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

2024: Ten Underrated Video Games You Might Have Missed

2024 saw a flurry of video game releases, but some gems were overshadowed by blockbuster titles or suffered from minor 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 game exemplifies modern action. As Captain Titus, you fight relentless Tyranids using the Ultramarines' arsenal. Cinematic battles, a grim future atmosphere, and co-op gameplay create incredibly engaging missions. Stunning graphics bring the Warhammer universe to life.

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

Last Epoch

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

A unique action-RPG featuring time travel and deep character development. Explore Eterra, battling enemies and altering history. Five base classes, numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting ensure exciting, multifaceted gameplay.

Why Underrated: Last Epoch initially gained traction but was quickly forgotten. Its dynamic timeline, balanced gameplay, and accessible tutorials offer a fresh take on the action-RPG genre.

Open Roads

Image: backloggd.com

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

A poignant story about a mother and daughter uncovering family secrets. The game emphasizes dialogue, emotional scenes, and exploration. Its unique visual style—blending drawn characters with 3D environments—is memorable. It's a deep dive into relationships and the search for truth.

Why Underrated: Open Roads' intimacy and lack of action may have alienated some. However, it showcases the artistic potential of video games, delivering a deeply moving narrative.

Pacific Drive

Image: store.playstation.com

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

An unusual survival simulator where your car is your only ally. Venture into a forbidden zone, uncovering secrets while maintaining your vehicle. Careful route planning, repairs, and avoiding traps are crucial. The unique atmosphere and grim world are unforgettable.

Why Underrated: While critically acclaimed (positive Metacritic and OpenCritic scores), Pacific Drive has its detractors. Some found the controls, interface, and constant repairs challenging. Repetitive gameplay and random events can be frustrating. Despite this, its originality and atmosphere deserve recognition.

Rise of the Ronin

Image: deskyou.de

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

A grand action-RPG set in 19th-century Japan. Play as a ronin caught between tradition and progress. The game blends samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling story with moral choices. The beautiful visuals capture the spirit of a changing era.

Why Underrated: Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other releases. While unfairly labeled "just another samurai game," it offers a unique atmosphere and historical depth.

Cannibal Abduction

Image: nintendo.com

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

A tense survival horror returning to genre roots. Survive a family of cannibals in a secluded cabin. Use improvised weapons, hide in shadows, and solve puzzles to uncover a horrifying story. The oppressive atmosphere and limited resources create constant tension.

Why Underrated: Cannibal Abduction might have been lost among bigger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics, while contributing to its charm, may have alienated some. 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

An atmospheric horror set on a North Sea oil platform. Survive and escape an unexplained horror. The 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. It's a masterpiece of atmospheric horror, reminiscent of SOMA and Amnesia.

Indika

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

A provocative game blending religion, philosophy, and the search for truth with abstract gameplay. Navigate dark spaces, interacting with cryptic clues. Despite lacking traditional mechanics, the serene atmosphere, cutscenes, and mini-games offer visual richness and a contemplative narrative.

Why Underrated: Indika, despite award nominations, is often dismissed due to its unconventional gameplay and lengthy cutscenes. However, its visual style and philosophical approach make it a unique experience.

Crow Country

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

A remake of a cult-classic survival horror with puzzles, reminiscent of Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Explore an abandoned amusement park, facing mysteries, monsters, and dangers. The retro horror visuals and gripping storyline create an unforgettable experience.

Why Underrated: Crow Country, despite positive reviews, was overshadowed by larger releases. While some criticized the simplicity of its combat and puzzles, its attention to detail and unique plot make it compelling.

Nobody Wants to Die

Image: youtube.com

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

A dystopian detective game set in a grim, art-deco-noir New York in 2329, where death is conquered. Investigate murders, unraveling 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 concepts and philosophical questions, Nobody Wants to Die lacks widespread recognition. Its blend of genres and competition from larger titles may have contributed to this.

2024 offered many ambitious games that didn't achieve mainstream success. These games, from philosophical explorations to tense horror, offer unique experiences worth exploring. Remember, smaller gems often leave the most lasting impressions.