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.

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.

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.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, optimization

78% User Score Based on 108 reviews

JOIN OUR DISCORD ROADMAP About the GameKing of Retail 2 is a third-person retail tycoon — a DEEP business simulation where every decision, from floor plan to staff roster to product mix, shapes whether your stores thrive or fail. Everything, from floor space, to shelf stock to products carried, even wall designs and employee affect your store’s appeal, sales, and profitability. Simulated… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to King of Retail 2.

100%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:music

100% User Score Based on 64 reviews

Find 100 cats. A carefully hand drawn scene filled with cute characters. The process is short and won't take up too much player time. You can choose your favorite dyeing for the convenience of color blind players. Extremely easy to achieve. Automatically save and read files. There is a local timer ranking. No punishment, easy and enjoyable. You can play games with family and friends on the same co… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Where Cats 猫咪在哪里.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development

82% User Score Based on 55 reviews

Puzzle Wizards is a cozy co-op puzzle MMO from the creators of Puzzle Pirates (2003). Create your wizard and join a magical world of puzzling wizardry! Harvest, craft and battle by playing three respective puzzles, where you own skill makes the difference to your results. Join co-op adventures in the wilds and defeat nefarious spirits and worse to gather resources and loot, then return to your coz… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Puzzle Wizards.

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.

Help young Aris to solve the mystery of the fall of Asfand and It’s guild of alchemists, avenge the death of her brother, discover the limits of her powers all of that and more inside a 3D voxel action adventure game where you control weapons made of metal. Aris has been training for all her life due to her special powers and skills along with her brother to go inside the Alchemists Dungeon and re… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mystic Fate.

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.

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, slow down, and enjoy the simple pleasure of fishing This is a cozy, stylized fishing game designed to be played at your own pace. Explore calm waters, catch charming and unusual fish, and enjoy a relaxing experience focused on satisfaction, atmosphere, and fun. Every catch feels rewarding. Every moment is unhurried. A World Full of Charm From funny little fish to mysterious … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to AGameAboutFishing.

OWGameKit: The Game is a relaxing open-world sandbox designed for freedom, exploration, and creativity. The game is intentionally combat-free, letting you shape your own lifestyle at your own pace. At the start, create your character and choose between male or female, a key feature that influences your appearance. You can then buy outfits and accessories in clothing stores across the city and chan… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to OWGameKit: The Game.

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.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

92% User Score Based on 49 reviews

The Brewline is an open world bootlegging simulation. Players build their own alcohol empire through production, trade, and NPC interactions while competing against rival gangs. Manage your resources and navigate a dangerous landscape to expand your illegal operations. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Brewline.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability

86% User Score Based on 91 reviews

oneway.exe is a first-person investigation puzzle horror game centered on story and internet culture. Explore the digital decay found within the unfinished game of UNTITLED.exe, and solve puzzles as you begin to piece together the story of the three developers who created it.  Face the internet horrors that haunt your past. The ones you've never heard of. They don't exist. IS THIS THE WAY IT… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to oneway.exe: Module 1.0.

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

STARSEEKER is a new game set within the Astroneer universe with a focus on discovery, cooperative expeditions, and camaraderie. Exploring deep space on the ESS Starseeker, players will need to work together with the entire crew of the space station to complete planet- wide objectives across a multitude of star systems using cutting edge technology. 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

Sketchy's Contract is a co-op horror looting game set in outer space on a mysterious asteroid belt where you, a traveler, have caught wind of an exciting advertisement promising a grand adventure with great rewards. Your duties will be simple but fun! Whether alone or with friends, you'll be able to travel to and explore exotic planets, harvest planetary materials, fight alien lifeforms, and searc… 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.

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.

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.

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.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability

89% User Score Based on 87 reviews

Beat up planets in Asterogues, a cosmic bullet hell shoot-em-up hybrid! Pick your character from a band of outcasts banished to the Asteroid Belt, dodge and shoot your way through a brutal onslaught of bullets, and take revenge against the Solar System! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Asterogues.

54%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics

86% User Score Based on 14 reviews

Voice of Belldona weaves a story of swords, magic... and sci-fi! The game features roguelike deck building, Darkest Dungeon-style turn-based combat, elements of JRPG, and a customizable character build system. Choose your character and combat style, explore randomly generated maps, power up your character and team, defeat your enemies and... interact with a cute loli? Play as the powerful So… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Voice of Belldona.

21%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

30% User Score Based on 20 reviews

The people's cries have activated ancient Ohr deposits and woken you from your slumber. Now you must help them to find their frequencies, their souls ... your heaven. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ohr.

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.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

83% User Score Based on 472 reviews

Drop In is a VR social space with a Lobby, Mini games, Solo missions and Multiplayer Gamemodes. Battle Royale Dedicated Servers are planned for the future as the game developes from Early Access to full release. Drop In Consist of the following detailed gameplay mechanics. - Guns, Guns, and More Guns - Zip Lines! - Zombies! - VR interactive mechanics, physics objects and throwing - Dr… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Drop In - VR F2P.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

66% User Score Based on 128 reviews

ViveSpray is a virtual reality graffiti simulator for HTC Vive. Notice: Requires a virtual reality headset. See the VR Support section for more info. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ViveSpray.

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.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

92% User Score Based on 379 reviews

Critic Score 78%Based on 8 reviews

What The Dub?! is a multiplayer party game where each player overdubs missing dialogue from hilariously awful B-movies, outdated PSAs, and bizarre industrial films, with their own witty (or just plain stupid) dubs! Players watch the dubs and vote on the best one. The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins! What The Dub takes "bad movie night" and expands it into an interactive,… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to What The Dub?!.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, music

81% User Score Based on 144 reviews

Critic Score 74%Based on 5 reviews

Aftercharge pits invisible robots against a squad of specialized security enforcers in competitive 3v3 quick-paced skirmishes. The robots must sabotage the energy extractors scattered on the map while the enforcers are tasked to spot them and stop them. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Aftercharge.

54%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

54% User Score Based on 206 reviews

In The Warhorn you will get to play as an adventurer, who decides to leave his homeland to start a life he dreamed of. The world is full of puzzles, stories, enemies and traps. You will learn how to fight, build, steal, hunt and use magic runes. You can build a village and develop it into a great kingdom. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Warhorn.

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.

91%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, atmosphere

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music

91% User Score Based on 64 reviews

RPG Stories is an online 3D World Builder and a Virtual Tabletop that provides you with all necessary, easy-to-use Tools, 3D assets, animated heroes, and monsters for Fantasy, Modern, and Sci-fi TTRPGs, to create your quests and 3D environments.By summer 2023, you will be able to connect with your friends and play your TTRPG sessions online! Everything you need in all-in-one software!We know you a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to RPG Stories.

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.