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2024: Ten Underrated Video Games You Might Have Missed
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. Prepare to discover hidden gaming treasures!
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 game exemplifies modern action. As Captain Titus, you battle Tyranids using the Ultramarines' arsenal. Cinematic battles, a grim future atmosphere, and co-op gameplay make each mission captivating. The 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 it only reached Warhammer fans, potentially appealing to a broader audience.
Last Epoch
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: February 21, 2024 Developer: Eleventh Hour Games Download: Steam
This action-RPG features time travel and deep character development. Players explore Eterra, battling enemies and altering history. Five base classes, numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and crafting options provide diverse gameplay.
Why Underrated: Last Epoch garnered initial attention but faded quickly. Its unique action-RPG elements—a dynamic timeline, balanced gameplay, and accessible tutorials—deserve more recognition.
Open Roads
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Release Date: March 28, 2024 Developer: Open Roads Team Download: Steam
Open Roads tells a touching story of a mother and daughter uncovering family secrets. The focus is on dialogue, emotional scenes, and exploration. The unique visual style—drawn characters in 3D environments—is memorable. It's a deep dive into relationships and the search for truth.
Why Underrated: Its intimate nature and lack of action may have limited its appeal. However, it showcases the artistic potential of video games, delivering a deeply moving narrative. Its emotional focus may have alienated those seeking more action.
Pacific Drive
Image: store.playstation.com
Release Date: February 22, 2024 Developer: Ironwood Studios Download: Steam
Pacific Drive is an unusual survival simulator where your car is your only ally. Explore a forbidden zone filled with anomalies, repairing your vehicle and avoiding dangers. Every trip is a challenge, requiring route planning, repairs, and avoiding traps. The atmosphere and grim world are unforgettable.
Why Underrated: While critically acclaimed (positive Metacritic and OpenCritic scores), controversial elements like controls, interface, constant repairs, repetitive gameplay, and random events hindered its wider acceptance. Despite its rough edges, its originality and atmosphere deserve attention.
Rise of the Ronin
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Release Date: March 22, 2024 Developer: Team Ninja Download: PlayStation
This grand action-RPG transports you to 19th-century Japan. As a ronin, you navigate the conflict between tradition and progress. It blends samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling story with moral choices. The visuals capture the spirit of the era.
Why Underrated: Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other releases. While labeled "another samurai game," its unique atmosphere and historical depth offer more than just action. Its themes and player choices make it stand out.
Cannibal Abduction
Image: nintendo.com
Release Date: January 13, 2023 Developer: Selewi, Tomás Esconjaureguy Download: Steam
This tense survival horror game returns to genre roots. Trapped in a cabin, you evade a cannibal family. You scavenge for weapons, hide, and solve puzzles to uncover a horrifying story. The oppressive atmosphere, limited resources, and constant danger create a challenging experience.
Why Underrated: Cannibal Abduction may have been lost amidst bigger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics and intimate approach may deter some, but these elements contribute to its unique charm. It's a 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 game is set on a North Sea oil platform. Survive and escape the platform plagued by an unexplained horror. The tense atmosphere, sound design, and detailed setting create an immersive and chilling experience. Survival depends on wit and instinct.
Why Underrated: Modest marketing and its niche genre may have limited its reach. It's a masterful work of horror, focusing on atmosphere and psychological tension, reminiscent of SOMA and Amnesia.
Indika
Image: store.epicgames.com
Release Date: May 2, 2024 Developer: Odd-Meter Download: Steam
This unusual game blends religion, philosophy, and the search for truth with abstract gameplay. Players navigate dark spaces, interacting with clues in a surreal experience. Despite lacking traditional mechanics, the game offers a serene atmosphere with deep cutscenes and mini-games.
Why Underrated: Despite award nominations, Indika is often criticized for its lack of tangible impact on the story and gameplay, and lengthy cutscenes. However, its visual style and philosophical approach appeal to those who appreciate it as an art project.
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 is inspired by PlayStation 1 titles. Players explore an abandoned amusement park, facing mysteries, monsters, and dangers. The retro horror visuals and gripping storyline create an unforgettable experience.
Why Underrated: Positive reviews notwithstanding, Crow Country was overshadowed by larger releases. Criticisms include simple combat and puzzles, and a lack of deep psychological themes. However, its attention to detail, plot, and gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.
Nobody Wants to Die
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: July 17, 2024 Developer: Critical Hit Games Download: Steam
This dystopian detective game takes place in a grim, art-deco-noir New York in 2329, where death is conquered. Detective James Carr investigates murders, uncovering mysteries of transhumanism and immortality. The game blends detective elements and sci-fi with photorealistic graphics and unique time-manipulation mechanics.
Why Underrated: Despite its ambitious ideas and philosophical questions, Nobody Wants to Die lacks widespread recognition. Its blend of styles and genres may deter players, and its visual excellence may be overshadowed by larger projects.
Conclusion
2024 offered many ambitious games that deserved more attention. From philosophical explorations to tense horror and unique adventures, each game offers something special. Remember that not every excellent game becomes a major hit; sometimes, the smaller gems are the most memorable.
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