Ten Underrated Video Games of 2024: Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed

2024 saw a flurry of video game releases, but some truly exceptional titles flew under the radar. This article highlights ten games deserving of far more recognition. Prepare to discover some gaming gold!

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 sets a new standard for visceral combat. As Captain Titus, you unleash the Ultramarines' arsenal against relentless Tyranids. The blend of cinematic battles, a chillingly atmospheric future setting, and cooperative gameplay makes each mission unforgettable. The graphics are stunning, bringing the Warhammer universe to life.

Why Underrated: Despite its excellence, Space Marine 2 surprisingly missed a "Game of the Year" nomination at The Game Awards 2024, sparking outrage among fans. Its dynamic gameplay, visuals, co-op mode, and unique setting should appeal far beyond the Warhammer fanbase.

Last Epoch

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This action-RPG features time travel and a deep character progression system. Players explore Eterra, traversing different epochs and altering history. Five base classes, numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting create richly varied gameplay.

Why Underrated: Last Epoch initially gained traction but was quickly forgotten. This is a shame, as its innovative time-bending mechanics, 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 is a poignant narrative focusing on a mother and daughter's journey to uncover family secrets. The game emphasizes dialogue, emotional depth, and environmental exploration. Its unique art style—combining hand-drawn characters with 3D environments—is memorable. It's more than an adventure; it's a deeply moving exploration of relationships and self-discovery.

Why Underrated: The game's intimate nature and lack of overt action may have limited its appeal to broader audiences. However, it's a powerful example of storytelling in video games, and its emotional resonance is undeniable.

Pacific Drive

Image: store.playstation.com

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

Pacific Drive is a unique survival simulator where your car is your only companion. You explore a hazardous zone filled with anomalies, constantly repairing your vehicle while uncovering secrets. The atmosphere and setting are truly unforgettable.

Why Underrated: While critically acclaimed (positive Metacritic and OpenCritic scores), Pacific Drive has its detractors. Some found the controls, interface, and constant repairs frustrating. Repetitive gameplay and random events also drew criticism. Despite these flaws, its originality and atmosphere make it worth experiencing for players who appreciate unconventional game design.

Rise of the Ronin

Image: deskyou.de

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

Team Ninja's grand action-RPG transports players to 19th-century Japan, a time of upheaval. As a ronin, you navigate the conflict between tradition and progress. The game combines samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling narrative with difficult moral choices.

Why Underrated: Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other major releases. While it's easy to dismiss it as "another samurai game," its unique atmosphere, historical depth, and complex themes set it apart.

Cannibal Abduction

Image: nintendo.com

• 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 cabin and pursued by cannibals, survival is your only goal. The oppressive atmosphere, limited resources, and constant threat create intense gameplay.

Why Underrated: Cannibal Abduction may have been lost amidst bigger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics, while contributing to its unique charm, may have alienated some players. However, it's a worthy tribute to classic survival horror.

Still Wakes the Deep

Image: pixelrz.com

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

This atmospheric horror unfolds on a remote North Sea oil rig. You must survive and escape an unexplained horror lurking in the darkness. The tense atmosphere, disturbing soundscape, and detailed setting create a truly immersive experience.

Why Underrated: Still Wakes the Deep's modest marketing and niche genre likely contributed to its lack of recognition. However, it's a masterclass in atmospheric horror, reminiscent of SOMA and Amnesia, but with a unique setting and fresh take on survival.

Indika

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Indika is a thought-provoking game exploring religion, philosophy, and the search for truth through abstract gameplay. Players navigate surreal environments, interacting with cryptic clues. Despite its unconventional mechanics, the game's serene atmosphere, deep cutscenes, and visual richness make it a rewarding experience.

Why Underrated: Despite award nominations, Indika's lack of traditional gameplay and lengthy cutscenes alienated some players. However, its visual style and philosophical depth make it a unique artistic statement.

Crow Country

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This remake of a cult classic blends survival horror and puzzles, reminiscent of PlayStation 1 era games. Players explore an abandoned amusement park, facing mysteries, monsters, and danger. The retro-inspired visuals and gripping story create a memorable experience.

Why Underrated: Crow Country, despite positive reviews, was overshadowed by larger releases. While some criticized its simpler mechanics, its atmosphere, plot, and gameplay are compelling for fans of classic horror.

Nobody Wants to Die

Image: youtube.com

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

This dystopian detective game sets the scene in a grim, art-deco New York of 2329, where death has been conquered. Detective James Carr investigates murders, uncovering mysteries related to transhumanism and immortality. The game blends detective work 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 wider appeal. Its visual excellence, however, is undeniable.

2024 offered a diverse range of ambitious games, many unjustly overlooked. From philosophical explorations to intense horror, these titles offer unique and memorable experiences. Let's remember that not every great game becomes a blockbuster—sometimes the hidden gems are the most rewarding.