The 10 most underrated games of 2024 that you might have missed

Ten Underrated Video Games of 2024 You Might Have Missed

2024 delivered a diverse range of video games, yet some gems remained unjustly overshadowed. This article highlights ten titles deserving more recognition, perfect for players seeking fresh experiences beyond the mainstream. Prepare to discover hidden treasures in the gaming world!

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, players engage in intense battles against relentless Tyranids, utilizing the Ultramarines' arsenal. The blend of cinematic combat, a gripping grim-dark atmosphere, and cooperative gameplay creates an unforgettable experience. Stunning visuals bring 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 fan outrage. Its dynamic gameplay, visuals, co-op mode, and unique setting deserved wider acclaim, extending beyond the Warhammer fanbase.

Last Epoch

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This action-RPG stands out with its time-travel mechanics and deep character development. Players explore Eterra, traversing different epochs and altering history. Five base classes, numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting options ensure diverse and engaging gameplay.

Why Underrated: Last Epoch initially gained traction but faded quickly. This is unfortunate, as its innovative timeline system, 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 offers a poignant narrative centered on a mother and daughter's 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. It's an exploration of relationships, experiences, and the search for truth.

Why Underrated: The game's intimate nature and lack of action may have limited its appeal to broader audiences. However, it exemplifies the artistic potential of video games, delivering a deeply moving narrative experience.

Pacific Drive

Image: store.playstation.com

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

Pacific Drive is a unique survival simulator where a player's car is their only ally. Players explore a forbidden zone filled with anomalies and dangers, uncovering secrets while maintaining their vehicle. Strategic route planning, repairs, and avoiding deadly traps are crucial. The game's atmosphere and unconventional setting are unforgettable.

Why Underrated: While critically acclaimed (positive Metacritic and OpenCritic scores), Pacific Drive faced criticism regarding controls, interface, and repetitive gameplay. Despite these flaws, its originality and atmosphere deserve recognition.

Rise of the Ronin

Image: deskyou.de

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

This grand action-RPG transports players to 19th-century Japan, a time of upheaval. As a ronin, players navigate conflicts between tradition and progress. The game combines samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling story with moral choices. Its visual style captures the spirit of the era.

Why Underrated: Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other major releases, unfairly categorized as "just another samurai game." However, its unique atmosphere, historical depth, and complex themes warrant attention.

Cannibal Abduction

Image: nintendo.com

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

This survival horror game returns to the genre's roots. Players, trapped in a cabin, must evade a cannibal family. Resource management, hiding, and puzzle-solving are key to survival. The oppressive atmosphere and constant danger create intense gameplay.

Why Underrated: Cannibal Abduction might have been lost among larger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics, while contributing to its unique charm, may have alienated some players. However, it's a tribute to classic survival horror, offering a thrilling experience.

Still Wakes the Deep

Image: pixelrz.com

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

This atmospheric horror game is set on a North Sea oil platform. Players must survive and escape an unexplained horror. The game's tense atmosphere, sound design, and detailed setting create an immersive and chilling experience. Survival relies on wit and instinct.

Why 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, comparable to titles like SOMA and Amnesia.

Indika

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Indika is a provocative game blending religion, philosophy, and the search for truth with abstract gameplay. Players navigate dark spaces, interacting with ambiguous clues. Despite lacking traditional mechanics, the game's serene atmosphere, cutscenes, and mini-games offer a visually rich and contemplative experience.

Why Underrated: Despite award nominations, Indika's unconventional gameplay and lack of clear narrative progression may have hindered its popularity. 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 survival horror game evokes the atmosphere of PlayStation 1 titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Players explore an abandoned amusement park, facing mysteries, monsters, and dangers. The retro visual style and gripping storyline create a memorable experience.

Why Underrated: Crow Country, despite positive reviews, was overshadowed by larger 2024 releases. While some criticized its simpler mechanics, its attention to detail, plot twists, and gameplay make it a worthwhile experience for classic horror fans.

Nobody Wants to Die

Image: youtube.com

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

This dystopian detective game sets players in a 2329 art-deco New York where death is conquered. Detective James Carr investigates murders, uncovering mysteries related to transhumanism and immortality. The game blends detective elements and sci-fi, featuring photorealistic graphics and unique time manipulation mechanics.

Why Underrated: Despite its ambitious concepts and philosophical themes, Nobody Wants to Die lacks widespread recognition. Its blend of genres and competition from larger titles may have contributed to this.

2024 offered a wealth of ambitious games, many deserving more attention. From philosophical explorations to intense horror and unique adventures, these titles offer special experiences. Remember, not every great game becomes a major hit, and sometimes the smaller gems leave the most lasting impression.