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.

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.

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.

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 negative aspects:story, gameplay

75% User Score Based on 32 reviews

Starship Horizons is a multi-player experience allowing 2-6 players commanding a Starship as the bridge officers in the roles of Captain, Flight, Tactical, Science, Operations, and Engineering. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Starship Horizons Bridge Simulator.

63%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

72% User Score Based on 39 reviews

A single player metroidvania 3D game with cooperative gameplay. Find out what's going on by taking control of distinct characters and change between them whenever you want. An unique mix of 3rd person shooter and challenging puzzles! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Body Changer.

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 with no combat, where you explore, collect vehicles, customize properties, and create your own lifestyle. Discover locations, take part in optional activities, and shape the world at your own pace. 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.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability

94% User Score Based on 219 reviews

Get the Stores Ready for Opening Megastore: Tidy Up Together is a cozy organization game about transforming messy stores into clean, carefully arranged shopping spaces, either solo or together in online co-op. Products are scattered throughout each store, and every item belongs in a specific department, category, and shelf. Follow the signs, identify where each product belongs, group matching item… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Megastore: Tidy Up Together.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, story

84% User Score Based on 234 reviews

FREE DEMO IS AVAILABLE: Download and play the game now. You've been sent to a frozen alien world. Your ship is silent. Sensors offline. The only way to bring this place to life is to write code. Code: Terraform is an automation/programming game where every action happens through scripts you write. Not visual programming. Not drag and drop. Real code, in a language modeled after Python, w… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Code: Terraform.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, stability

71% User Score Based on 182 reviews

Do you miss running your finger along the spines of all your game boxes, deciding what you might be in the mood to play? Do you long for instruction manuals, inlays, and that intoxicating plasticky smell when you crack open a new box and bury your nose inside. Ahhh. BOXROOM is a shrine to all of that; a little space to call your own, and a way to explore and interact with your game library in a mo… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to BOXROOM.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, atmosphere

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

89% User Score Based on 61 reviews

Eufloria Classic brings back the original Strategy charms of the long-unavailable indie classic, updated for a new age with tons of new content and features, including extreme moddability. Old school intergalactic floral warfare is BACK! Grow your own Units Conquer asteroids in space and use their resources to grow floral creatures that do the player's bidding. Expand your empire and fight for res… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Eufloria Classic.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, monetization

97% User Score Based on 89 reviews

A relaxed 3D jigsaw puzzle game about building detailed miniature dioramas of places from around the world. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Puzzling Places: 3D Jigsaw Sim.

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.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

79% User Score Based on 42 reviews

Skygard Arena is a turn-based tactics game with a lore-rich single-player campaign and a multiplayer PvP arena mode. Pick your favorite Champions, build your strongest team, and claim victory through smart positioning and ability combos! Move your Champions to victoryUse your Champions' movement action and dash spells wisely to gain tactical advantages: Find the perfect angle to land devastatin… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Skygard Arena.

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.

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.

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.

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.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

90% User Score Based on 2,092 reviews

This newest entry in the renowned Heroes of Might and Magic series brings strategic empire building, epic turn-based tactical battles, and in-depth RPG mechanics to a world of fantastical beasts, formidable spellcasters, and fierce champions. Explore a vibrant world full of secrets and dangers as you play through an epic narrative campaign that heralds impending doom, or conquer both procedurally … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

83% User Score Based on 84 reviews

Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery is a cozy hidden object game that has you searching for hidden objects in hand-drawn, interactive landscapes. Ignite your imagination, unleash your inner artist with the editor and share your masterpieces with the world! THREE ERAS TO DISCOVER Dive into three captivating eras: Victorian elegance, Noir mystery, and Sci-fi wonder. Test your keen eye and unravel the … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hidden Through Time 2: Discovery.

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.

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.

100%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

100% User Score Based on 72 reviews

Em-bark on a therapeutic adventure as a Corgi exploring a peaceful island getaway. Climb the mountain, soar the sky, and sail the seas to uncover treasures and cozy spots. No need to rush. Relax and savor this bite-sized, open-world experience while 10% of your purchase is donated to animal shelters. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to A Corgi's Cozy Hike.

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.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, story

74% User Score Based on 54 reviews

Super Slime Arena is a multiplayer, 2D fighting game with one-hit knockouts. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Super Slime Arena.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

96% User Score Based on 978 reviews

Vermillion is a VR painting simulator, bringing the full analogue joy of oil painting into the digital world. Get the unrivaled sense of accomplishment from creating something beautiful on the canvas, without the messy living room. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Vermillion.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, atmosphere

93% User Score Based on 45 reviews

A point and click adventure. Bik and his newfound alien friends outsmart hijackers, (eat some brownies), accept a perilous mission, (make some sandwiches), foil a dastardly plot by an evil corporate empire, (argue with disgruntled robots), and save a planet on the brink of destruction. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bik - A Space Adventure.

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?!.