Hidden Gems: Uncover the Underrated Gaming Treasures of 2024

2024: Ten Underrated Video Games You Might Have Missed

2024 saw a flurry of exciting video game releases, but some truly exceptional titles flew under the radar. This article highlights ten games deserving far greater recognition, games you might have overlooked amidst the blockbuster hype. Prepare to discover some hidden gems!

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

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Release Date: September 9, 2024 Developer: Saber St. Petersburg Download: Steam

This game exemplifies modern action at its finest. As Captain Titus, you engage in brutal combat against relentless Tyranids, utilizing the Ultramarines' extensive arsenal. The blend of cinematic battles, a chillingly atmospheric grim-dark future, and a compelling co-op mode makes each mission intensely engaging. Stunning graphics bring the Warhammer universe to life, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Why it's Underrated:

Despite its excellence, Space Marine 2 surprisingly missed a "Game of the Year" nomination at The Game Awards 2024, sparking outrage among fans. It boasts dynamic gameplay, breathtaking visuals, fun co-op, and a unique setting, yet its appeal remained largely confined to Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts. Its potential to attract a broader audience remains untapped.

Last Epoch

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Release Date: February 21, 2024 Developer: Eleventh Hour Games Download: Steam

A distinctive action-RPG, Last Epoch centers around time travel and a deeply engaging character development system. Players explore the world of Eterra, traversing different epochs, battling foes, and altering the course of history. Five base classes with numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting options ensure consistently exciting and diverse gameplay.

Why it's Underrated:

While initially gaining attention, Last Epoch quickly faded from the spotlight. This is unfortunate, as it offers a refreshing take on action-RPGs: a dynamic timeline system, balanced gameplay, and user-friendly tutorials. It's a strong contender for players seeking something innovative within the familiar comforts of the genre.

Open Roads

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Release Date: March 28, 2024 Developer: Open Roads Team Download: Steam

Open Roads tells a poignant story about a mother and daughter embarking on a journey to uncover family secrets. The game emphasizes dialogue, emotional depth, and exploration. Its unique visual style—combining hand-drawn characters with 3D environments—is particularly memorable. This is more than just an adventure; it's a profound exploration of relationships, experiences, and the pursuit of truth.

Why it's Underrated:

Open Roads' intimacy and lack of action-oriented gameplay may have alienated a mass audience. However, it showcases the artistic potential of video games, delivering a deeply moving narrative. Its understated nature and focus on emotional resonance may have hindered its appeal to those seeking more dynamic experiences. Nonetheless, it offers a rare and powerful gaming experience.

Pacific Drive

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Release Date: February 22, 2024 Developer: Ironwood Studios Download: Steam

Pacific Drive is an unconventional survival simulator where your only companion is your car. You venture into a restricted zone teeming with anomalies and dangers, unraveling its secrets while maintaining your vehicle's functionality. Each journey presents a unique challenge: meticulous route planning, damage repair, and evasion of deadly traps are crucial. The game's unique atmosphere and bleak world are unforgettable, particularly for those who appreciate unconventional game design.

Why it's Underrated:

While Pacific Drive received positive critical acclaim (positive reviews on Metacritic and 79% recommendation on OpenCritic), it also faced criticism. Some players found the controls, interface, and constant repair demands challenging. Repetitive gameplay and frequent random events proved frustrating for others. Despite these drawbacks, its originality, atmosphere, and faithfulness to source material warrant attention. If you appreciate unconventional games and are willing to overlook some flaws, Pacific Drive provides an unforgettable journey.

Rise of the Ronin

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Release Date: March 22, 2024 Developer: Team Ninja Download: PlayStation

Team Ninja's grand action-RPG transports you to 19th-century Japan, a period of immense upheaval. As a ronin—a masterless samurai—you navigate the conflict between tradition and progress. The game combines samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling narrative filled with difficult moral choices. The game's beautiful visuals and detailed world immerse you in this era of transition.

Why it's Underrated:

Despite its potential, Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other major releases. It's unfairly dismissed as "just another samurai game," overlooking its unique atmosphere, historical depth, and compelling narrative beyond simple action. The complex themes of modernization and player agency make it worthwhile, particularly for those who appreciate historical adventures with an Eastern aesthetic.

Cannibal Abduction

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Release Date: January 13, 2023 Developer: Selewi, Tomás Esconjaureguy Download: Steam

This tense survival horror harkens back to the genre's roots. Trapped in a secluded cabin and pursued by a cannibal family, survival is your paramount goal. You'll scavenge for weapons, hide in the shadows, and solve puzzles to uncover a horrifying story. The oppressive atmosphere, limited resources, and constant danger make every moment a true test of survival.

Why it's Underrated:

Cannibal Abduction may have been lost amidst larger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics and intimate approach might deter those accustomed to high-fidelity visuals, but these elements contribute to the game's unique charm. It's a tribute to classic survival horror titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, a must-try for fans of old-school horror seeking a truly intense experience.

Still Wakes the Deep

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Release Date: June 18, 2024 Developer: The Chinese Room Download: Steam

An atmospheric horror from The Chinese Room, Still Wakes the Deep is set on a remote North Sea oil rig. Your goal is survival and escape from this platform, plunged into chaos by an inexplicable horror lurking in the darkness. The combination of tense atmosphere, unsettling sound design, and detailed environments creates an immersive and terrifying experience. With limited resources and little hope of rescue, your wit and survival instincts are your only allies.

Why it's Underrated:

Still Wakes the Deep may have suffered from modest marketing and its niche genre. However, it’s a masterful work of horror, prioritizing atmosphere and psychological tension. It evokes the feeling of titles like SOMA and Amnesia while offering a unique setting and a fresh take on survival themes. If you enjoy slow-burn horror with a lonely, unsettling atmosphere, this game is a must-play.

Indika

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Release Date: May 2, 2024 Developer: Odd-Meter Download: Steam

Indika is an unconventional and thought-provoking game exploring the intersection of religion, philosophy, and the search for personal truth through abstract and surreal gameplay. Players navigate desolate, dark spaces, interacting with clues that don't always provide clear answers. Despite the lack of traditional mechanics, the game offers a serene atmosphere with profound cutscenes and mini-games, allowing players to appreciate its visual richness and contemplative narrative.

Why it's Underrated:

Despite nominations for the Golden Joystick and The Game Awards, Indika didn't achieve widespread recognition. Its lack of direct action and lengthy cutscenes have been criticized. However, its visual style and philosophical depth make it compelling for those who appreciate it as an art project with profound reflections. Its polarizing nature prevented broader appeal.

Crow Country

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Release Date: May 9, 2024 Developer: SFB Games Download: Steam

A remake of a cult-classic survival horror with puzzle elements, Crow Country draws inspiration from PlayStation 1 titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Players investigate an abandoned amusement park in Georgia, USA, facing mysteries, monsters, and danger. The game's retro horror aesthetic and gripping storyline create a memorable experience for genre fans.

Why it's Underrated:

Despite positive reviews and its immersive atmosphere, Crow Country was overshadowed by larger 2024 releases. Some critics noted the simplicity of its combat and puzzles, as well as a lack of deep psychological themes. However, its attention to detail, unique plot, and well-crafted gameplay make it essential for fans of classic horror and exploration-driven adventures.

Nobody Wants to Die

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Release Date: July 17, 2024 Developer: Critical Hit Games Download: Steam

This dystopian detective game transports you to a grim, art-deco-noir New York in 2329, where death has been conquered and human consciousnesses are stored in memory banks. Immortality is a privilege for the elite, and death is a temporary inconvenience. Detective James Carr investigates a series of murders, becoming entangled in 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 deep philosophical questions, Nobody Wants to Die hasn't gained widespread recognition. Its blend of multiple genres may deter players expecting a more linear experience. While visually impressive, it faces competition from larger projects.

Conclusion

2024 offered many intriguing and ambitious games, many of which deserved more attention. From philosophical explorations to tense horror and unique adventures, each game possesses something special. As we move into 2025, remember that not every excellent game becomes a blockbuster, and sometimes the smaller gems leave the most lasting impression.