Ten Underrated Video Games of 2024: Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed
2024 saw a flurry of video game releases, but some truly exceptional titles flew under the radar. This article highlights ten games deserving of more recognition, offering a diverse range of experiences you might have overlooked.
Table of Contents
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
- Last Epoch
- Open Roads
- Pacific Drive
- Rise of the Ronin
- Cannibal Abduction
- Still Wakes the Deep
- Indika
- Crow Country
- Nobody Wants to Die
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Image: bolumsonucanavari.com
- Release Date: September 9, 2024
- Developer: Saber St. Petersburg
- Download: Steam
This action title showcases modern action at its finest. As Captain Titus, players engage in brutal combat against relentless Tyranids, utilizing the Ultramarines' arsenal. The blend of cinematic battles, atmospheric world-building, and cooperative gameplay creates an unforgettable experience. Stunning graphics bring the Warhammer universe to life.
Why Underrated: Despite its quality, Space Marine 2 surprisingly missed a "Game of the Year" nomination, sparking outrage among fans. Its dynamic gameplay, visuals, co-op mode, and unique setting deserve broader appeal beyond the Warhammer fanbase.
Last Epoch
Image: store.steampowered.com
- Release Date: February 21, 2024
- Developer: Eleventh Hour Games
- Download: Steam
A standout action-RPG featuring time travel and a deep character progression system. Players explore Eterra, traversing different epochs and altering history. The diverse class system, Monolith of Fate mechanic, and extensive crafting options provide a richly layered experience.
Why Underrated: Last Epoch, while initially noticed, quickly faded from the spotlight. Its innovative time-manipulation mechanics, balanced gameplay, and user-friendly tutorials make it a hidden gem for action-RPG enthusiasts seeking something fresh.
Open Roads
Image: backloggd.com
- Release Date: March 28, 2024
- Developer: Open Roads Team
- Download: Steam
Open Roads tells a poignant story of a mother and daughter uncovering family secrets. The game emphasizes narrative, emotional depth, and environmental exploration. Its unique art style, combining hand-drawn characters with 3D environments, is particularly striking. It's a deeply personal journey focusing on relationships and the search for truth.
Why Underrated: The game's intimate nature and lack of overt action may have limited its appeal to a wider audience. However, it exemplifies the artistic potential of video games, offering a profoundly moving narrative experience.
Pacific Drive
Image: store.playstation.com
- Release Date: February 22, 2024
- Developer: Ironwood Studios
- Download: Steam
Pacific Drive is a unique survival simulator where a player's car is their only ally. Players explore a mysterious zone filled with anomalies and dangers, repairing their vehicle and navigating treacherous terrain. The game's unsettling atmosphere and unconventional gameplay are captivating.
Why Underrated: While critically acclaimed, Pacific Drive faced some criticism regarding controls, interface, and repetitive elements. Despite these flaws, its originality and immersive world deserve recognition.
Rise of the Ronin
Image: deskyou.de
- Release Date: March 22, 2024
- Developer: Team Ninja
- Download: PlayStation
Team Ninja's action-RPG transports players to 19th-century Japan, a period of significant upheaval. As a ronin, players navigate conflicts between tradition and progress. The game combines samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling narrative with difficult moral choices.
Why Underrated: Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other major releases. While categorized as a "samurai game," it offers unique historical depth and thematic complexity beyond typical action titles.
Cannibal Abduction
Image: nintendo.com
- Release Date: January 13, 2023
- Developer: Selewi, Tomás Esconjaureguy
- Download: Steam
A tense survival horror game returning to the genre's roots. Players must survive a terrifying encounter with a cannibalistic family in a secluded cabin. Resource management, stealth, and puzzle-solving are key to survival. The oppressive atmosphere and constant threat create intense gameplay.
Why Underrated: Cannibal Abduction might have been lost amidst larger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics, while contributing to its unique charm, might have alienated some players. However, it's a homage to classic survival horror, offering a thrilling experience.
Still Wakes the Deep
Image: pixelrz.com
- Release Date: June 18, 2024
- Developer: The Chinese Room
- Download: Steam
An atmospheric horror game set on a remote North Sea oil rig. Players must survive an unexplained horror while attempting to escape. The game's unsettling atmosphere, sound design, and detailed environments create a truly immersive and terrifying experience.
Why Underrated: Still Wakes the Deep may have lacked significant marketing, limiting its reach. However, it's a masterful work of horror, focusing on atmosphere and psychological tension, reminiscent of titles like SOMA and Amnesia.
Indika
Image: store.epicgames.com
- Release Date: May 2, 2024
- Developer: Odd-Meter
- Download: Steam
Indika is a thought-provoking game exploring religion, philosophy, and the search for truth through abstract gameplay. Players navigate surreal environments, interacting with cryptic clues and engaging in contemplative mini-games. The game's visual richness and philosophical depth are its strengths.
Why Underrated: Despite award nominations, Indika received mixed reactions due to its unconventional gameplay and lengthy cutscenes. However, its unique artistic vision and philosophical themes make it a noteworthy experience.
Crow Country
Image: store.steampowered.com
- Release Date: May 9, 2024
- Developer: SFB Games
- Download: Steam
A remake of a cult classic survival horror game, Crow Country evokes the atmosphere of PlayStation 1 era titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Players explore an abandoned amusement park, solving puzzles and facing terrifying encounters.
Why Underrated: Despite positive reviews, Crow Country was overshadowed by larger releases. Its simple combat and puzzles, while not detracting from the experience, may have limited its appeal. However, its atmosphere and unique plot make it a worthwhile experience for fans of classic horror.
Nobody Wants to Die
Image: youtube.com
- Release Date: July 17, 2024
- Developer: Critical Hit Games
- Download: Steam
A dystopian detective game set in a futuristic art-deco New York where death has been conquered. Detective James Carr investigates murders in a society grappling with immortality and transhumanism. The game features photorealistic graphics and unique time-manipulation mechanics.
Why Underrated: Nobody Wants to Die's ambitious blend of genres and philosophical themes may have hindered its broad appeal. Its visual excellence and intriguing premise, however, deserve wider recognition.
2024 offered a diverse selection of compelling games, many of which deserve a second look. These ten titles showcase the creativity and innovation within the gaming industry, reminding us that memorable experiences can come in various forms.
