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Well for one thing there's tonnes of games like pokemon, either tangentally or direct clones, but when it comes to High budget AAA games with similar mechanics it's because Pokemon has basically dominated that particular niche, like The Sims franchise has for their genre.
Found it. Singles: Flirt Up Your Life
Basically just more realistic graphics and an emphasis on relationship. I quite liked it, at the time.
I'd love to see an AoE style game come to Android, right now the only thing that comes close is Clash of Clan style games and clones which obviously don't offer the sort of strategic depth we actually want. Doesn't seem to be anything on this list either: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-age-of-empires/
Stumbled upon this page from Google, I recommend this large list if you haven't seen it already: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-boom-beach/
Basically lists the most popular games in this space with user scores which are helpful.
The clock being the exact same as New Leaf, the clock from Wild World was vastly different from City Folk. They would no doubt re-design it for a Switch release.
Did you look at Games Finder's list (http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-diablo/) from the results you linked? They have most of the ones I would recommend being:
Grimm Dawn
The Adventures of Van Helsing
Titan Quest
Drakensang Online
I've never played it before but I Googled "games similar to Animal Crossing" and this list came up. At the bottom is Viva Pinata, which looks and sounds similar:
> The focus in Viva Pinata is on designing the perfect garden in order to attract and breed the various pinatas that are present in the game. Viva Pinata offers a visually pleasing game with a focus on younger children and casual gamers, although older gamers will still enjoy being part of the experience.
>Customisation is also everywhere in Viva Pinata with players being able to customise pinata names and give them a variety of accessories to create a unique personality.
> Viva Pinata borrows gameplay elements from a variety of games including The Sims series and Harvest Moon. Players start the game with a simple plot of land and by adding appropriate plants and features you can attract specific pinatas to your garden.
It makes me really want to play the game.
Edit: /u/pwinne has pointed out Castaway Paradise is on Steam and it sounds more like Animal Crossing than Viva Pinata. /u/Hedgehogius_The_God has also said that they wouldn't compare Viva Pinata to AC, which I'll agree with because Castaway Paradise sounds more like AC.
It depends on your type of humor but here are games that I have enjoyed because they have humor elements:
- Dungeon Keeper series
- Evil Genius
- Tropico
- Deathspank
- Overlord series
Most of these ideas come from the various lists on GF: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-directory/
Plenty of good suggestions here, I'm going to throw in a few more obscure/less known ones that people might be interested in (see here for more: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-diablo/):
Drakensang Online (good free option)
The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot (interesting game where you create dungeons and fight through those designed by other players, has some Diablo style elements but also very different)
Hammerwatch (casual sort of Realm of Mad the God with more depth)
Beyond Divinity
Throne of Darkness (Japanese setting makes for an interesting change)
Solomon's Keep (really simple casual dungeon game, good to kill some time).
Dark Eden (hard to explain, it's just different).
A few suggestions that might float your boat:
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
The Darkness II
Dead Rising series
Some other games that may or may not be what you want:
Boiling Point: Road To Hell
The Saboteur
Red Faction: Guerrilla
Beyond that you've covered nearly all this genre has to offer in terms of powerful games if you ask me.
As per here: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-prototype/
Moonbase is probably the best option. I've also gotten some good play time out of Virtual City Playground and City Island but nothing on the same scale or depth as Simcity. Maybe try here: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-simcity/?
Some ideas:
Alan Wake
Singularity
STALKER
The STALKER series really did it for me, there are interesting twists everywhere if you're willing to listen to the story and put the pieces together about how the game world has come to be and how your character got there.
See here for more: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-bioshock/
I enjoyed Scarface but I think given its age you have to have an appreciation for older games (ie; can accept less polish/graphics, etc.) as I feel most of that enjoyment is more nostalgia than anything. As someone else as mentioned its like Vice City level of GTA
Some other ideas for you:
- Mafia Series
- Godfather Series
- Driver
- True Crime
- Sleeping Dogs/ Watch Dogs
Some others with different settings to GTA but still great open world games: Far Cry, Just Cause, Red Dead, Bully, The Saboteur, Infamous, Prototype, Crackdown.
You may also find this link helpful: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-gta/
I'm not sure if this is up your alley but you could go for some rather different choices.
Team Fortress 2 is a rather infamous FPS with one of the highest regards towards multiplayer. With Team Fortress 2, you could find countless variations of this type of gameplay. Some are better than others but there are loads of FPS' that are a bit off from the grit that is Arma or Battlefield and yet are still fun, casual and tactical.
A game that I've found particular enjoyment in lately is *Gotham City Imposter*s. It's player base is strong. It's gameplay is solid and it works quite well both in a casual and tactical sense.
There are a plethora of options if you are willing to open your horizons a bit. You could stick to some mainstream names like Halo, Medal of Honor, and/or even Titanfall, if you'd like. Planetside 2 is often a popular choice as well. Crysis 3 offers a unique multiplayer experience, as well as many others. I mean, hell, it all depends on what you're looking for.
If you find yourself in a rut, you could always check out gameslikefinder. It may not have the reality of players telling you about games they've played or if the games are up your alley but it's certainly a good directory for you to waltz through and poke around a bit.
My advice would be to take a dabble in Team Fortress 2 and see if it fulfills your needs. It's free and will only cost you your time. Planetside 2 is in the same scenario and it may be something more up your alley (judging from your games list).
Instead of trying to aim down your scopes, try taking a shot in the dark. Who knows? You might just hit something.
Definitely look towards the latest Tropico (any of the games will serve you well really) and Banished.
Some other ideas:
- Anno online (free to play and decent option)
- Cities in Motion (I like it for the transport focus)
first, a question - what are some games you've really liked? what genres are you into?
secondly, throw some titles into http://gameslikefinder.com/ and see if there's anything that takes your interest.
Save up for the Battle Chest bundle. The expansion makes the game worthwhile.
In the mean time, perhaps look at some similar F2P titles? Here's a list of similar games that includes several F2P titles: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-diablo/
The problem with this person is that they want to do something people don't want to pay for.
I can similarly lament the lack of paid opportunities for people who want to write cookbooks on creative use of jello. I can write miles of exposition about how not being able to get a full time job writing books on jello cooking is harmful and denigrating.
Most pertinent: all of what she asks for, mobile studios provide. When there's not a team of 100 employing random non-developer "idea persons" off the internet to make a mobile game it's because a) not so many are needed, b) they don't make all that much money usually, c) they would rather spend that salary on actual programmers.
Take this:
>But if your dream is to start out making alien virtual pet games, ...you’ve got considerably fewer options.
Yeah, there's that lack of diversity in genre. Lack of options. Lack of jobs for people who want to make monster trainer games.
Or just that people aren't buying them and nobody will pay you a good salary to sit and make monster figures with play doh all day.
you listed most of them !!!
anyway, found this link: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-terraria/
I saw reviews of Craft the World, looks like Terraria and Starbound, but in a different style, you need to bring back resources to the base. Wanted to get it during the last sale but I already have Terraria and Starbound, and love only terraria
I've only played the first one, I remember liking it but finding the controls a bit weird. I'm sure that's been fixed.by now though.
I found this, might be useful: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-the-witcher/
Really only 4 others in this category:
Pirates, vikings & knights II
Panzar (MOBA style game)
War of the Roses
Mount & Blade
See this: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-mount-and-blade/
There are plenty of games out there with loot systems like this.
If you want more shooters then I would recommend either the Borderlands series or Loadout (free on Steam, doesn't really have a loot system it's more of a randomised create your own weapon system).
As far as more traditional action RPGs go with good loot systems:
Torchlight series - Always a popular option with a nice simple approach to gameplay
Drakensang Online - a free to play Diablo like game that you can play in your browser, I've been slowly enjoying this more and more.
Marvel Heroes - Another free option, great for Marvel fans of course.
Titan Quest - A classic that was popular around the days of D2
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing - Solid game with a good loot system, really only good for a single playthrough but its fairly cheap on Steam.
Dungeon Siege 2 - A more party based experience and my favourite from the series.
See here for more: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-diablo/
Anachronox comes to mind, a very old RPG that basically takes everything from JRPGs and makes it western. It's on GOG if you want to purchase it/learn more, also here: http://gameslikefinder.com/anachronox/
Not sure if it fits your exact bill though.
Dirt and Grid are definitely the leaders in this space (as already suggested).
Building on these suggestions you've also got Wheelman (2009) and Driver San Francisco (2011) which are two other driving based games I've enjoyed, depends on your tastes though.
Sourced From: http://gameslikefinder.com/
For Wii you're looking at Rune Factory (Frontier and Tides of Destiny) or Animal Crossing City Folk basically.
If you're open to playing games on your computer then you've got Stardew Valley (currently greenlighted on Steam) and Recettear: An Item Shop’s Tale.
For reference: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-harvest-moon/
Is is just the real time strategy elements? Or do you also want the war like setting?
My favourite that use a war/Empire Earth style setting:
- Rise of Nations
- Company of Heroes series
- Command & Conquer series
- Supreme Commander 2
Other great options:
- Age of Mythology
- Rise of Legends
- Warcraft 3
- Total War (blend of turn based and RTS gameplay)
For reference I used this list of games: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-age-of-empires/ you might find it helpful for more options.
Hmm, for the price id say just try it. Ive logged over 100 hours on it and still go back to it regularly. The fact that you can customize and add to the game to your own liking might just push you over the edge. Maybe try some YouTube videos to get a feel of the game, I suggest some of the more story driven ones as that’s where the game hits home for me.
Other than that perhaps city skylines might tickle your fancy. Or banished.
edit: this site might help http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-factorio/
Portal Knights kept me interested for quite some time, feels very similar. http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-cube-world/
Otherwise Trove and Planet Explorers are worth a look.
Very slim pickings unfortunately and nothing I would consider extremely new.
You can try Species: Artificial Life, Real Evolution currently in development. There is also Thrive in development.
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OGame is definitely the leader in this space. To list out a few other options though:
-AD2460
-Astro Empires
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Life is Strange might be just what OP is looking for because you can't lose. Here's what's hopefully a diverse list:
I'd also recommend these games you can't lose in:
--Journey
--Stanley Parable
--Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
--Dreamfall: The Longest Journey
--Beyond: Two Souls
You can die in these but I think these are good exploration or play-your-own-way type games:
--Tearaway Unfolded
--Deus Ex: Invisible War
--Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic I & II
--Assassin's Creed Unity (works fine since patches)
--GTA V
--Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (perhaps the least forgiving on this list but really fun/badass)
Recommended: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-directory/
Painkiller is like that with guns, while God of War is like that but with ancient greek architecture instead of european castles.
I did some googling and some of the games on this list seem up your alley. http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-dark-souls/
This website recommends a lot of titles that are apparently pretty similar. I haven't played a lot of them, so I can't exactly confirm, but it's user-based.
Gothic 2 with expansion Night of the Raven - all dialogues spoken and not that easy at the beginning.
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic - rather easy and fun, arcade-like controls.
Morrowind - if you haven't looked at it and yet. It's a lot of text to read and not much spoken dialogue, but great story and atmosphere imho.
Ah I was goign to suggest Galactic Adventures, because it ads much more, but yeah beyond those, spore doesn't have much. I tried finding of games like spore, but some of these might be a little too complex http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-spore/
There aren't too many games really similar to Stardew out there for PC. Here is a site that makes some recommendations, but honestly, nothing on PC compares to Stardew in terms of overall experience.
You're best bet for a PC find is probably going to be isolating what you like best about Stardew -- the management aspect, the relationship building, the exploration of the mines, etc -- and focusing on games that cater to that. Or, there are plenty of games out there for handhelds especially that are great. Harvest Moon, Rune Factory, even Animal Crossing.
ARK: Survival Evolved, Unturned, Terraria, Starbound, 7 Days to Die, Don't Starve: Together, Space Engineers.
There are a few other "life sim" type games (see here - lots of microtransaction bullshit) but they are nothing like The Sims and it infuriates me.
My suggestions would be:
- Viva Pinata series
- Grow Home
- Stardew Valley
- Harvest Moon
- Farm For Your Life
- Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale
Games Finder has published a good list here: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-slime-rancher/
Yeah, no hard feelings, i was just messing with you. Not every game is for everyone, people just told you that because almost all of us sucked at the game at the begining and we got better by trial and error, but you might just don't like that type of gaming.
I'm afraid that i don't know any game that has a similar style, but, if you already own DS, you could try playing it by following a video guide that tells you tips and secrets. Anyway, the 70 hours don't come all through grinding, the game itself is quite long, so even if you did a straight run, it would take hours.
Idk how accurate is this, but you could try some of them.
So many impressive games in this thread, my top 3 would be: Dark Arisen Lords of the Fallen Monster Hunter (MH3 or MH4)
Games Finder's list summarises most of those discussed here and is also helpful: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-dark-souls/
> I just don't see where they could go next with its world...
Really, only Miyazaki directs Souls they way they need to. Even From Software couldn't do it quite right with Dark Souls II... also other companies try to do Souls-esque games and come up short.
http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-dark-souls
If The Big M directs it, I'm sure we'll love it. I didn't think I'd like the DLC as much as I have and I'm not even halfway through it. I think it shows what is possible and I am totally willing to trust him at the reins.
http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-pokemon/
You may also try, Summoners War, East Legend and Soul Seeker by Com2US.
Warning, there be copious amounts of microtransaction bullshit beyond this post.
Taking a well-established game's creative ideas, art direction, and gameplay mechanics, and simply slapping "VR friendly" on it can only be described as "low effort".
If someone is insulted by that, I hope they feel insulted enough to make something unique. How many low effort, derivative Minecraft clones do you need to have on the market before you get fed up and ask for a bit more when you read the hyperbole the developers are spitting out?
And it's not even a unique concept in VR - Minecrift already does FPV voxel world building in VR. So what's new here? Only a very minor difference - shooting voxels with a gun. I'm pretty sure there was chatter that guns had been modded into Minecraft too.
I recommend for you to try using this website: Games Like Diablo for references.
[ Personally, I would suggest playing, "Baldur's Gate," game series or similar Dungeons & Dragons games. ]
Life is Strange, Gorogoa, The Sims, Assassin's Creed, Batman Arkham Series (specially Arkham City and Asylum, as far asI know), To The Moon, FEZ, Shadowrun Dragonfall, Portal 2, Danganronpa, Bastion... It all depends on what you like.
Ultimately, I'd recomend gameslikefinder for some a search that fits more of your taste
Wolcen, it's in Beta but you can get, I believe, the first chapter. (Steam)
Sacred 1 & 2.
You can also try Dungeon Seige 1 - 3.
Victor Vran
Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing
Shadows Heretic Kingdoms
Vikings – Wolves of Midgard
If that don't stoke your fire, try this exhaustive list.
There's Shannon Tweed's Attack Of The Groupies on Steam. It's a pretty direct clone of Plants vs. Zombies, although with a really weird theme of Gene Simmons' wife vs. groupies. It's only $0.49 right now, so it might be worth it enough to scratch that PvZ itch on the cheap.
There's also this list I found while trying to remember what Shannon Tweed's game was called, although I've not played any of the rest.
Throwing a few other games into the mix:
Crashlands
Far Sky
3079
Don't Starve
Craft The World
Maybe consider Samurai Warriors franchise, number 4-II is definitely on PC no experience with the others though unfortunately. http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-dynasty-warriors/
Definitely the STALKER games, gritty atmosphere and some what quest based. http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-fallout/
Otherwise the Metro franchise has a very similar setting, Fallen Earth for a MMO and Rage for more shooter focused.
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Jagged Alliance 2 definitely the number one.
Another one worth considering though is Breach & Clear: Military based with really good customisation of your units, as the name suggests its also sort of about breaching which leads to various paths you can go.
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Trying to answer this question myself which is how I landed here, I thank everyone for their suggestions so far.
I'm going to throw out a few suggestions not already featured here to offer even more choice that I've found in my search (predominately from this top Google search; http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-civilization/)
The games are: Expeditions: Conquistador, Sins of a Solar Empire, Age of Wonders, Eador Masters of the Broken World
The original Starwars Knights of the Old Republic is on Xbox which is probably the best option. I'm not sure if Jade Empire is backwards compatible (its on X360) but that would also be a decent option.
Otherwise your best option for the listed options maybe Dragon Age: Origins.
Recommendations sourced from here: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-mass-effect/ (can filter by platform).
As others have eluded to Warframe is super unique, I'm currently in the search process (how I ended up here) and have found Games Finder's list probably the largest (one of the top of Google results). http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-warframe/
Go to Games Finder and filter by free you've got 31 options: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-minecraft/
I'll talk briefly about some of my favourites:
- Trove: Sort of MMO meets Minecraft, less about building and crafting though so might not be what you are after.
*Stranded 2: Probably a great option for you as its all about crafting and survival and can run on older computers.
Witcher 3 is the most obvious but you might also want things like Fallout or Borderlands etc. I'd start with Games Finder's list of 45 Skyrim alternatives here: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-skyrim/ They also have GTA list with 60 something games.
Games Finder has some good lists for these here: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-skyrim/
Personally the only other franchise I've enjoyed on the same level as these games is Borderlands although you have to enjoy/be half decent at a shooter to really enjoy them.
Sorry but i dont believe you, with "games like minecraft" the very second link i get is some comparison site where it shows 77 games like Minecraft from Trove to Roblox Rust Far Sky Starbound and whatnot.
ah, i see, you should still try those rpgs :)
besides the Diablo series and some mmos like WOW, there are the "other" Diablo clones like Drakensang online, Sacred series, Dungeon Siege series (3 sucked tho), Torchlight series, Van Helsing series - but thats more like a story rich point and click adventure than a rpg
you should check steam for point and click rpgs or action rpgs, the reviews speak for themself.
south part: the stick of truth has HD graphics, but its still a plastic animated game with crude humour.
I've found some lists, from Gamers Decide, Games Finder and GiantBomb. Good luck!
- Deus Ex - original, there are some mods/tweaks to clean it up a little, but it still shows its age. I thought it was pretty good back then.
- Deus Ex: Invisible War - mediocre followup.
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution - the newer entry that reinvigorated the series.
- Deus Ex: The Fall - horrible mobile game with an even worse port to PC.
Dishonored is a bit different than most, but this list seems to include some titles that share a few aspects of the game.
I found it on this site.
http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-minecraft/
which is actually interesting since it's not on that list. I bought a bunch of other games on steam that were and eventually steam suggested it as "Similar to games you play" and one or two of the guys on youtube that do minecraft let's plays started doing a video on it when it first came out. I added it to my wishlist and the following sale picked it up.
Oh yeah, I'm an under-employed Network Engineer from Colorado who also does Music Production, Carpentry, Astrophotography, and Blacksmithing. I also have ADD. bye!
Antichamber is epic but can get pretty hard alot of people compare it to portal but its not like portal really, the graphics are simplistic but dont let that throw you off.... Your trying to find the exit of a maze thats constantly evolving and changing on you...
Snerk.
Okay, as per Steam. Alan Wake's available. I'd look at Steam, honestly -- there's some good stuff around and it's easy to get lost browsing. I just found this that I think might be good: http://store.steampowered.com/app/400170/ and then there's all that indie stuff...
http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-beyond-two-souls/
:D
Sounds like you want a sandbox style game like Spore, but not quite. Check out this "Species: Artificial Life, Real Evolution" game, it's in free alpha right now. This video looks promising: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl9bIKUz_eU
More suggestions here: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-spore/
http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-god-of-war/
this is actually a good list, I can see aspects of GoW in all these games.
I would also add games like Diablo 3, torchlight 2, and sacred 2, while they lack the flair of GoW, they do have that hordes of enemies to destroy gameplay.
There's lots of Pokemon clones, they just either aren't good or deviate so far from the formula that you can barely call them clones anymore.
The top google result for games like pokemon was this list of 46 games. http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-pokemon/
I'm not sure but I think Pokemon was originally a clone of the Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children series, or if not directly, then at least inspired by Shin Megami Tensei, which I'm pretty sure came first and has similar mechanics.
Ha, I actually played and finished D for the first time just a few days ago! Yes the gameplay and controls are pretty much like that, although nowhere near as excruciatingly slow as D was. Also, the environment was nowhere as "realistic" (lol) as D was. I mean despite all the fantasy stuff, D still had actual rooms, doors, furniture, stairs, etc. The environment in game I thinking of was much more abstract. I'm staring to think it was just a really mediocre game that wasn't well documented. I've checked lists like these, but still no luck.
Honestly just wait for Vainglory to come out on Android (or get into the beta). The pickings are slim for Android on the MOBA front (http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-league-of-legends/?tag=android)
If I had to pick though Arena of Heroes or The Witcher Battle Arena.
Games Finder has a decent list here: http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-minecraft/ But they try avoid Early Access games per their description so there are only a few listed there.
Some ones I have on my watch list that might interest you and not on the link above:
- under the ocean
- salt
- life is feudal
- rising world
- subnautica
Okay this is two months late but this actually a question I asked myself when I realized I left my DS at home and I really want to play Rune Factory (I'm in dorms)
http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-rune-factory/ has a few BUT:
Mirimagia is terrible, don't play it. I tried it and it felt like it was for kids. It was super-easy and super-boring. Couldn't get into it at all. Terrible graphics.
Farm For Your Life was barely worth the $2.09 I spent for it after discounts. There was no development; it got really boring after a while even though it looked promising at first. Really just monotonous. Lots of glitches that game dev never fixed. I just beat it a few hours ago. I was so close to the end that I just forced myself to lol. But really, don't bother.
And I haven't played anything else on the list but I think those were the only PC ones
ninja edit: Oh right, Recettear: An Item Shop’s Tale as someone else mentioned IS for PC. Has good ratings on GLF so maybe it's worth looking into if you haven't already (considering, again, this is 2 months late)
You really might want to try a trial of eve once you are in a corp it's somewhat like being a cog in an army. Otherwise just look for other RTSs that people who like Civ like.
http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-civilization/
maybe take a look at some of those idk not the biggest civ fan I'm more into high twitch games.
I remeber loving it back in the day, but that was a looooooong time ago. I think the one I liked was 2? They are available on GOG.
=> btw, maybe you might find something useful in this list? http://gameslikefinder.com/games-like-master-of-orion/
Not so much a game, as a CAD system, but perhaps check out AutoCAD Civil 3D or such. That definitely allows you to create whatever you want at basically any level of detail, although there isn't really any game involved past the creation aspect. If you are simply looking to create a city, this is your best bet though, and it allows you to track materials and what not with database/spreadsheet support as well.
Some actual games that you might find interesting:
Cities in Motion 1/2: Allows deep planning, creation, and management of transportation systems within a city. Link to Review
LinCity: Game similar to Sim City but built on an open-source platform. I haven't played around much with the game, but it's free and perhaps you can change the code around or find some modifications for it since it's a free, widely available game. Link
CitiesXL Platinum: Again a Sim City-like game, but a bit fancier, and has modding capabilities. Take a look into mods, perhaps there is a "hard" mode or such that might match some of your criteria to better make the game work for you. Link
I think these games, along with the modding community available are the best bet for what you're looking for. I would look into them and also check out the forums and what not to see what others are doing with each game. Like you said, Civ. games are a smaller/niche genre, but hopefully this helps some!
Edit: After further browsing, it really looks like CitiesXL is going to be your most "detail oriented" game in terms of being able to micro-manage different aspects of building the city and what not. The game also appears to allow you to create a network of all your different cities that you build to expand past just the "city" level and into a larger community as well.
I had a look on the internet, and there is this game. Calls itself Magician's quest, and it seems very much like animal crossing. So maybe it's worth a look?