A Nostalgic Alternative: Alaturka
If you’re not ready to invest in a current-gen console for GTA 6, check out Alaturka, a retro-style open-world game set in 1970s Istanbul. Developed by solo indie creator Burak Akşahin, this project showcases low-poly PS2-style graphics and chaotic gameplay, reminiscent of the original GTA titles.
Educational Journey
Originally started as an educational project, Burak, an Unreal Engine tutor, live-streamed his development process to help students learn. After 18 months of work, he released a trailer for the game, which is designed to run on various devices.
Game Details
As a player, you assume the role of a döner kebab apprentice tasked with “slicing the spit, delivering wraps, and completing shady jobs for extra cash.” Burak abandoned the high-fidelity character system in his original design in favor of a more simplistic approach to optimize performance.
Check out the official trailer:
Watch Now
Development Highlights
The development process involved:
- Creating a chaotic environment with panicked NPCs.
- Implementing a scalable weapons system and AI for vehicles.
- Enhancing the game with a day-night cycle using atmospheric effects over the Bosphorus.
For an in-depth look, see Burak’s video on:
YouTube – Building a Retro GTA Clone in 1 Year
Wishlist and Future Plans
You can wishlist Alaturka on Steam. While the release date is yet to be announced, Burak continues to tune the game, listening to 1970s Anatolian Psychedelic Rock to maintain the right atmosphere.
Conclusion
With its engaging premise and nostalgic visuals, Alaturka offers a promising alternative for fans yearning for a retro gaming experience, reminiscent of the classic GTA era.
Stay tuned for updates and enjoy your time in this unique Istanbul setting!
