2024: Ten Underrated Video Games You Might Have Missed
2024 saw a flurry of video game releases, but some gems were overshadowed by bigger titles or launch hiccups. This article highlights ten games deserving more recognition. Prepare to discover hidden treasures!
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 game exemplifies modern action excellence. As Captain Titus, you battle relentless Tyranids using the Ultramarines' arsenal. Cinematic combat, a grim future atmosphere, and co-op mode make for incredibly engaging missions. 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 fan outrage. Its dynamic gameplay, visuals, co-op, and unique setting should appeal beyond Warhammer fans.
Last Epoch
Image: store.steampowered.com
- Release Date: February 21, 2024
- Developer: Eleventh Hour Games
- Download: Steam
This action-RPG features time travel and deep character development. Explore Eterra, battling across different epochs and altering history. Five base classes, numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting ensure exciting, multifaceted gameplay.
Why Underrated: Last Epoch garnered initial attention but was quickly forgotten. Its innovative time-based system, balanced gameplay, and accessible tutorials make it a standout action-RPG.
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 focus is on dialogue, emotional scenes, and exploration. Its unique visual style—blending drawn characters with 3D environments—is memorable. It's a deep dive into relationships and the search for truth.
Why Underrated: Its intimate nature and lack of action may have alienated some. However, it's a testament to video games as art, offering a powerful emotional experience.
Pacific Drive
Image: store.playstation.com
- Release Date: February 22, 2024
- Developer: Ironwood Studios
- Download: Steam
This unique survival simulator casts you as a lone driver venturing into a forbidden zone filled with anomalies. Maintaining your vehicle is crucial. Each trip presents challenges of route planning, repairs, and avoiding deadly traps. The atmosphere and grim world are unforgettable.
Why Underrated: While critically acclaimed (positive Metacritic and OpenCritic scores), controversial elements like controls, interface, and constant repairs alienated some players. Despite its flaws, its originality and atmosphere warrant attention.
Rise of the Ronin
Image: deskyou.de
- Release Date: March 22, 2024
- Developer: Team Ninja
- Download: PlayStation
Team Ninja's action-RPG transports you to 19th-century Japan. As a ronin, you navigate the conflict between tradition and progress. It blends samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling story with moral choices. The visuals capture the spirit of a changing era.
Why Underrated: Rise of the Ronin might have been overshadowed by other big releases. It offers more than just samurai combat, providing a unique atmosphere and historical depth.
Cannibal Abduction
Image: nintendo.com
- Release Date: January 13, 2023
- Developer: Selewi, Tomás Esconjaureguy
- Download: Steam
This tense survival horror returns to genre roots. Trapped in a cabin and pursued by cannibals, survival is paramount. You'll scavenge, hide, and solve puzzles to uncover a horrifying story. The oppressive atmosphere and limited resources create constant tension.
Why Underrated: It may have been lost amongst larger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics, while contributing to its charm, might deter those seeking graphical fidelity.
Still Wakes the Deep
Image: pixelrz.com
- Release Date: June 18, 2024
- Developer: The Chinese Room
- Download: Steam
This atmospheric horror unfolds on a North Sea oil platform besieged by unexplained horrors. Survival and escape are your goals. The tense atmosphere, sound design, and detailed setting create an immersive and chilling experience.
Why Underrated: Modest marketing and its niche genre likely contributed to its lack of attention. It's a masterful work of atmospheric horror, reminiscent of SOMA and Amnesia, but with a unique setting.
Indika
Image: store.epicgames.com
- Release Date: May 2, 2024
- Developer: Odd-Meter
- Download: Steam
This unusual game blends religion, philosophy, and the search for truth with abstract gameplay. Navigate dark spaces, interacting with cryptic clues. Despite lacking traditional mechanics, its serene atmosphere, cutscenes, and mini-games offer visual richness and a contemplative narrative.
Why Underrated: Despite award nominations, Indika was labeled a "blank slate" due to its unconventional gameplay and lengthy cutscenes. However, its visual style and philosophical depth appeal to those seeking art over traditional action.
Crow Country
Image: store.steampowered.com
- Release Date: May 9, 2024
- Developer: SFB Games
- Download: Steam
This remake of a cult classic survival horror features puzzles and evokes the atmosphere of PlayStation 1 games. Explore an abandoned amusement park filled with mysteries and monsters. The retro visual style and gripping storyline make it memorable.
Why Underrated: Positive reviews notwithstanding, Crow Country was overshadowed by bigger releases. Criticisms of simple combat and puzzles shouldn't overshadow its detailed world, plot twists, and engaging gameplay.
Nobody Wants to Die
Image: youtube.com
- Release Date: July 17, 2024
- Developer: Critical Hit Games
- Download: Steam
This dystopian detective game sets you in a noir 2329 New York where death is conquered. Detective James Carr investigates murders, uncovering mysteries related to transhumanism and immortality. The game blends detective elements and sci-fi with photorealistic graphics and unique time-manipulation mechanics.
Why Underrated: Its ambitious ideas and philosophical questions haven't translated into widespread recognition. The blend of genres might deter players seeking a more linear experience.
2024 offered many ambitious games that deserved more attention. These titles, from philosophical explorations to tense horror, each provide unique experiences. Remember, not every excellent game becomes a major hit, and sometimes the smaller gems leave the most lasting impression.
