Games like Back Alley Games #017 - DIGITAL EDITION

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 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.

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’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'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.

Join us for our sickest issue yet as we delve into the fruits of a communal effort to restore the S.I.C.K. (Super Indie City Konsole) and an entire suite of games! From long lost launch titles to cult classic restorations, it's all here. Join us in welcoming back the S.I.C.K. to a new era of DIY game goodness.  Submissions Located in the midwest and want to submit content to be featured? Email… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Back Alley Games #015 - The SICK Issue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

94% User Score Based on 971 reviews

A collaborative online painting game where players can create, edit, and rate each other's art! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Different Strokes.

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.

In the bustling city of Metroville, traffic congestion has reached unprecedented levels, causing frustration and delays for its residents. To address this issue, the city council introduces the "TrafficMaster" traffic control initiative. As a rookie traffic control officer, the player embarks on a journey to become the renowned TrafficMaster, responsible for managing traffic flow. E… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Traffic Master.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, atmosphere

96% User Score Based on 1,107 reviews

Co-working just got cuter! On-Together: Virtual Co-Working is a digital third space designed to help you focus and stay connected. Work or study with your friends and strangers from all over the world! Features: Co-work with friends or strangers in a cozy virtual workspace. Play in fullscreen, on the side of your screen or in transparent sticker mode. Use productivity tools including a customisabl… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to On-Together: Virtual Co-Working.

Wishlist the full game on Steam! Join the Community! Instagram Twitter Discord Kickstarter About Rising Spire: Prelude The Prelude is a short snippet of Rising Spire, focused on the events leading up to the main game. Think of it like a demo with a twist: a brief story showcasing the world, getting you familiar with the game and its mechanics, as well as introducing some of the NPCs you will als… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rising Spire.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:optimization, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, graphics

74% User Score Based on 126 reviews

Physics-fueled games with friendsHello there. I assume you’re here to learn more about Banter. It does say ‘About this game’ up there, doesn’t it? Well, SideQuest (do you know them? Great bunch) made a Social VR game. With excellent physics in it. Go ahead and scroll down to see what else you’ll find in Banter. I promise it’s interesting.  The best physics in Social VR Harness cutting-edge Fle… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Banter.

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.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, optimization

88% User Score Based on 112 reviews

A fighting game in card form. Learn your character, practice combos, and read the opponent's tendencies. Strategic, turn-based card battling that lets you experience the nuances of fighting games like Street Fighter and Fantasy Strike by a lead designer who worked on both. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Yomi 2.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

99% User Score Based on 214 reviews

King of the Hat is 2-4 player 2D party platformer where you fight with a hat! Throw your hat to attack, defend and bait opponents. But watch out! If someone jumps on your hat... you die If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to King of the Hat.

61%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

61% User Score Based on 160 reviews

RIFF XR is an immersive VR MMORPG where your journey shapes a vast, ever-evolving world. Forge alliances, battle fierce enemies, and uncover hidden treasures in a richly detailed universe. Engage with dynamic AI NPCs who react to your choices, offering unique quests and bringing the world to life with their evolving stories. Plus, unleash your creativity by crafting and sharing your own conte… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Riff XR.

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.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, monetization

72% User Score Based on 213 reviews

Will you be the hunter or the hunted in this iconic horror board game? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fury of Dracula.

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.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

75% User Score Based on 1,583 reviews

Critic Score 66%Based on 1 reviews

Join Book of Travels and become part of a unique social roleplaying experience that doesn’t hold your hand. Inspired by genre classics, this is a serene adventure that sets you adrift in a fairytale world... it’s also an invitation to roleplay without the restraints of linear missions and plotlines. Feel at liberty to travel the free wilds and vivid cities of the Braided Shore peninsula. Wander de… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Book of Travels.

59%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

59% User Score Based on 232 reviews

Train Station Simulator is a station builder and manager game. Create and maintain your dream station! Ride the rails and operate your ultimate grand central empire! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Train Station Simulator.

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.

Produced as part of an art exhibition asking for prototype monuments that might better respond to our current moment, Dissensus is a sketch for a hypothetical app. The imagined app would use geo-fencing to send text messages to users' phones about things other users wish to memorialize throughout the city—whether moments of trauma, joy, human connection, or alienation. Users would have no preexist… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dissensus.

TRY THE FREE DEMO! / WISHLIST ON STEAM A text-based open world fantasy roguelike adventure Master the secrets of a changing fantasy world over the course of many 30-90 minute adventures. Explore the wilds around a single village as you track down magical treasures, aid or disrupt encroaching factions, and match wits with an enigmatic Magician. Thousands of possible endings! Complete player f… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Upheaval.

Create Your Own Universe is a survival, crafting, exploration, base building, third person, open world, go anywhere you see on screen space game. In CYOU you will take a journey to construct your own universe. You will create star systems, star clusters, even galaxies, after completing the main story line and/or gaining the sufficient abilities. Players will be in interaction with each other;… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Create Your Own Universe.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, optimization

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, gameplay

93% User Score Based on 173 reviews

MITHOS is a modular, system-agnostic digital toolkit designed to stay out of your way so you can focus on what's important: Telling stories with your friends. Built by a DM for DMs, MITHOS replaces the cluttered experience of running games through multiple browser tabs and cloud-dependent subscriptions with a light-weight, locally-stored dashboard. Total Creative FreedomUnlike platforms that lo… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to MITHOS: Game Master's TTRPG Toolkit.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, music

90% User Score Based on 126 reviews

从繁华市井到塞外荒原，你可以自由探索神州每一寸土地。结识各方能人异士，体悟江湖快意恩仇 近千名NPC皆拥有独特的性格、倾向和喜好。你可以投其所好成为莫逆之交，或是暗箭伤人结下深仇大恨。若交情匪浅，他们还会飞鸽传书与你邀约相聚，请求救援，或相约共闯龙潭虎穴，一同争夺惊人宝藏！ 你也可以选择心仪之对象，海誓山盟，喜结连理。但若三心二意，始乱终弃，恐怕也难逃严峻之惩罚。 从武当少林的名门正宗，到唐门五毒的剑走偏锋，乃至墨家神机门的机关异兽，近千种武学自由搭配，将你的角色培养成独树一帜的武林高手。 从外门弟子一步步积累门派功绩，直至成为掌门！管理门派建筑营造，科研外交；将天下神功尽数收入藏经阁，供弟子修习参阅；设置每名弟子的工作重心，因材施教，并率领他们惩奸除恶或横行霸道；最终将自己的门派建设成江湖中一支举足轻重之力量。 乱世是专属… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 龙胤立志传.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, optimization

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, monetization

78% User Score Based on 1,116 reviews

Brickadia is a next-generation sandbox game with immense flexibility. Every creative tool - building, scripting, and more - is used right in the game, in real-time multiplayer. Build massive worlds, intricate physics contraptions, and entirely new game modes together with your friends without ever leaving the action. Build anything you can imagine. It's super easy to get started placing bricks… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Brickadia.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, music

90% User Score Based on 72 reviews

UPDATE: Nekokami - The Human Restoration Project is now in Early Access! We have made significant improvement to gameplay and graphics - check it at out our developer page or scroll down to "More from Rocket-in-Bottle"! (Screenshot from Early Access version.) ✨Nekokami: Internship is a FREE prologue to the full game Nekokami. This prologue contains 20+ Expeditions a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nekokami: Internship - The Prologue Adventure.

63%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, optimization

63% User Score Based on 139 reviews

Official Version Content & Update PlanEarly Access to Full LaunchAfter more than 7 months in Early Access, with nearly 30 updates and 3 major version updates, Path of Kung Fu is officially leaving Early Access. The main storyline is now complete (with 5 possible endings), and we've added more open world content. Note: Steam Deck compatibility will follow post-launch. Current performance may v… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Path of Kung Fu.

91%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

91% User Score Based on 166 reviews

A gritty dice-driven RPG, in a steampunk city. You escaped the War, but how to survive? Explore the city. Build up your skills. Decide who to trust. Choose carefully: you might just spark a revolution! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Duskpunk.

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.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, story

75% User Score Based on 2,608 reviews

In a Boundless universe of connected worlds, every players choices will have an impact. Explorer Builder Hunter Trader Crafter Make your own path.brbrOpen portals to travel seamlessly between diverse planets as you expand your adventure across the universe. Watch the sun rise on a volcanic world before joining friends to prospect for precious resources on a desert planet.brbrStarting with your fir… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Boundless.

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.

77%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

82% User Score Based on 384 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 8 reviews

Tools Up! Ultimate Edition is a chaos-filled, local couch-coop extravaganza, all about renovating homes and the outdoors. It comes with all updates, content, and DLC in one package, supporting up to 4 players. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tools Up!.

55%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:emotional, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay

91% User Score Based on 11 reviews

Write your way to success with your talented yet rowdy co-founders in this game development-themed romance visual novel! Do you have what it takes? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Talents.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding

70% User Score Based on 364 reviews

Critic Score 76%Based on 6 reviews

Theater of war, infinite drama. A masterpiece of historical simulation "ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 8" is revived after 20 years. This version includes an improved "All Officers Play" feature, which allows players to play as any officer in the world of the Three Kingdoms. The game is also packed with additional elements that bring the officers to life, such as "Destiny" which can dramatically ch… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS 8 REMAKE.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:atmosphere, replayability

83% User Score Based on 163 reviews

Gather weapons and warriors from the community's imagination in the first strategy card game designed by its players. Create any card you can imagine, and The Collective decides what will show up on the battlefield. Test your skills (not your wallet) in the game that is never beaten, never solved. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Collective Card Game.

91%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

91% User Score Based on 273 reviews

An immersive art showcase in VR, the Museum of Other Realities is a space to connect, share, and experience virtual reality art with others. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Museum of Other Realities.

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?!.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

74% User Score Based on 799 reviews

Players found their own company in a vast, persistent universe and compete with others in trading, production and exploration. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Prosperous Universe.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, graphics

75% User Score Based on 1,346 reviews

'The Scroll of Taiwu' is an indie game based on Chinese mythology and Wuxia tales. You will play as a "successor of Taiwu" in a fictional universe, defeating your greatest enemy under the effort and sacrifice of many generations and change the fate of humankind. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Scroll Of Taiwu.

77%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

77% User Score Based on 6,512 reviews

Tale of Immortal is an open-world sandbox based on Chinese mythology and cultivation. You will grow to become immortal, conquer the beasts from the Classic of Mountains and Season, make your choices carefully and grasp your own destiny. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tale of Immortal.

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.