Ten Underrated Video Games of 2024 That Deserve More Recognition
2024 saw a flurry of video game releases, but some gems were overshadowed. This article highlights ten games that deserve more attention, offering a diverse range of genres and experiences you might have missed.
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 action game sets a new standard. As Captain Titus, you fight relentless Tyranids with the Ultramarines' arsenal. Cinematic battles, a grim future atmosphere, and co-op mode make for incredibly engaging missions. Stunning graphics bring the Warhammer universe to life.
Why Underrated: Despite its quality, Space Marine 2 was surprisingly snubbed for Game of the Year nominations, sparking fan outrage. Its dynamic gameplay, visuals, co-op, and unique setting should appeal beyond Warhammer fans.
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. Explore Eterra, battling across different epochs and altering history. Five base classes, numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting ensure diverse and exciting gameplay.
Why Underrated: Last Epoch initially gained traction but was quickly forgotten. Its innovative time-manipulation system, balanced gameplay, and clear tutorials make it a standout action-RPG.
Open Roads
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Release Date: March 28, 2024 Developer: Open Roads Team Download: Steam
Open Roads tells a poignant story of a mother and daughter uncovering family secrets. The focus is on dialogue, emotional scenes, and exploration. The unique visual style, blending hand-drawn characters with 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, offering a powerful emotional experience.
Pacific Drive
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Release Date: February 22, 2024 Developer: Ironwood Studios Download: Steam
This unique survival simulator casts you as a lone driver venturing into a forbidden zone filled with anomalies. Maintaining your vehicle is key to survival. Careful route planning, repairs, and avoiding traps are crucial. The game's atmosphere and unconventional concept are unforgettable.
Why Underrated: While critically praised, Pacific Drive faced criticism regarding controls, interface, and repetitive gameplay. However, its originality and atmosphere make it worthwhile for those who appreciate unconventional titles.
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 might have been overshadowed by other major releases. It offers a unique atmosphere and historical depth beyond typical samurai games, exploring themes of modernization and player choice.
Cannibal Abduction
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Release Date: January 13, 2023 Developer: Selewi, Tomás Esconjaureguy Download: Steam
This tense survival horror returns to genre roots. Trapped in a cabin and pursued by cannibals, survival is paramount. You'll scavenge for weapons, hide, and solve puzzles to uncover a horrifying story. The oppressive atmosphere and limited resources create constant tension.
Why Underrated: Cannibal Abduction may have been lost amidst bigger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics, while contributing to its unique charm, might deter those seeking high-fidelity visuals. It's a tribute to classic survival horror.
Still Wakes the Deep
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Release Date: June 18, 2024 Developer: The Chinese Room Download: Steam
This atmospheric horror unfolds on a North Sea oil platform. Survive and escape the unexplained horror lurking in the darkness. The tense atmosphere, sound design, and detailed setting create an immersive and chilling experience. Your wit and instincts are your only allies.
Why Underrated: Modest marketing and its niche genre likely contributed to its lack of recognition. It's a masterclass in atmospheric horror, reminiscent of SOMA and Amnesia, but with a unique setting and survival themes.
Indika
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Release Date: May 2, 2024 Developer: Odd-Meter Download: Steam
This provocative game blends religion, philosophy, and the search for truth with abstract gameplay. Navigate dark spaces, interacting with cryptic clues. Despite lacking traditional mechanics, it offers a serene atmosphere, deep cutscenes, and mini-games, emphasizing visual richness and contemplative narrative.
Why Underrated: Despite award nominations, Indika was criticized for its lack of tangible gameplay impact and lengthy cutscenes. However, its visual style and philosophical approach appeal to those who appreciate art games with deep reflection.
Crow Country
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: May 9, 2024 Developer: SFB Games Download: Steam
This remake of a cult-classic survival horror evokes PlayStation 1 titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Explore an abandoned amusement park, solving puzzles and facing monsters. The retro horror aesthetic and gripping storyline create a memorable experience.
Why Underrated: Positive reviews notwithstanding, Crow Country was overshadowed by larger releases. Criticisms included simple combat and puzzles, and a lack of deep psychological themes. However, its detailed world, unique plot, and gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.
Nobody Wants to Die
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Release Date: July 17, 2024 Developer: Critical Hit Games Download: Steam
This dystopian detective game sets you in a noir 2329 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 with photorealistic graphics and unique time-manipulation mechanics.
Why Underrated: Despite its ambitious concept and philosophical questions, Nobody Wants to Die lacks widespread recognition. Its blend of genres and potentially challenging gameplay may have limited its appeal, despite its visual excellence.
Conclusion
2024 offered many ambitious games, some unjustly overlooked. These ten titles, spanning various genres and styles, prove that smaller games can offer memorable and impactful experiences. Let's remember that quality doesn't always equate to mainstream success.
