Games Like Let There Be Istanbul

Let There Be Istanbul is a hand-drawn slapstick beat-’em-up following a father-daughter duo on a wild journey toward Istanbul, featuring snappy tag-team combat, authentic cultural references, and plenty of cats to pet. Fight through bustling Turkish streets, recover with some Döner and Ayran, overcome epic food bosses, and interact with eccentric locals. The adventure is full of joy and humor, yet one question remains: why is Mehmet taking Ebru to Istanbul, and what awaits them there?

Combat centers on the flow between Mehmet and Ebru, as you can dynamically switch between the father and daughter. It’s built to be a "pick up and play" beat 'em up where anyone can feel powerful, and it feels snappy and tactile, not just mash-to-win.

To keep things from getting stale, we’ve baked in a high skill ceiling for the challenge-seekers. You’ll need to master timed dashes, block timings, crowd control, and character-specific specials to survive the higher difficulties. In short, you can mash buttons for a casual experience, but know that combat goes deep for those seeking to play at higher difficulties! Also... cats, anyone?

Our game features a stunning, hand-drawn art style where every element, from the layered parallax backgrounds to the snappy character animations, is painstakingly crafted frame-by-frame. Our talented artists are pouring their passion into every detail, ensuring the visuals feel as vibrant and soulful as the journey itself.

We have worked to keep every environment authentic, capturing the true spirit and "sense of place" of each Turkish city you’ll travel through. From the honey-colored stone alleys of Mardin to the misty coastlines of Trabzon and the charming cats of Istanbul, the world is designed to feel like a living, breathing tribute to many of Turkish cities' rich culture and heritage.

Our original music is a soulful tribute to each city, using regional instruments and authentic composition styles to capture the unique musical identity of every city. The music will evolve as you travel, reflecting the distinct cultural spirit of every location from Mardin to Istanbul.

We take great care to ensure the world sounds real, from the specific chirping of local birds and the whistle of the wind to the playful meows of street cats. You’ll feel truly present in each city as you listen to a rich soundscape crafted with passion.

Beyond the chaotic fun of a slapstick beat-’em-up, Let There Be Istanbul is a narrative-driven experience centered on Mehmet and Ebru. So, why are Mehmet and Ebru fighting their way through every Turkish city? And why is he so determined to take her all the way to Istanbul...?