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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The patients arriving at Lonchester hospital have ongoing medical and life issues. You can help them by administering the right kind of medicines. They will gradually reveal and share aspects of their lives with you. Coordinate your volunteer medical squad, schedule your turns and enjoy figuring out the optimal strategy to heal each patient. Tabletop gamers might know this as "Action Programming".… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Co OPERATION: MultiTurn.

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.

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.

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.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

75% User Score Based on 600 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 1 reviews

The official adaptation of the famous board game Mysterium! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mysterium.

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.

In the heart of a quiet snow storm It’s the calm before the storm… The town of Wintervale has seen snow before. Your fleet has been taken care of since the last snowfall and is ready for a long day. Get some rest as the first snow flakes start falling, this is going to be a big one. You’ll wake up early and get to work, you must make sure the streets are safe when the morning comes. 3:00 am. Tim… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Snow Plow.

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.

A community driven an adventure MMORPG. We threw aside the traditional mmo and made it for gamers by gamers. The goal is to bring a classic feeling MMORPG to the scene while still using modern technology. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Swordia.

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.

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.

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.

Crash! That was last thing Professor Ayumu Tsuburaya heard before waking up in the hospital. While in a coma, he struggles to remember what led to his condition. Searching his psyche for answers, the beings that make up the fabric of his personality begin to emerge, locked in conflict. Konsui Fighter is a hand-drawn animated fighting game. The game features 10 playable characters, online/local mu… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to KONSUI FIGHTER.

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.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:music

97% User Score Based on 118 reviews

Yugo: the non-game is a virtual space where you can drive a car, listen to the radio, and invite people to talk and share the experience with. It's a space that allows long conversations and hangouts that are often harder to come by when communicating digitally. It's a non-gamification of common voice chat sessions between people playing a game. It is a game for non-gamers. When a player starts a … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Yugo: the non-game.

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 CITY ON THE BRINK Dredgeport is spiralling out of control. Gangs rule the slums, corruption trumps the law, and corpses of the war-dead are burned daily for fuel. You are an ex-soldier, mistaken for dead and shipped back to Dredgeport for processing. After a narrow escape, you find yourself alone in the guts of the city, with only two things to your name: your life and your sanity. Keeping both … 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!.

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.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability

95% User Score Based on 55 reviews

Control your hands and destroy friendships in this physics-based fighting game. Use your elastic arms to swing, slingshot, and parkour around the highly dynamic maps. Wield powerful weapons or use your bare fists to clobber your opponents! This is the demo version of the game, the full game is still in development. Come follow our progress in our Discord server! NOTE: The online mode is only ava… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Oblin Party.