Maniac similar games & best alternatives
Maniac
2024
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Quick resume
Ever just tired of it all? Ready for change? Wanna bet it all on sheer mayhem and destruction? In comes Maniac, a rogue-lite crime action game in which the world goes against you, and your insanity creates chaos!
Global score
91/100
Genres
Action, Indie, Racing, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Shooter, Fighting
Similar games
Pros
- Addictive chaotic gameplay
- Strong nostalgic gta 1/2 vibe
- Good value for price
- Character progression and unlocks
- Map editor and mod support
Cons
- Repetitive gameplay loop
- Limited content variety
- Some control and ui rough edges
- No multiplayer or social features
- Unlock grind can be tedious
Analysis
Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Fellowship, Cooperation, Leadership, Violence. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Domination, Violence. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Story.
How to use the graph
Similar games map
Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.
- Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
- Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
- Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
- Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.
Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players freely choose characters, weapons, and playstyle with rogue-lite progression and map editor support, allowing personal control over gameplay."
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Competence3
"Game involves skillful driving, shooting, and survival against escalating enemies with feedback on performance, though some find it repetitive."
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Competition-2
"Focuses on personal progression and self-set goals with no mention of ranked modes or direct player-vs-player competition."
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Continuation3
"Addictive gameplay loop with character unlocks and upgrades encourages repeated play sessions, though some find it repetitive after hours."
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Cooperation-4
"Primarily a single-player experience with no mention of cooperative multiplayer or teamwork."
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Creativity2
"Includes map editor and some customization of characters and upgrades, but core gameplay follows established structures."
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Domination1
"Players exert control over NPCs and enemies in chaotic rampages, but no evidence of social dominance or trash talk."
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Escapism4
"Provides mindless, violent fun and stress relief with chaotic gameplay and dark humor, serving as an escape from real life."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily for fun and nostalgia without obligation or external pressure."
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Experimenting2
"Players try different characters, weapons, and upgrades with some procedural generation, though core loop is repetitive."
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Exploration1
"Some procedural map elements and secrets exist, but gameplay mostly occurs in familiar city environments."
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Expression2
"Character selection and upgrade customization allow some self-expression, though visual customization is limited."
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Fantasy3
"Features exaggerated, cartoonish violence and absurd characters like drunken Santa and psychotic clowns, creating a fictional chaotic world."
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Fellowship-4
"No social or community features emphasized; primarily a solo experience."
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Growth3
"Players learn and improve skills in driving, shooting, and strategy with character progression and unlocks."
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Health-4
"Encourages sedentary play with no physical activity elements."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention during chaotic gameplay; not suited for passive or background play."
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Intimacy-5
"No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional sharing; gameplay is individual and impersonal."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management roles; purely individual play."
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Progression4
"Strong emphasis on accumulating upgrades, unlocking characters, and improving abilities through repeated play."
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Relaxation2
"Provides cathartic stress relief and flow through chaotic but fun gameplay, though some tension exists from escalating threats."
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Sensation3
"Offers sensory stimulation with explosions, sound effects, and colorful visuals enhancing emotional fun."
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Status-3
"Achievements exist but social recognition or popularity is not a major focus."
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Story-4
"No narrative or missions; gameplay centers on a single survival rampage without plot."
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Strategy2
"Requires some tactical decisions on upgrades, vehicle use, and combat, but overall gameplay is straightforward."
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Thrill3
"Enjoyment from escalating police chases, explosions, and survival tension before nuclear strike."
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Value5
"Highly praised for its low price and replay value, delivering excellent return on investment."
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Violence5
"Core gameplay revolves around violent rampages, destruction, and combat with over-the-top gore and chaos."
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Survival3
"Players must survive waves of enemies and escalating threats until the timer ends."
Where to buy
Last update: 29/04/2026