It’s the time of year that kids everywhere have been dreading (while their parents celebrate): back-to-school week. But don’t worry, students – there are still plenty of solid indie titles this week for you to sink your teeth into. That is, after you get your homework done.
Here are our picks for this week in indie games, August 15 – 21.
Road 96 – August 16 (PC, Switch)
Road 96 – from developer Digixart – puts you in the driver's seat of a car in the summer of 1996 as you search for adventure and freedom in the authoritarian nation of Petria. Road 96 features procedurally generated road trips, which means you’ll be able to have plenty of unique adventures whenever you play. Road 96 is available now on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Ambition: A Minuet in Power – August 18 (PC)
Set in 1789 France, Ambition: A Minuet in Power – from developer Joy Manufacturing Co. – is a romantic visual novel in which your dating choices can alter the course of history as you align with (and conspire against) a colorful cast of characters. Ambition: A Minuet in Power will be available on August 18 for PC via Steam.
Related: This Week's Indie Game Releases (August 8 – 14)
Hell Architect – August 18 (PC)
Project management is hell, but project management IN hell is the name of the game in Hell Architect, from developer Woodland Games. In this management sim, you’ll be responsible for owning and operating hell to keep the underworld running smoothly. Hell Architect will be available on August 18 for PC via Steam.
Mayhem Brawler – August 19 (PC, PS4, XB1, Switch)
Mayhem is a ‘90s-style beat 'em up from developer Hero Concept with a comic book art design and bumping soundtrack. Play in single player mode or grab some friends and team up to fight against enemies and save the city you have sworn to protect. Mayhem Brawler will be available on August 19 for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Blackout: The Darkest Night – August 19 (PC)
Blackout: The Darkest Night – from developer MiniChimera Game Studio – is a Choose Your Own Adventure type of non-linear game that tasks you with uncovering the mystery behind the situation that was so terrible that it made you black out. Fans of Twin Peaks or the works of H.P. Lovecraft will want to be sure to check out this title. Blackout: The Darkest Night will be available on August 19 for PC via Steam.
Cosmo's Quickstop – August 19 (PC)
From developer Big Sir Games comes Cosmo's Quickstop – a solo or couch co-op game where you’re put in charge of maintaining the upkeep on an intergalactic gas station where everything can (and will) go wrong. It’s up to you to keep the gas station humming and your customers happy in the game that is easy to pick up and learn, but difficult to master. Cosmo's Quickstop will be available on August 18 for PC via Steam.
Twelve Minutes – August 19 (PC)
Twelve Minutes – from solo indie developer Luis Antonio – is an interactive thriller about a man who is trapped in a time loop in which he accused of his wife’s murder. It’s up to you to break the time loop by using your knowledge of what’s coming. Twelve Minutes features the impressive cast of James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe, and will be available on August 19 for PC via Steam, Xbox One, and XBX.