style. Adding in RPG progression and an actual narrative, Bracer feels like the type of game that could become addictive fast. Currently, it has no release window.