Gaming has been a popular pastime for decades, with countless titles released every year. While some games achieve widespread acclaim and commercial success, there are other hidden gems that often go unnoticed. These underrated titles may not have had the marketing budget or hype of their mainstream counterparts, but they offer unique and immersive gameplay experiences that are worth exploring.
In this guide, we’ll be diving into 11 underrated games that you may not have played yet, but definitely should. From indie darlings to cult classics, these games offer something special for any type of gamer. So whether you’re looking for a new adventure, a challenging puzzle, or a heartwarming story, read on to discover some of the most underrated gaming gems that deserve more attention.
Criteria for Selecting Underrated Games
Before we dive into the games themselves, let’s take a moment to discuss the criteria we used to select them. First and foremost, we focused on games that received relatively little attention or critical acclaim upon their release. These are titles that may have flown under the radar, perhaps due to a lack of marketing or a crowded field of releases during the same period. Additionally, we looked for games that offered something unique or innovative, whether that be in terms of gameplay mechanics, storytelling, or visuals. Finally, we took into account our own personal experiences with these games, as well as feedback from other gamers and industry professionals.
Game 1: “What Remains of Edith Finch”
At its core, “What Remains of Edith Finch” is a game about storytelling. The player takes on the role of Edith Finch, the last surviving member of her family, as she returns to her childhood home to uncover the stories of her relatives. Each story is presented as a self-contained vignette, ranging from a young girl’s dream of becoming a cat to a man’s obsession with building a contraption that will allow him to fly. As you progress through the game, you’ll discover that these stories are not just entertaining diversions, but rather essential pieces of a larger puzzle that will reveal the tragic history of the Finch family.
One of the things that sets “What Remains of Edith Finch” apart is its inventive use of gameplay mechanics. Each story is presented in a different style, with the player taking on a variety of roles and tasks. In one story, you’ll be controlling a character on a swing set; in another, you’ll be navigating a maze in the dark. These mechanics are not only engaging in their own right, but they also serve to reinforce the themes and emotions of each story. The result is a game that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, with a narrative that will stick with you long after you’ve finished playing.
Game 2: “Hollow Knight”
If you’re a fan of challenging, atmospheric platformers, “Hollow Knight” is a must-play. Set in a beautifully crafted world full of hidden secrets and dangerous enemies, the game puts you in the shoes of a tiny insect warrior on a quest to save a decaying kingdom. As you explore the world, you’ll encounter a variety of other creatures, each with their own motivations and backstories. The game’s combat is fast-paced and satisfying, with a variety of different weapons and abilities to unlock. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of “Hollow Knight” is its world-building. The game is full of intricate details and lore, with a rich history that you’ll slowly uncover as you progress through the game.
One of the things that makes “Hollow Knight” stand out from other platformers is its sense of atmosphere. The game’s world is hauntingly beautiful, with a hand-drawn art style that perfectly captures the game’s moody tone. The music is also a standout, with a haunting score that perfectly matches the game’s visuals. But what really sets “Hollow Knight” apart is its willingness to challenge the player. This is a game that doesn’t hold your hand, but rather encourages you to explore and experiment. The result is a deeply satisfying experience that rewards perseverance and curiosity.
Game 3: “Stardew Valley”
If you’re looking for a relaxing, low-stress gaming experience, “Stardew Valley” is the perfect choice. This indie darling puts you in the shoes of a character who inherits a run-down farm in a small town. Your goal is to restore the farm to its former glory, while also interacting with the various townspeople and exploring the surrounding wilderness. The game’s mechanics are simple but addictive, with a variety of crops to plant, animals to care for, and items to craft. But perhaps the most charming aspect of “Stardew Valley” is its sense of community. The game’s characters are all well-written and memorable, with their own unique personalities and backstories. As you interact with them, you’ll learn more about their lives and form relationships that can eventually lead to romance and marriage.
One of the things that makes “Stardew Valley” so appealing is its emphasis on player choice. You can play the game at your own pace, focusing on whatever aspects of farm life you find most enjoyable. There are no timers or deadlines, so you can take your time and truly immerse yourself in the world. Additionally, the game’s modding community is incredibly active, with a wide range of user-created content that can add even more depth and variety to the experience. Overall, “Stardew Valley” is a game that will keep you coming back for more, whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a long-term farming simulation.
Game 4: “Pyre”
“Pyre” is a game that defies easy categorization. Part sports game, part visual novel, and part RPG, it tells the story of a group of exiles who must compete in a mystical competition called the Rites in order to earn their freedom. The game’s mechanics are deceptively simple: you control a team of three characters, each with their own unique abilities, and attempt to score points by throwing a ball into the opposing team’s pyre. But as you progress through the game, you’ll discover that there is much more to “Pyre” than meets the eye. The characters are all well-written and memorable, with their own motivations and backstories. The game’s world is also richly detailed, with a mythology that feels both ancient and fresh.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of “Pyre” is its storytelling. The game’s narrative is driven by player choice, with the decisions you make during the Rites and in between matches affecting the outcome of the story. The game also features a unique system of consequences, where characters who are banished from the Rites must leave your party permanently. This adds a sense of weight to your decisions and makes each victory or defeat feel meaningful. Overall, “Pyre” is a game that rewards both skill and strategy, with a narrative that will keep you engaged until the very end.
Game 5: “The Witness”
“The Witness” is a game that will test your patience and your problem-solving skills. Set on a mysterious island full of intricate puzzles and hidden secrets, the game puts you in the role of an unnamed character who must explore the island and solve its puzzles in order to uncover its secrets. The puzzles themselves are deceptively simple at first, but they become progressively more challenging as you progress through the game. The game’s mechanics are also incredibly intuitive, with a variety of different puzzle types that require different approaches.
But what really sets “The Witness” apart is its sense of atmosphere. The game’s world is hauntingly beautiful, with a minimalist art style that perfectly captures the game’s mysterious tone. The music is also a standout, with a haunting score that perfectly matches the game’s visuals. Additionally, the game’s story is told through environmental cues and subtle hints, rewarding players who take the time to explore and scrutinize their surroundings. Overall, “The Witness” is a game that will test your intellect and your patience, with a world that is both beautiful and enigmatic.
Game 6: “Oxenfree”
“Oxenfree” is a game that blends supernatural horror with coming-of-age drama. Set on an abandoned island, the game puts you in the role of Alex, a teenager who is spending the weekend with her friends. As the group explores the island, they begin to experience strange and unsettling phenomena, including ghostly voices and time loops. The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, with a focus on dialogue choices and exploration. But what really sets “Oxenfree” apart is its storytelling. The game’s narrative is full of twists and turns, with a sense of tension and unease that builds steadily throughout. Additionally, the game’s characters are all well-written and believable, with their own motivations and fears.
One of the things that makes “Oxenfree” so appealing is its sense of player agency. The choices you make during dialogue sequences can have a significant impact on the outcome of the story, leading to multiple endings and branching paths. The game also features a unique radio mechanic, where you can tune into different frequencies to uncover hidden secrets and clues. Overall, “Oxenfree” is a game that blends horror and drama in a truly unique way, with a narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Game 7: “Undertale”
“Undertale” is a game that has achieved cult status among gamers, and for good reason. This indie darling puts you in the role of a child who has fallen into a world of monsters, and must navigate their way back to the surface. The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, with a focus on turn-based combat and puzzle-solving. But what really sets “Undertale” apart is its sense of humor and heart. The game is full of memorable characters, each with their own quirks and personalities. Additionally, the game’s story is full of surprising twists and turns, with a meta-narrative that plays with the conventions of video game storytelling.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of “Undertale” is its morality system. The choices you make during combat sequences can have a significant impact on the outcome of the story, leading to multiple endings and branching paths. Additionally, the game features a unique system of consequences, where characters who are killed in combat will not appear in future playthroughs. This adds a sense of weight to your decisions and makes each victory or defeat feel meaningful. Overall, “Undertale” is a game that combines humor, heart, and gameplay in a way that is truly special.
Game 8: “Night in the Woods”
“Night in the Woods” is a game that blends humor and melancholy in a way that feels both authentic and relatable. Set in a small town full of anthropomorphic animals, the game puts you in the role of Mae, a college dropout who returns to her hometown and reconnects with her old friends. As you explore the town and interact with its inhabitants, you’ll uncover a variety of mysteries and secrets, both personal and supernatural. The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, with a focus on dialogue choices and exploration. But what really sets “Night in the Woods” apart is its writing. The game’s characters are all well-developed and believable, with a sense of humor and pathos that feels genuine.
One of the things that makes “Night in the Woods” so appealing is its sense of place. The game’s world is full of small details and hidden secrets, with a sense of history and community that feels authentic. Additionally, the game’s themes of identity, mental health, and nostalgia are all handled with sensitivity and nuance. Overall, “Night in the Woods” is a game that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own life.
Game 9: “Return of the Obra Dinn”
“Return of the Obra Dinn” is a game that will test your deductive reasoning and attention to detail. Set on a ghost ship that has returned to port after a long absence, the game puts you in the role of an insurance adjuster who must investigate the fate of the ship’s crew. The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, with a focus on examining clues and piecing together a narrative. But what really sets “Return of the Obra Dinn” apart is its visual style. The game is presented in a striking black-and-white aesthetic, with a low-resolution pixel art style that perfectly captures the game’s eerie tone.
One of the things that makes “Return of the Obra Dinn” so appealing is its sense of challenge. The game doesn’t hold your hand, but rather encourages you to explore and experiment. The puzzles are challenging but fair, and the game rewards careful observation and logical deduction. Overall, “Return of the Obra Dinn” is a game that will test your intellect and your detective skills, with a world that is both haunting and fascinating.
Game 10: “Inside”
“Inside” is a game that will leave you breathless. Set in a dystopian world full of danger and intrigue, the game puts you in the role of a young boy who must navigate his way through a variety of obstacles and puzzles. The game’s mechanics are relatively simple, with a focus on platforming and environmental puzzles. But what really sets “Inside” apart is its sense of atmosphere. The game’s world is hauntingly beautiful, with a minimalist art style that perfectly captures the game’s moody tone. The music is also a standout, with a haunting score that perfectly matches the game’s visuals.
One of the things that makes “Inside” so appealing is its sense of mystery. The game’s story is told through environmental cues and subtle hints, rewarding players who take the time to explore and scrutinize their surroundings. Additionally, the game features a unique twist that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the game’s world and story. Overall, “Inside” is a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with a narrative that will stick with you long after you’ve finished playing.
Read also:
Leave a Reply