Hello awesome people! I wanted to do a look at indy games that don't even have a thousand reviews by users over at Steam. In order to be eligible for this list you cannot be a re-released game like Master of Magic Classic or Wasteland Remastered on Steam. Many of these are already have made my previous list and some newer games might make my next game. We'll have two honorable mentions that have just more than 1k reviews. Ready?

Honorable Mention #1 (#12 Overall) - Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadville -


1215 user Reviews
86% Favorable Rating
124.7 hours played
May 2015 release
Northway Games Dev and Prod
Casual Post-Apoc City Builder

https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/257170/header.jpg?t=1667086247

This game also made my Top 25 Games in 2015.

In this game you have several classes of inhabitants like socials, scavengers thinkers, builders and warriors...

https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/257170/ss_602abc69a62be5bb494cd75905a439e5626b3239.1920x1080.jpg?t=1667086247

You send one or more of your people to an unclaimed space to attack Zombies, scavenge, and then build it into your city. You can also rebuild captured things into new things like a captured shop into a farm to make food or housing for your people to live in. Zombies are growing and you'll need to attack them regularly in order to regulate them:

https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/257170/ss_c96c0bbdcbd363d58f59f5f3085d4efb06629f0e.1920x1080.jpg?t=1667086247

There are two ways you can play, real time or turn based with each turn a day. I play turn based. In the campaign you'll move from one city to another building towards Vancouver in the Pacific Northwest.

https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/257170/ss_38541ad26e3f808725e431053b140c639daaad48.1920x1080.jpg?t=1667086247

You also need to balance various gangs and governments you'll run into.

https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/257170/ss_d9f2c423bcffeefe29ff149ba00e929c3a459616.1920x1080.jpg?t=1667086247

You can trade with Gustov, research and build items, equip items, level up your people and keep some from one town to the next. It's a lot of balancing to succeed.

Trailer:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-XlzCqoDeEw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Love this thing loads!!!!!!

Honorable Mention #2 (#11 Overall) - Chef

1090 reviews
73% Positive
4.5 hours of play
2020
Inner Void Developer, Digital Tribe Producer
Economic Simulation

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/886900/capsule_616x353.jpg?t=1636597517

In this tycoon style game, you are playing a restaurant manager. You buy a place, decorate it, hire staff, build things up, create a menu, hire supplies, and then open and work the day.

https://images.gog-statics.com/0b82c9a18a13997d40187a3d6214b7898bada9ee12065b4553f524dd55228d65_product_card_v2_mobile_slider_639.jpg

Here's a restaurant.

https://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Chef5.png?fit=1920%2C1080&strip=all

Making an item sample, with drinks and more. Each menu item that you add appeals to one style of eater, like healthy.

Making an item:

https://res.cloudinary.com/lmn/image/upload/e_sharpen:100/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto/v1/gameskinnyc/c/h/e/chef-recipe-template-eb8f0.jpg

There are two expansions as well. One adds pizzas and the other Asian food. Menu:

https://images.gog-statics.com/efc25f4597b3e8704c83fe921d7f26b2cf4176dc1b31a047051c33b3ac9df48a_product_card_v2_mobile_slider_639.jpg

Trailer:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V2p0kVekrh8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Enjoy Chef!!!!!

Alright, let's get started with the Top Ten Proper:

#10. Lords of Xulima

939 Reviews
80% Positive
November 2014
Numantian Games - Dev and Pub
4.1 Hours Played
Fantasy RPG

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/R6uK0yYZxwA/maxresdefault.jpg

Check out our only RPG on our countdown!!!!

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/296570/ss_129362d7f1d6ff8f53bb9157cde779306aab39d3.1920x1080.jpg?t=1572342414

This is an intentional old school video game with throwback mechanics and a part you build up. It's also turn based, so you have the ability to build up over time and think through moves.

https://images.gog-statics.com/ad3caea76026a16c8507027a47d283ce6bd0233c9a0c8f84b8a66c1a238cf5e9_product_card_v2_mobile_slider_639.jpg

I gave this a positive review back on December 21, 2014, and it was in contention for my Top 25 Games from 2010-2015.

https://media.indiedb.com/images/articles/1/144/143881/Lords_Of_Xulima_-_10.jpg

This is difficult and not your typical modern "Hold Your Hand" RPG. Although it is linear. There is a lot of character customization to work through, but it's here at 10 overall since I never finished the game, I played some other games instead, but I loved it and am willing to head back and hit it up again.

Trailer?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iExkcbtWi_s" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I got cha!

#9. Chaos: Reborn

788 Reviews
75% Positive
October 2015
9.1 hours played
Snapshot Games, Inc. - Dev. and Prod.
Turn-Based Strategy

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFINP5FWI2CshvgoqvYFJPAnkT1_45wMSDnR3WYgbkuEMkl-JNCuBcZKUbET2tlNc9kQY&usqp=CAU

This strategy fantasy game is loads of fun! I reviewed this game on July 1, 2016. This is a hexgrid game.

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/319050/ss_cb7e781ca56e469b2ec17cad24e5887a4026a25f.1920x1080.jpg?t=1667234305

It also has RPG Elements to it as well!

https://www.macgamestore.com/images_screenshots/chaos-reborn-110172.jpg

This game was designed by Julian Gollop the designer of the original XCom game.

Trailer:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-aaPrvgnhI8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Enjoy!!

#8. 1849

239 reviews
71% positive
2.1 hours played
May 2014
SomaSim dev and prod.
Strategy Simulation City Builder

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/290970/capsule_616x353.jpg?t=1569501220

City building meets the Wild West. This will not be the last time we'll meet that pairing...

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/290970/ss_119ec39fc21a004c998933825690df681fb921c8.1920x1080.jpg?t=1569501220

You have smaller maps, throwback graphics, you start from scratch, and then you start working the land:

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/290970/ss_3828c94d47f3da39001d746b82df347e8804c73b.1920x1080.jpg?t=1569501220

It definitely feels inspired by the genre of Sierra's video games like Caesar and Alexandria, but it doesn't break any new ground. You have to worry about getting resources, building up things, and more. If you are looking for just a quick city builder you can pick up and enjoy in that oeuvre grab 1849.

Trailer:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t7CYjucTeZg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Enjoy your throwback fun times!!!!

Starting now, every game hitting from 7 to 1 either made my Top 25 Games from 2010 to 2015, or my Top 15 games from 2016 to 2020, or will make my next list...

#7. UFO: Extraterrestrials Gold

223 reviews
76% Positive
41.5 hours played
Feb, 2010
Chaos Concept Dev; ND Games Prod
Strategy

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/37030/header.jpg?t=1625076145

This Gold version is no longer for sale on Steam, and I reviewed it on June 11, 2016. You want to play the Gold version, not the other stuff.

https://images.g2a.com/1024x768/1x1x0/ufo-extraterrestrials-gold-steam-key-global-i10000043022002/590df3d8ae653a3f751ef712

This game is basically an XCOM clone that is set on a future planet with future tech. It combines squad based combat with real time strategy.

https://images.g2a.com/1024x768/1x1x0/ufo-extraterrestrials-gold-steam-key-global-i10000043022002/590df3dc5bafe3550b39e593

By setting it in space they are able to embrace a different style of fun things happening. It’s really strong.

Gameplay Video:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CHBNlM2GiYU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Enjoy!!!!

#6. Westward IV: All Aboard

25 reviews
96% Positive
41.1 hours played
Sandlot Games, Dev and Prod
November 2009
Casual Strategy Simulation City Builder

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/36310/header.jpg?t=1621544952

Another city builder set in the wild west, but this is so much better. Note that this is no longer available on Steam,but you can find it on Wild Tangent Games for just ten dollars:

https://www.wildtangent.com/p/simulation/westward-iv-all-aboard/

There!


https://www.macgamestore.com/images_screenshots/westward-iv-all-aboard-7281.jpg

I reviewed this on December 23, 2015. In this game, you have a campaign play and you start on one giant map. Then various scenarios will occur and you'll head to a new map to build up a new stop on the train track, and then back to your main map to keep on building.


https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/945081009024030066/5C32485B960F388BCAFC81EF11B4C808A17C3914/?imw=1024&&ima=fit&impolicy=Letterbox&imcolor=%23000000&letterbox=false

You have to fight bandits, raise animals, chop down trees, collect coal,and have loads of fun!!! This is sold as a causal game on casual game sites, but it's way too deep. It transcends the "Casual" genre and tag.

Trailer:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jKYiH5shiMc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Love it loads!!!

Hard disagree on 1849, unfortunately. Picked it up and ended up refund requesting it. The city plots are immersion-breakingly small - a tiny percentage of the actual map, the single song that plays over and over again is obnoxious and maddening, and I had major lag and stuttering which a game this low on resource demands should not have.

Top Five Time!!!!!!

#5. Dark Future: Blood Red States

194 reviews
73% Positive
39.8 hours played
May 2019
Auroch Digital - Dev and Pub
Driving Combat


https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/370870/header.jpg?t=1668079498

This unique post-apocalyptic car driving and combat game is very strong, and begins our Top Five proper. It's based on a Game Workshop board game. I reviewed this on January 7,2020.

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/370870/ss_11d5f23310141933948c5ad38ea08c04a546af57.600x338.jpg?t=1668079498

In this game you drive at real time, and then can pause it to zoom in and plan your next attacks and moves. It's pausable real time, called Command Mode just like Fallout 3 and 4 which clearly inspire it. You drive in one lane, and then tap a button to move into the next lane over and you can change in pausable time.

Command Mode:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jpTy2AmxPCM/maxresdefault.jpg


In this game you play in a campaign with real death enabled. You can update your car and equipment between things. Modifying your car between missions:

https://images.gog-statics.com/7fefccd24ebee8abae727e4fe55ad45a54fd6924227a1123ce889bbd22ab2a9c_product_card_v2_mobile_slider_639.jpg

Trailer:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xglFrwQmK1w" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Enjoy this very different take on a driving game!!!

#4. Card City Nights

625 Reviews
90% Positive
41.9 Hours Played
Ludosity Dev and Prod
Feb, 2014
Collectible Card game


https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/271820/header.jpg?t=1574267359

Check out this awesome card game! You play a long campaign of multiple games where you gain cards from various CCG packs over time.

You have a simple 3x3 grid where you play your cards and then they will interact with your foe's battlefield or life.

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/271820/ss_533b3241b6fdb6fb85fea97586cb26523e8ba9b4.1920x1080.jpg?t=1574267359

You can build multiple decks with your cards over time:

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/271820/ss_fa7f672611cf3eb36d336be55112941c7f2d2ab7.1920x1080.jpg?t=1574267359

Trailer:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GaS3fbNlbGU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

#3. Festival Tycoon

129 Reviews
82% Positive
May 2022
Johannes Gabler, Dev; Future Friends Games, Prod
7.1 Hours Played
Economic Simulation


https://cdn1.epicgames.com/offer/73041c028dc64e1db02b7811181ea3e6/EGS_FestivalTycoon_JohannesGbler_S2_1200x1600-d0b39a0ccf09d1895bc0f56a77e10ccb

I reviewed this game on October 22, 2022. This game is a Tycoon game where you develop music festivals for a day of different bands, and then you hold the festival.

https://cdn1.epicgames.com/offer/73041c028dc64e1db02b7811181ea3e6/EGS_FestivalTycoon_JohannesGbler_S2_1200x1600-d0b39a0ccf09d1895bc0f56a77e10ccb

There are two stages to this game, the planning stage where you rent your location, build a stage, entrance, camping site, VIP Bungalows, behind the set things for your bands, food and drinks, bathroom and shower stalls, places to has out, hire staff, and more and then you plan the bands, pay them and then put together sponsors, and start things. You have as much time as you need for planning.

https://edm.com/.image/t_share/MTg0MjAwMjE5NTg2NDcxNzY1/festival-tycoon-video-game-steam-2.jpg

Then the second half is real time and you have three days, the day of arrival, the day of the event, and then the day after. You'll have things to do during the event like restock the store or repair a stopped up toilet, or send medical staff to an injury or security to break up a fight.

https://s3-b3bucket.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/18112156/Festival-Tycoon-13.jpg

Trailer!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yrRyr69g3S0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Gotcha!


Then

#2. Golftopia -

385 Reviews
96% Positive
March 2021
4.6 Hours Played
MinMax Games, Limited, Dev and Prod
Economic Simulation


https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/1144020/capsule_616x353.jpg?t=1633193192

Check out this Golf Course making Tycoon game. In this game you are developing courses, staff, facilities, and more to deliver a great place to drop a few holes for your customers.

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/1144020/ss_551d6a2cfc3f10a862a0d6093c772e0092b49168.1920x1080.jpg?t=1666986061

This game is set in the future, and there future tech things to do with the course. I reviewed this game July 22, 2020.

https://zapzockt.de/wp-content/uploads/Golftopia-Review-Test-SciFi-Golfer-in-bunt-SimGolf-or-SimTycoon-Shops-and-Toilets.jpg

This game feels like a Spiritual Successor to SimGolf with a lot of the same style concepts and ways of doing things.

You said you wanted a Trailer? I got cha!


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QRg4d3zgsFk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Enjoy your future golfing.

#1. Arcade Tycoon

275 Reviews
80% Positive
15.4 Hours
October, 2021
Squidpunch Studios, Dev; Vincent, Limited, Prod
Economic Simulation

https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/750520/capsule_616x353.jpg?t=1666218008

Of games that were released since I did my last top 15 from 2016 - 2020 this is my favorite PC game and second favorite game overall that's not in a series I already have on my list, like Wasteland 3 or Evil Genius 2 since I don't do a series more that once.

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/750520/ss_2ef43567f277163ea8aec710e4228ca1f590ecd3.1920x1080.jpg?t=1666218008

I played this game in Early Access and reviewed it then in September 2019. There are various ways to play, like sandbox or campaign. I prefer the first. You need cash to purchase things, staff and pay for them. You need power to run your Arcade. And you need stars for research and unlocking some things that come naturally from people playing your game, and each game has a star rating.

https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/750520/ss_852796d2aaee7157f41e3c8cfcd6bf07bd11f726.1920x1080.jpg?t=1666218008

You need to build ticket machines, atms, food and drink places, trash cans, decor, and loads more like plan marketing campaigns.

Trailer for my Top Scoring Game? I got ya!!!!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wF8yx28dqBw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Enjoy!