2024 delivered a diverse array of video games, yet some exceptional titles flew under the radar. This article highlights ten games deserving more recognition, offering a fresh perspective for seasoned gamers.
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
Release Date: September 9, 2024
Developer: Saber St. Petersburg
Download: Steam
This game exemplifies modern action. As Captain Titus, you battle relentless Tyranids, wielding the Ultramarines' arsenal—from bolters to chainswords. Cinematic battles, a grim future atmosphere, and co-op gameplay create intensely engaging missions. Stunning graphics bring the Warhammer universe to life, making it unforgettable.
Why it's Underrated:
Despite its excellence, Space Marine 2 surprisingly missed a "Game of the Year" nomination at The Game Awards 2024, sparking fan outrage. It boasts dynamic gameplay, stunning visuals, fun co-op, and a unique setting, yet its appeal remained largely confined to Warhammer 40,000 fans. Its potential extends far beyond that dedicated fanbase.
Last Epoch
Release Date: February 21, 2024
Developer: Eleventh Hour Games
Download: Steam
This unique action-RPG centers on time travel and deep character development. Players explore Eterra, traversing different epochs, altering history, and battling enemies. Five base classes, numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting options ensure engaging, multifaceted gameplay.
Why it's Underrated:
Last Epoch, despite initial attention, was quickly forgotten. This is a shame, as it offers a fresh take on action-RPGs with its dynamic timeline, balanced gameplay, and accessible tutorials. It's a strong contender for players seeking innovative yet familiar experiences.
Open Roads
Release Date: March 28, 2024
Developer: Open Roads Team
Download: Steam
Open Roads is a poignant story about a mother and daughter uncovering family secrets. The game emphasizes dialogue, emotional scenes, and exploration. Its unique visual style—blending drawn characters with 3D environments—is particularly memorable. It's more than an adventure; it's a deep exploration of relationships, experiences, and the search for truth.
Why it's Underrated:
Open Roads' intimacy and lack of action may have limited its appeal. However, it showcases video games as art, telling deeply moving stories. Its focus on emotional content, while powerful, may have alienated those seeking more dynamic gameplay. It's a rare and impactful experience.
Pacific Drive
Release Date: February 22, 2024
Developer: Ironwood Studios
Download: Steam
Pacific Drive is an unusual survival simulator where your car is your only ally. You explore a forbidden zone filled with anomalies and dangers, uncovering secrets while maintaining your vehicle. Each journey presents challenges: route planning, repairs, and evading deadly traps. The unique atmosphere and grim world are unforgettable, especially for those who appreciate unconventional concepts.
Why it's Underrated:
While critically acclaimed (positive Metacritic and OpenCritic scores), Pacific Drive has its detractors. Some players found the controls, interface, and constant repairs challenging. Repetitive gameplay and frequent random events can be frustrating. Despite these flaws, its originality, atmosphere, and faithfulness to source material make it noteworthy.
Rise of the Ronin
Release Date: March 22, 2024
Developer: Team Ninja
Download: PlayStation
This grand action-RPG transports you to 19th-century Japan, an era of upheaval. As a ronin, you navigate the conflict between tradition and progress. The game blends samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling story with difficult moral choices. Its beautiful visuals capture the spirit of a changing era.
Why it's Underrated:
Despite its potential, Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other releases. It's unfairly dismissed as "another samurai game," overlooking its unique atmosphere, historical depth, and complex themes of modernization and player choice.
Cannibal Abduction
Release Date: January 13, 2023
Developer: Selewi, Tomás Esconjaureguy
Download: Steam
This tense survival horror returns to genre roots. Trapped in a secluded cabin and pursued by cannibals, survival is paramount. You'll break furniture for weapons, hide in shadows, and solve puzzles to uncover a horrifying story. The oppressive atmosphere, limited resources, and constant danger create intense challenges.
Why it's Underrated:
Cannibal Abduction may have been lost among bigger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics and intimate approach might deter those used to graphical sophistication, but these elements contribute to its unique charm. It's an ode to classic survival horror, perfect for fans of old-school thrills.
Still Wakes the Deep
Release Date: June 18, 2024
Developer: The Chinese Room
Download: Steam
This atmospheric horror unfolds on an isolated North Sea oil platform. You must survive and escape the chaos caused by an unexplained horror. The tense atmosphere, disturbing sound design, and detailed setting create an immersive and chilling experience. With no weapons and minimal rescue chances, survival depends on wit and instinct.
Why it's Underrated:
Still Wakes the Deep's modest marketing and niche genre may have limited its reach. However, it's a masterful work of horror, focusing on atmosphere and psychological tension. It evokes SOMA and Amnesia but offers a unique setting and fresh take on survival.
Indika
Release Date: May 2, 2024
Developer: Odd-Meter
Download: Steam
This unusual game blends religion, philosophy, and the search for truth with abstract and surreal gameplay. Players navigate empty, dark spaces, interacting with ambiguous clues. Despite lacking traditional mechanics, the serene atmosphere, deep cutscenes, and mini-games allow appreciation of its visuals and contemplative narrative.
Why it's Underrated:
Despite Golden Joystick and Game Awards nominations, Indika remains underappreciated. Its lack of tangible impact on the storyline and gameplay, along with lengthy cutscenes, have led to criticism. However, its visual style and philosophical approach appeal to those who view it as an art project rather than a traditional action game.
Crow Country
Release Date: May 9, 2024
Developer: SFB Games
Download: Steam
This remake of a cult-classic survival horror, inspired by Resident Evil and Silent Hill, features puzzle elements. Players investigate an abandoned Georgia amusement park filled with mysteries, monsters, and dangers. Its retro horror visuals and gripping storyline create an unforgettable experience.
Why it's Underrated:
Despite positive reviews, Crow Country was overshadowed by larger 2024 releases. Some critics noted simple combat and puzzles, and a lack of deep psychological themes. However, its attention to detail, unique plot, and well-crafted gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.
Nobody Wants to Die
Release Date: July 17, 2024
Developer: Critical Hit Games
Download: Steam
This dystopian detective game sets you in a grim, art-deco-noir New York in 2329, where death has been conquered. Detective James Carr investigates murders, uncovering mysteries related to transhumanism and immortality. The game blends detective elements and sci-fi with photorealistic Unreal Engine 5 graphics and unique time-manipulation mechanics.
Why it's Underrated:
Despite ambitious ideas and philosophical questions, Nobody Wants to Die lacks widespread recognition. Its blend of styles and genres may deter players expecting more linear experiences. While visually excellent, it faces competition from larger projects.
2024 offered many compelling games, many of which deserved more attention. From philosophical explorations to tense horror and unique adventures, each game offers something special. As we move into 2025, remember that not every excellent game becomes a major hit; sometimes, the smaller gems are the most memorable.
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