Games like PbtA23 January Digest

The contents of this digest were inspired by dungeon23, an exercise to create a dungeon room a day for every day in 2023. I can’t do that. Instead, I’m writing a “move” every day. A move is a piece of gaming tech used in powered-by-the-apocalypse (PbtA) games, which are tabletop RPGs descended from the systems and philosophies inspired by Meg & Vincent Baker’s Apocalypse World.  Some of t… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to PbtA23 February Digest.

Splat 5: Golden is a zine about how the TTRPG world has grown and where it’s going next. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dungeons and Dragons, and more excitingly, 50 years of TTRPGs as we know them! To celebrate, we spoke with seven designers from throughout the industry to take a look back at some recent developments in tabletop roleplaying. What's Inside Meguey & Vincent Baker in conv… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Splat 5: Golden.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

92% User Score Based on 135 reviews

Retro RPG that takes inspiration from SNES and PS1 classics. Action turn-based battle system with skill learning, slots for stat boosting, equipment crafting, monster catching, rank based Colosseum, and side quests. 30+ hour emotional story with adult-oriented themes and powerful original soundtrack. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Forever Home.

54%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, story

48% User Score Based on 218 reviews

Critic Score 48%Based on 2 reviews

Created by Sólfar and RVX, EVEREST VR is one of the most spectacular use cases of virtual reality yet. Preparing for your expedition at Basecamp, you will traverse the Khumbu Icefalls, scale Lhotse Face, ascend the Hillary Step, and finally conquer the summit of Everest. You will learn to respect the mountain, you may even survive the encounter. You will leave the experience feeling like you were … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Everest VR.

51%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, grinding

51% User Score Based on 69 reviews

Build, Export, PlayIn Virtual Battlemap you build a 3D battle maps, and then export Print & Web Quality 2D map images to be used in tabletop play or online play. Using the simple but powerful map editor you can build any battle map you want. You can also use the 3D maps with table projectors and Screen in table systems. Works with Fantasy Grounds, Roll20 and many others! High Print Quality E… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Virtual Battlemap.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

93% User Score Based on 162 reviews

Throughout our lives the moments we share with others paint bold strokes across our canvas of memories. They define our personality, our existence, and shape our futures. Our greatest desire is to find that moment, that perfect instance, we wish to relive forever. That moment, no matter where you are or what you're feeling, is home. After a series of tragic events, our hero Xero and his best frien… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Forever Home.

This game is currently on Kickstarter for Zine Quest 4! Go check it out now to get your discounted digital or physical copy! In Action Figure Rescue Squad, you and up to six players take the roles of living toys! The kid who owns you doesn't know of your sentience but loves you all the same. Playtime with your kid is the best part of your existence because you get to do your favorite thing in the… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Action Figure Rescue Squad.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, music

82% User Score Based on 252 reviews

Learning Factory is a relaxing automation game, which lets you concentrate on the most important task in the Universe: making cats happy again. You're a humble genius scientist who gets invited to become the chief engineer at an abandoned Factory on Mars, designed to produce and sell exquisite goods for cats. It was conceived to learn everything about cats and make them happy, but it is desolated… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Learning Factory.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, optimization

83% User Score Based on 58 reviews

Note about NSFW contentFor some reason, many people assume that this game can generate sexual content, and buy it solely for this reason without reading the store page. So I have to put this here: Please note that the Steam platform imposes restrictions on real-time generated sexual content. For this reason, the Steam version of the game cannot generate sexual content. Other types of adult conte… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to DREAMIO: AI-Powered Adventures.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story

94% User Score Based on 85 reviews

FEATURES: A retro love letter to the Metroid series, with a few quality of life adjustments, such as teleporters, rechargeable ammo, item collection tracking by area, and more Discover journal entries hidden throughout the facility, explaining the grim fate of humanity and its war against the galaxy Uncover the nature of the main character and their role in the conflict Collect and upgrade po… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ex Vitro.

54%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

54% User Score Based on 164 reviews

Nadir is a roguelike deck-builder with a twist: the cost to play a card is an enemy reaction you can predict. Craft your own cards to slay powerful demons. Gather resources, expand your city, grow in power and conquer the underworld. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Nadir: A Grimdark Deckbuilder.

45%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, graphics

53% User Score Based on 36 reviews

From serious battles to extreme chaos, a great Mahjong battle is about to begin! A big Mahjong battle has begun, with more than 120 characters from over 20 titles of Touhou Project, with over 150 artists! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Touhou Gensou Mahjong.

63%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability

63% User Score Based on 239 reviews

Axis Game Factory’s AGFPRO v3.0 – for PC, MAC and LINUX We just released version 3.0 of AGFPRO & Premium - there are a TON of new features, assets and functionality that have been added, giving users the ability to create amazing game levels and maps like NEVER BEFORE!! Major features to AGFPRO 3.0 include compatibility with Unity 5 for AGFPRO, Premium, Zombie FPS, Fantasy Side-Scroller, Dro… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Axis Game Factory's AGFPRO v3.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, gameplay

88% User Score Based on 1,101 reviews

GameMaker has everything you need to take your idea from concept to finished game. With a fresh user interface and many new exciting features including; Real-Time Animation Editing, a new innovative workflow and seamless path from Drag and Drop to actual code, developing top quality games has never been easier! Featuring a powerful programming language for professionals, and a drag-and-drop no-co… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GameMaker.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, monetization

81% User Score Based on 244 reviews

Experience Vampire: The Masquerade in a new way through this isometric cRPG. Change perspectives as you travel through the Heartless Club as a Human and a Vampire. Roll the dice, take your choices, and embrace the night in this narrative prologue. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Vampire: The Masquerade - Heartless Lullaby.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

79% User Score Based on 2,302 reviews

Critic Score 90%Based on 1 reviews

Set out on a grand adventure in this turn-based, retro style, pixel-art RPG, inspired by the great titles of the 90's. Take on the roles of in-game players taking on the roles of their characters in a traditional pen and paper RPG session in the ultimate meta roleplaying experience. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Knights of Pen and Paper + 1.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, stability

81% User Score Based on 4,066 reviews

Set out on a grand adventure in this turn-based, retro style, pixel-art RPG! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Knights of Pen & Paper +1.

98%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, story

98% User Score Based on 611 reviews

Evil Egg was an ecstatic twin-stick nightmare known for its brutal shooting action and intense audiovisual effects. Infinite horrors tear apart a world of little green men, the only hope an errant hatchling. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Evil Egg.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, replayability

Most mentioned negative aspects:monetization, graphics

81% User Score Based on 1,060 reviews

Challenge Chess World Champion Magnus Carlsen at chess! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Play Magnus - Play Chess.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding

97% User Score Based on 1,220 reviews

You are the Carimara, and your mission is to conjure a ghost by answering their questions using your cards. A short and creepy fairytale, full of surprises and mysteries. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to CARIMARA: Beneath the forlorn limbs.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

94% User Score Based on 34 reviews

Willow Guard is a story-driven indie RPG set in a world where the Gods have abandoned the animals they once uplifted. Left to their own devices, and invaded by mysterious, horrific monsters from another dimension, the denizens of Tersa turn to the Willow Guards for protection. Isometric Action Gameplay Build an action deck of specialized Willow Guard abilities that you activate as you battle thr… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Willow Guard.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

100% User Score Based on 25 reviews

Download the game on Steam! The world has frozen. Explore a broken, fragmented universe to collect cards, customize your party, battle creatures, and find your friends to restore the world.Silver Daze is a retro style coming-of-age JRPG filled with unique characters and thrilling battles! Join Our Discord Server Master deep turn based combat by selecting your favorite cards and developing ne… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Silver Daze.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, music

78% User Score Based on 225 reviews

Critic Score 65%Based on 2 reviews

Amass wealth, topple governments, achieve immortality. Spinnortality is a cyberpunk management sim where corporations are king. Can you build your technocratic power and create an empire that will stand for eternity? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Spinnortality.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

96% User Score Based on 1,947 reviews

'Warsim: The Realm of Aslona' FACT SHEET Developer: Huw MillwardRelease Date: 20 Dec 2022 (Original EA release on steam 28 Jun, 2017)Platforms: PC (Windows)Contact: u/Huw2k8 on reddit, [email protected]: $9.99 (Was $4.99 until March 30th 2020 when price increased)Development Log: Warsim Subreddit GAME DESCRIPTION Warsim is a deep and rich text based kingdom management game unlike anything e… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Warsim: The Realm of Aslona - Press Kit.

78%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, story

78% User Score Based on 670 reviews

Demons are searching for a new home—what better place than Sin City? Play solo or in a team of up to four in this wave-based first-person shooter survival game. Fight to escape the hellbreach as the demon army invades Las Vegas. How long can you survive? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hellbreach: Vegas.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

96% User Score Based on 1,999 reviews

Moonring is a retro-inspired open-world, turn-based, tile RPG in the style of the old Ultima games, but created with modern design sensibilities, and a unique neon aesthetic. The world is fixed,... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Moonring.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability

80% User Score Based on 148 reviews

Demo Available — Try Before You BuyTest your system performance and get a first look at some of the game’s core gameplay, atmosphere, and controls. Age Ratings: Certified through IARC Your Feedback MattersThis is our first game, and your feedback helps us improve over time, You can share your feedback in the Steam Discussions section. About the Game A third-person survival horror acti… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ENTITY: THE BLACK DAY.

57%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, atmosphere

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, gameplay

57% User Score Based on 105 reviews

Enter the world of Ahkranox - the first ever genuinely infinite first person roguelike. Become the incarnate form of a magical, sentient Sword, protecting a realm of dreams from the shadows of its own tormented soul, and stand as an eternal guardian against the infinite darkness that threatens to consume all. In development since 2010 and meticulously inspired by the classic RPG experiences of th… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Malevolence: The Sword of Ahkranox.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, monetization

97% User Score Based on 1,109 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 1 reviews

Waltz of the Wizard is a virtual reality experience that lets you feel what it's like to have magical powers. Combine arcane ingredients into a boiling cauldron with the help of an ancient spirit trapped in a human skull. Unleash creative or destructive wizardry upon a fully interactive virtual world. Travel to new places, finding yourself in mysterious circumstances full of detail and unforgettab… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Waltz of the Wizard.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

79% User Score Based on 76 reviews

Be enchanted by a classic style action-packed adventure full of secrets, puzzles, unrequited love, exploration and loads of madness. Discover the amazing story of Khoma and the Witches of Bethem. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stories of Bethem: Full Moon.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

73% User Score Based on 1,517 reviews

Welcome to GameGuru Classic, game making for everyone. We've created an easy to use and most enjoyable game creator. Join us and our great and enthusiastic game-making community on your journey to make fun games! Imagine creating a world that you and your friends come together and play... and creating it can be a matter of minutes with no technical jiggery-pokery needed at all :-) Of course, you… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to GameGuru Classic.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, atmosphere

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, optimization

84% User Score Based on 145 reviews

Smile Game Builder is a game making software. Programming is not a required skill! All necessary materials are included such as 3D models, graphics, music and more. Now, all you need is your creativity! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SMILE GAME BUILDER.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

85% User Score Based on 2,152 reviews

Critic Score 84%Based on 4 reviews

Prepare to join Knights of Pen & Paper 2 in a turn-based, retro style, pixel-art adventure full of danger, intrigue, and semi-appropriate cultural references! Assemble your party and control your group of pen and paper role-players as they are guided through their adventures by the Game Master. All the fun of pen and paper RP, none of the lost dice! Now including races like Dwarf or Elf, asse… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Knights of Pen and Paper 2.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

94% User Score Based on 270 reviews

Engage in tactical grid-based combat in this classic-styled fantasy CRPG. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Caves of Lore.

41%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, story

41% User Score Based on 1,328 reviews

Maia is space colony building simulator from independent developer Simon Roth. Guide your colonists as they make planetfall on a hostile alien world and do your best to ensure their survival and safety. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Maia.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, optimization

77% User Score Based on 270 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 2 reviews

A strategy game of exploration, endurance, and space travel on an interstellar gothic monastery. Explore solar systems, harvest resources, construct outposts, and face hazards in the challenging universe of The Banished Vault. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Banished Vault.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development

84% User Score Based on 445 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 1 reviews

This version includes: - Last Dream - Last Dream: World Unknown If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Last Dream.

58%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

58% User Score Based on 1,632 reviews

Critic Score 59%Based on 16 reviews

Set in the lush and vibrant world of the Forgotten Realms, Sword Coast Legends offers an all-new way to enjoy the time-tested magic of playing Dungeons & Dragons as a shared storytelling experience. With a deep narrative developed by a team of long-time industry veterans and a partnership with Wizards of the Coast, the single player campaign of Sword Coast Legends brings the world of Faerûn home l… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sword Coast Legends.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

94% User Score Based on 2,413 reviews

Critic Score 90%Based on 1 reviews

THE CORRIDOR is a 20-30 minute experience about the relationship between player and game. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to THE CORRIDOR.

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.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, monetization

83% User Score Based on 125 reviews

RPG Paper Maker is a game making engine, free for non commercial use, allowing you to create a 3D universe with many 2D sprites and even 3D objects using a simple interface for all available platforms: Windows, Linux, and MacOS. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to RPG Paper Maker.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

96% User Score Based on 2,926 reviews

In 'Warsim: The Realm of Aslona' your only goal is to keep the Kingdom of Aslona from destruction and carry it to glory, how you do it is entirely up to you, you may be a harsh dictator charging... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Warsim: The Realm of Aslona.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, replayability

93% User Score Based on 308 reviews

You are Agent Zero. Your mission: assassinate Benjamin Miller, a radical who broke into CIA facilities and stole top secret chemical weapons research. Your mission quickly takes a dark turn as you learn the truth of what Miller was searching for that night. Become part of the story in this interactive Room-Scale VR narrative, told in Chinese and English. Inspired by true events. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Price of Freedom.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, stability

82% User Score Based on 408 reviews

Infinite text-based RPG, powered by cutting-edge AI technology which runs on your graphics card. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to AI Roguelite.

75%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

75% User Score Based on 432 reviews

Welcome aboard the Swiss Alps undergrounds! Inspired by base-building & management games Dungeon Keeper, Evil Genius and Rimworld with a touch of sci-fi show Stargate SG-1, the Xeno Bits team wants to dive you into a new futuristic experience: Exogate Initiative. About the game Exogate Initiative is a management/base-building game that puts you in charge of mankind's first worlds exploration pro… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Exogate Initiative.

77%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

77% User Score Based on 894 reviews

Critic Score 78%Based on 2 reviews

Winemaking could be your best adventure. Make the best wine interacting with soil and nature and take your winery to the top. Your beautiful journey into the winemaking tradition starts now. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hundred Days.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding

94% User Score Based on 2,558 reviews

Ever felt uninspired, technically challenged or just bored when creating your game maps? Dungeon Alchemist is a mapmaking application for tabletop RPG's that enables you to make amazing, high-quality maps in seconds! Simply pick a theme, start drawing, and Dungeon Alchemist creates high-quality maps you can print, share, or use in your favourite Virtual Tabletop Application. Walls, floors, objects… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dungeon Alchemist.

100%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

100% User Score Based on 406 reviews

Mardek is a fantasy/sci-fi/retro Flash RPG from 2007-2010, which blends parody with a deeper story. It offers solid turn-based RPG combat and dozens of hours of gameplay. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to MARDEK.

55%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

53% User Score Based on 266 reviews

Critic Score 63%Based on 2 reviews

In Warhammer Quest 2: The End Times, you will lead your group of brave warriors across a war torn land and into dungeons for wealth and glory! Swing swords, fire arrows and cast spells as you fight through the denizens of Chaos that threaten the Warhammer world. Success in battle is rewarded with new weapons, armours, skills and treasure. Explore three regions, each with their own enemy sets, obje… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Warhammer Quest 2: The End Times.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

94% User Score Based on 2,077 reviews

RPG Maker VX Ace is the latest and greatest engine in the RPG Maker series, improving on every aspect of creating your very own epic adventure. The most powerful editor yet, Ace supports multiple tilesets, offers full control over autoshadow and has a very flexible features system. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to RPG Maker VX Ace.