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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

61%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, story

61% User Score Based on 1,045 reviews

Tabletopia is the only free-to-play sandbox virtual table with 100% licensed board games and ready setups. Already 300 games and counting! Play how you want with whom you want: guests don't need accounts to play. Or make your own games, no programming skills required. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tabletopia.

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.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, atmosphere

98% User Score Based on 266 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Welcome to Elk is a biographical adventure set on an island like no other, where every character you encounter has a story to tell. From the weird and wonderful to the dark and desperate, all the tales told on Elk are based on true stories of life on the road less traveled. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Welcome to Elk.

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.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, optimization

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, graphics

85% User Score Based on 172 reviews

Upgrade your hacking prowess in this unique "Inaction" RPG/MMORPG.  Optimize your build by engaging with the dozens of stats and over 100 different affixes that can appear on gear.  Try to find the ultimate "Signature Affix" item providing unique gameplay mechanics and enabling builds that utilize unorthodox stat combinations. Join or start your own Syndicate with other play… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Idle Hacking: An Inaction RPG.

54%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, monetization

54% User Score Based on 533 reviews

EXFIL delivers a distilled, authentic tactical experience where every match challenges your decision-making, teamwork and situational awareness. Built for players who value realism, EXFIL strips away grinding, magical perks and ‘gear fear’ to focus on pure tactical combat at infantry level. The Early Access release includes four intense extraction game modes: • Classic Extraction: Compet… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to EXFIL.

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.

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.

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.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

89% User Score Based on 626 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 14 reviews

Share the love and die trying! KarmaZoo is a joyful, altruistic, cooperative platformer where up to 10 random players help each other with the unique abilities of 50 different characters - all for the sake of good Karma. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to KarmaZoo.

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:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

48% User Score Based on 466 reviews

Noct is a 2D top-down multiplayer survival horror game that blends arcade combat with RPG survival elements. You are a survivor of the apocalyptic purge that formed the desolate wasteland now know as Noct. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Noct.

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.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, gameplay

88% User Score Based on 277 reviews

Welcome to Manyland, an open universe we invent and live together! In an infinite world of abundance, we create new things by drawing them, build new places, hang out and chat, collect, make music, party, script objects, go on adventures... and have fun together in ways none of us can predict. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Manyland.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, replayability

79% User Score Based on 359 reviews

Visual Novel game about a wave of murders that sweep across a city. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Major\Minor.

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.

31%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:replayability, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, music

31% User Score Based on 61 reviews

GM Forge is a Standalone Virtual Tabletop with competitive features, making it a good affordable alternative. When you buy a copy of GM Forge, your friends join you through their web browser without purchasing a copy. It has all the competitive features in other virtual tabletops, as well as some impressive new innovative ideas built with the average GM in mind. GM Forge is essentially a sandbox … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GM Forge - Virtual Tabletop.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, optimization

88% User Score Based on 112 reviews

Turbo Sliders Unlimited is a spiritual successor of many classic top-down racing games, but in 3D and with modern online features and extensive customization and modding possibilities. It goes far beyond being just a racing game - it is a community driven platform where anyone can create their own levels, vehicles and game modes. It can be played as a serious esports game or as a fun casual game. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Turbo Sliders Unlimited.