Games like Back Alley Games #015 - The SICK Issue

This is our CIGS issue! For the second year in a row, Indie City Games hosted the Chicago Indie Games Showcase, an event where game developers from the city and beyond showed off their stuff.  This year, over 500 people came to the Hairpin Arts Center in Logan Square to play independent games, and that’s really fucking cool. Thank you to everyone who made it possible, and if you stopped by to see… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back Alley Games #019 - DIGITAL EDITION.

This issue’s central theme is censorship. As the internet becomes increasingly corporate and users are funneled into a smaller number of sites, there is a greater push to find alternatives to web-based community platforms. It turns out we here at Back Alley Games are very passionate about that.Submissions Located in the midwest and want to submit content to be featured? Email us at backalley@in… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back Alley Games #018 - DIGITAL EDITION.

This issue is all about ICG’s AllStars arcade showcase, an event that struck Night City like a meteor earlier this month. Entries and winners are at the back, but we hope you’ll read through the rest of the tales of game development that make up this issue. Along with all things AllStars, this month we feature devlogs from Pan, Rats Rats Rats, and Hotdog Heaven: Chicago, some incredible art by Va… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back Alley Games #017 - DIGITAL EDITION.

This issue is our Little Gay Issue. Most of the following content is produced by the queers that make this magazine possible every month.  This month we feature writings from Ricardo Lisboa, Jesse Boruff and our very own Seb Galvez. We show off some of community member Nee's Mayterials and so much more!  Grab our the Little Gay Issue TODAY!! Happy pride to everyone in our community. These times … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back Alley Games #016 - DIGITAL EDITION.

This issue's theme is retro gaming! Our editorial team features dev logs from the creators of the upcoming games Phasebound: A Hero’s Journey and SolarFlare. Other articles include Jesse Boruff's thoughts about Nintendo , Nat Quayle Nelson's journey  revamping Blades of Exile, art by Philemene and more! Submissions Located in the midwest and want to submit content to be featured? Email us at b… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back Alley Games #014 - DIGITAL EDITION.

Our publication is 1!! Can you believe it? To celebrate, our unstoppable editor interviews each Indie City board member and we highlight community games that have stuck with us.  We revisit Detect-Dev, spotlight some incredible art by  Astrid “Astro” M and feature an  article from Jonah White. Thank you to everyone who’s shown up month after month as we continue to explore what a grassroots games… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back Alley Games #013 - DIGITAL EDITION.

This issue, catch up with Figburn in a dev log for Contract Rush DX, a review of a short hike by William Carlson and what some of our community players have been playing recently. Make sure you grab this edition to check out the art from Boreas “Mouse”  O’Brien and more community hot takes ;)Looking for a physical copy? You can grab one over on our Ko-fi store About Us  Indie City Games is a C… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back Alley Games #012 - DIGITAL EDITION.

Welcome to the first edition of our 2025 zine and the first edition with our new title BACK ALLEY GAMES!! In this edition we highlight hot takes from the community, art from snurlsss, and reviews on games community members have been playing. We also feature dev logs from the SoulSync City team and the creators of A Llittle Off the Top; participants in our most recent game jam Alpacalypse!. Finally… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back Alley Games #011 - DIGITAL EDITION.

In our last zine of 2024 we chat with community member Dani Orizaba about her process behind her latest single Lunar Psychosis, her upcoming album, and the intersection between games and her art.  Community member Kyle "Binary Clone" Lueptow discusses the unique design of Hotline Miami and its distinct identity- we also have highlights from our Jampus game jam!  About Us  Indie City Games is … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Indie City Games - Issue #010 (Dec 2024) - DIGITAL Edition.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

79% User Score Based on 109 reviews

Build a home. Attract pets. Grow your world.Galactic Getaway is a wholesome life sim inspired by games like Viva Piñata. Settle into your own peaceful pocket of space and build a home that attracts adorable creatures. Every crop you grow, every decoration you craft, and every detail you put into your home determines who might arrive and who might choose to stay. Carve your very own slice of life… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Galactic Getaway: Build a Home for Pets.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, story

81% User Score Based on 1,344 reviews

Enter a novel digital universe with infinite possibilities. Whether you resonate with people around the world in a casual conversation, playing games and socializing or you riff off each other when creating anything from art to programming complex games, you'll find your place here. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Resonite.

BRAVE ALICE GAMES DISCORD SERVER Join us and be part of our awesome community! About the GameFantasy Adventure Builder (TM) is the digital version of the famous book “Tome of Adventure Design”. It contains hundreds of tables that help you come up with ideas for quests, adventurers, monsters, and anything related to High Fantasy TT RPGs. In addition, it features the Table Designer tool with whic… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fantasy Adventure Builder.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability

94% User Score Based on 219 reviews

Megastore: Tidy Up Together is a cozy sorting game for solo or online co-op play. Organize four stores of increasing scale: a Toy Store, an Electronics Store, a bustling Supermarket, and a massive two-story Megastore. Pick up, sort, and shelve thousands of items, and get ready to open! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Megastore: Tidy Up Together.

69%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

79% User Score Based on 38 reviews

Embark on a whimsical adventure with a capybara pup and a clever crow as they set off to find their way home! Sniff, dig, and fly as you explore a vibrant world brimming with wonder, challenges, and heartwarming friendships at every turn. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Capy Castaway.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, monetization

92% User Score Based on 119 reviews

In Slipstream: Rogue Space, Streamers captain a massive starship and viewers are the crew. Together they explore the galaxy, fight aliens, and operate the ship in real-time. Battle through challenging rogue-like maps as a team and work together to see how long you can survive.Captains and CrewPlay as two unique roles: The captain, who makes key decisions, gives orders, and leads the ship. This c… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Slipstream: Rogue Space.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development

82% User Score Based on 55 reviews

Save Fairyland from the SoloGro™ Bros in this cozy co-op MMO from the creators of Puzzle Pirates! Adventure with friends to earn loot, furniture and clothes. Build and decorate your village and join a Wizards' Guild to help restore the world. Play cross-platform on Steam, iOS and Android. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Puzzle Wizards.

37%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, grinding

37% User Score Based on 158 reviews

Explore enchanting landscapes with unique pixel art graphics. Join a guild for thrilling adventures and epic battles. Cooperate to conquer dungeons and dragons. Trade in the Open Market, master professions, and create your build. Forge friendships and shape your destiny in our immersive RPG world! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Miners Settlement.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

82% User Score Based on 710 reviews

Hanging out with friends, bombing walls, and smashing bottles would be much more fun with out the jail time. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Kingspray Graffiti.

48%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

48% User Score Based on 1,990 reviews

Welcome to the metaverse! A shared social universe where both casual users and creators coexist. Play and explore with your friends, collaborate with your coworkers or grab powerful building tools and create something new right inside VR. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Neos VR.

61%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:atmosphere, music

61% User Score Based on 75 reviews

Critic Score 60%Based on 3 reviews

Telefrag VR is a hellishly fast-paced shooter with visceral movement and combat mechanics. Dash, shoot, and teleport around unique arenas that feature impossible geometry where there is no right side up and death can come from any direction. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Telefrag VR.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, grinding

89% User Score Based on 765 reviews

Grab some ale, choose your deck, and get ready for Cards & Tankards - the laid-back strategy card game that is truly immersive and easy to learn. Join a tavern for a shared virtual experience where you can battle other online players, or just hang out while you build your deck, sip your tankard, and socialize in our cozy fantasy tavern! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cards & Tankards.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding

94% User Score Based on 420 reviews

Allumette tells a story about love, sacrifice and a deep bond between a young girl and her mother. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Allumette.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

92% User Score Based on 957 reviews

To say it’s a PC sandbox-building, AI-driven MMO where people play with Art, developed by folks who really love architecture and abstract characters… would be a bit of a mouthful. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Occupy White Walls.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

96% User Score Based on 210 reviews

Critic Score 63%Based on 25 reviews

Button City is a colorful low poly adventure game about cute animals and an arcade. Play as Fennel the fox as you explore a diorama world, play exciting arcade games, and meet cute animal friends. Explore a high-jinks story to save the arcade from a greedy fat cat who threatens to tear it down. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Button City.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization

93% User Score Based on 30 reviews

Welcome to BYTEWORLD, the ultimate sandbox experience that aims to bring streamers and viewers together like never before! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BYTEWORLD.

Dash FPS is a fun-filled Multiplayer First-Person Shooter with all kinds of new mechanics. Players have the option to utilize Jetpacks, Super speed, and much more. Play against our High Quality AI or battle against others on an online server. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dashverse.

Cast your line and unwind in a cozy, stylized fishing game. Explore calm waters, catch charming low-poly fish, and enjoy satisfying, relaxing gameplay at your own pace. A peaceful solo experience focused on comfort, atmosphere, and the simple joy of fishing. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to AGameAboutFishing.

Dear Players, I'm Clow, the game designer of Project Qing. This is our studio's first major project, and we're excited to invite you to join our Early Access phase. From the very beginning, we aimed to create a top-down perspective competitive game that addresses key pain points in traditional MOBAs (like Honor of Kings), such as overly complex item systems, excessively long matches, and cooldow… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Project:Qing.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, story

84% User Score Based on 234 reviews

A deep automation and programming game on a frozen alien planet. Write real code to drive rovers, run power grids, fabricate parts, and fly drone fleets across the world. Your scripts run while you plan your next move. The more you terraform, the more the planet responds. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Code: Terraform.

69%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, atmosphere

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, monetization

69% User Score Based on 81 reviews

Level up your chill time with Flick Solitaire. Forget boring card decks – we’re teaming up with real indie artists to design every card, bringing you gorgeous, original artwork. Build your ultimate card collection as you flick through Patience, Pyramid, and Spider. De-stress with a good FLICK! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Flick Solitaire.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

71% User Score Based on 740 reviews

Real GPS treasure hunting meets business! Multiplayer Money Game + Simulator If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Resources: Business Tycoon GPS.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

92% User Score Based on 53 reviews

Ever dreamed of turning a simple food cart into a city-wide empire of flavour? In Business Heroes: Street Grub, you play as an aspiring street food entrepreneur, starting with one tiny stall and expanding through strategy, savvy, and delicious cooking. This game combines turn-based strategy and business simulation to deliver a quirky, deep tycoon experience. In our demo, you can play the opening w… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Business Heroes: Street Grub.

67%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

67% User Score Based on 491 reviews

Explore alien worlds and launch Offensives against the Void as a member of the ESS Starseeker crew. Embark on timed Expeditions to investigate alien flora and fauna, upgrade your gear, and complete missions to save the Universe. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions.

70%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

70% User Score Based on 403 reviews

Wild Indigo Ranch is a cozy cowboy-life RPG for 1-4 players. Start a new life on the prairie, explore the frontier, build the finest ranch in the West, and ride into the sunset. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Wild Indigo Ranch.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

81% User Score Based on 349 reviews

PLAY THE DEMO FIRST!!! It's the first 10-20 hours of the game, with full multiplayer, and your progress carries over into the full game. New World to Discover: Start as a young, unaffiliated captain with an entire world open for exploration. Every campaign features a unique, procedurally generated map, ensuring no two games are alike. Play Solo or Co-op: Experience it all alone or sail with friend… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Windward Horizon.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, story

80% User Score Based on 1,142 reviews

A 1-8 player co-op sci-fi looter horror game that takes place on a mysterious asteroid belt where players must complete contracts by traveling to exotic planets to kill creatures, find loot, and/or farm planetary materials that they must return to an ominous figure named Sketchy. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sketchy's Contract.

67%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

67% User Score Based on 110 reviews

"WELCOME TO NEW KOZA" It's the end of the 20th century, on a historic timeline different from that which we know. A manmade island off the coast of Okinawa is humming with a dirty, exotic vibe - and it's awesome! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Orangeblood.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics

74% User Score Based on 639 reviews

Critic Score 73%Based on 2 reviews

Traverse the universe and fight strategic, real-time battles alongside your friends in This Means Warp - an intense cooperative roguelike game. Upgrade your ship, take down individual enemy subsystems, and adapt your strategies in a constantly changing fight for survival. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to This Means Warp.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

87% User Score Based on 167 reviews

Open beta available on STEAM [Media 6933182] [Media 7131643] You can join us on our Discord server to chat about Pocket Bravery and give us some feedback. :gj/smile: [Media 4172339] [Media... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pocket Bravery.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

97% User Score Based on 1,567 reviews

DISCLAIMER: The file is a very very early Tech Demo which was released in early 2019. You can support the latest and full version of the game by clicking here: After you stole a time machine from a secret facility you go on a trip through time. Visit all possible time periods with specific jobs and quests for each of them. But watch out for the Time Agents.  And avoid yourself when traveling in t… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to No Time.

57%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

63% User Score Based on 41 reviews

YOU... and who else? is an addictive Strategy game developed by Aldorlea Games. Recruit troops, improve your skills, conquer castles and progressively unite the world under one banner. Your ability to come up with a good tactic will be tested! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to You... and who else?.

51%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, replayability

83% User Score Based on 12 reviews

A classic story of love, war and betrayal on an intergalatic scale. A epic turn based RPG with both sandbox and linear story progression. Take up arms with energy and exciting weapons and skills for the battle of the ages, who will decide the fate for all of humanity? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Dawning Clocks of Time.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

75% User Score Based on 214 reviews

Create and manage your own music festival empire. Book bands, setup stages, organise your line-up, layout tents and portaloos, roll out the food trucks and build your festival’s reputation to appease sponsors and earn big bucks.In Festival Tycoon, booking bands, setting up stages, organizing the line-ups, layout tents and portaloos is some of the many mechanics one will need to master to build the… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Festival Tycoon.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

82% User Score Based on 152 reviews

Amber Throne is a traditional JRPG-styled game that focuses on turn-based battling and some light exploration. The game features a large cast of unique monsters that change stances depending on actions taken during combat, and a party with mostly mixed hybrid roles to deal with them. Learning monster behavior and how your skills affect them is essential to reaching victory. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Amber Throne.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

76% User Score Based on 3,517 reviews

Teamwork and betrayal in space! In this VR party game, Crewmates work together to complete tasks before one or more Impostors kill everyone aboard. Experience all of the same deception and deceit as the original game, but now in your own virtual Skeld. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Among Us 3D: VR.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:optimization, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

78% User Score Based on 60 reviews

What is ENGAGE? ENGAGE is a pioneering platform offering immersive virtual reality, mixed reality and metaverse solutions for enterprises and educational institutions. With a focus on enabling seamless virtual collaboration, learning, and training, our platform utilizes the latest in generative AI and digital twin technologies. ENGAGE serves over 200+ global clients, providing secure, scalable … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ENGAGE.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

78% User Score Based on 948 reviews

Critic Score 69%Based on 2 reviews

Emulate your favorite arcade games in an environment engrossed with retro realism and extremely detailed surroundings. Be filled with nostalgia and realise what arcade life felt like back in the 80’s/early 90’s. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to New Retro Arcade: Neon.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development

95% User Score Based on 1,055 reviews

Voyage into the wide world of Eral as an explorer, trader, or privateer. Defeat your enemies on land or at sea in deep but straightforward tactical combat. Unravel the secrets behind Dominio's betrayal – or sail off in search of your own adventure. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Horizon's Gate.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

97% User Score Based on 985 reviews

After you escaped with a time machine from a secret facility you go on a trip through time. Visit all possible time periods with specific jobs and quests for each of them. But watch out for the Time Agents. And avoid yourself! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to No Time.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

96% User Score Based on 3,504 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

Buy Heavenly Bodies on PS4 and PS5 and discover the ever-changing nuances of weightless motion in this challenging physics game. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Heavenly Bodies.