Ten Underrated Video Games of 2024 That Deserve More Recognition
2024 saw a flurry of video game releases, but some gems were overshadowed by bigger titles or launch issues. This article highlights ten games deserving more recognition, offering a diverse range of genres and experiences you might have missed.
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, you engage in intense battles against Tyranids, utilizing the Ultramarines' arsenal. Cinematic combat, a gripping grim-dark atmosphere, and a cooperative mode make for an incredibly engaging 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 fan outrage. Its dynamic gameplay, visuals, co-op, and setting are compelling, yet its appeal remained largely confined to Warhammer fans, potentially overlooking a wider audience.
Last Epoch
Image: store.steampowered.com
- Release Date: February 21, 2024
- Developer: Eleventh Hour Games
- Download: Steam
A unique action-RPG featuring time travel and deep character progression. Explore Eterra, traversing different epochs, altering history, and battling foes. Five base classes with numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting provide multifaceted gameplay.
Why Underrated: Last Epoch initially gained traction but quickly faded. Its innovative time-manipulation mechanics, balanced gameplay, and accessible tutorials make it a standout action-RPG, unjustly overlooked.
Open Roads
Image: backloggd.com
- Release Date: March 28, 2024
- Developer: Open Roads Team
- Download: Steam
A poignant narrative focusing on a mother and daughter's journey to uncover family secrets. Emphasis is placed on dialogue, emotional storytelling, and exploration. The unique visual style—blending hand-drawn characters with 3D environments—is memorable.
Why Underrated: The game's intimate nature and lack of action may have alienated some. However, Open Roads exemplifies the artistic potential of video games, delivering a deeply moving narrative. Its focus on emotional depth may have overshadowed its appeal to those seeking more action-oriented experiences.
Pacific Drive
Image: store.playstation.com
- Release Date: February 22, 2024
- Developer: Ironwood Studios
- Download: Steam
An unconventional survival simulator where your car is your only ally. Explore a forbidden zone filled with anomalies and dangers, repairing your vehicle and navigating treacherous terrain. The unique atmosphere and challenging gameplay create a memorable experience.
Why Underrated: While receiving positive reviews, Pacific Drive faced criticism regarding controls, interface, and repetitive elements. Despite these flaws, its originality and atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience for those willing to embrace its unconventional design.
Rise of the Ronin
Image: deskyou.de
- Release Date: March 22, 2024
- Developer: Team Ninja
- Download: PlayStation
A grand action-RPG set in 19th-century Japan, during a period of significant change. Play as a ronin navigating conflict between tradition and progress. The game combines samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling narrative with moral choices.
Why Underrated: Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other major releases. While categorized as "another samurai game," it offers a unique historical depth and atmosphere, exceeding typical action game tropes. Its exploration of modernization and player agency makes it a noteworthy historical adventure.
Cannibal Abduction
Image: nintendo.com
- Release Date: January 13, 2023
- Developer: Selewi, Tomás Esconjaureguy
- Download: Steam
A tense survival horror game. Trapped in a secluded cabin, you must evade a cannibalistic family. Resource management, hiding, and puzzle-solving are key to survival. The oppressive atmosphere and constant danger create a challenging experience.
Why Underrated: Cannibal Abduction might have been lost amidst larger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics, while contributing to its unique charm, may have alienated players accustomed to higher visual fidelity. It's a compelling throwback to classic survival horror.
Still Wakes the Deep
Image: pixelrz.com
- Release Date: June 18, 2024
- Developer: The Chinese Room
- Download: Steam
An atmospheric horror set on a North Sea oil platform. Survive and escape an unexplained horror. The tense atmosphere, sound design, and detailed setting create an immersive and chilling experience.
Why Underrated: Still Wakes the Deep may have lacked sufficient marketing. However, it's a masterclass in atmospheric horror, reminiscent of SOMA and Amnesia, offering a unique setting and fresh take on survival.
Indika
Image: store.epicgames.com
- Release Date: May 2, 2024
- Developer: Odd-Meter
- Download: Steam
A thought-provoking game exploring religion, philosophy, and personal truth through abstract gameplay. Navigate dark spaces, interacting with cryptic clues. The serene atmosphere, cutscenes, and mini-games allow for appreciation of its visual richness and contemplative narrative.
Why Underrated: Indika’s unconventional gameplay and lengthy cutscenes may have alienated some players. Despite criticism, its visual style and philosophical approach make it a unique artistic 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, reminiscent of Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Explore an abandoned amusement park, solving puzzles and facing monsters. The retro-inspired visual style and gripping storyline create a nostalgic horror experience.
Why Underrated: Crow Country, despite positive reviews, was overshadowed by larger releases. While some criticized its simpler mechanics, its attention to detail, unique plot, and gameplay 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 grim, art-deco New York of 2329, where death is conquered. Investigate murders and unravel mysteries related to transhumanism and immortality. The game blends detective elements and sci-fi with 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 widespread appeal. Despite its visual excellence, it may have been overshadowed by larger-scale projects.
2024 offered a diverse range of compelling games. While not all achieved mainstream success, these ten titles demonstrate the creativity and innovation within the gaming industry. Remember, sometimes the smaller gems leave the most lasting impressions.
