Summary
- Some underrated games offer unique gameplay experiences due to being overshadowed by bigger titles.
- Games like Pacific Drive, No More Room in Hell 2, and Alone in the Dark are examples of underrated gems.
- Regardless of initial reception, every game has value either as entertainment or a learning experience for future releases.
There are plenty of fantastic games across every single genre that have made an impact in the year 2024. However, there are also others that deserve recognition despite being buried by the noise made by bigger games. It’s a game eat game world out there.
8:26 Related26 Most Underrated Games Of The 21st Century
These titles are usually overlooked but each one offers an incredible and often unique gameplay experience.
PostsEvery game has a niche audience, whether it becomes a massive success or not. Some are underrated simply because they are buried by bigger titles. Others have a good concept as a foundation but miss the landing. There is no such thing as a truly bad game as long as there are players willing to give it a shot, or it serves as a learning lesson that helps strengthen future titles.
8 Pacific Drive
Cruising Through An Anomaly
Pacific Drive
Survival 4.0/5 Released February 22, 2024 ESRB T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Language Developer(s) Ironwood Studios Publisher(s) Kepler Interactive Platform(s) PC, PS5 Powered by Expand CollapsePacific Drive has an interesting premise that has you scavenging for supplies to upgrade your station wagon. Rather than just making your vehicle a means to get around, Pacific Drive makes it the key to your survival as it protects you from radiation and allows you to travel through the rough terrain.
You can modify your car to last longer as you try to outrun a storm, but you’ll also need to maintain the protection that you already have. This forces you to stay on the move as you explore the exclusion zone and try to uncover the mystery behind the anomalies occurring all around you. Pacific Drive is underrated since it's hard to stumble upon a discussion about the game itself. However, once you discover it, it's hard to let go.
7 No More Room In Hell 2
An Underrated Zombie Game
No More Room in Hell 2
Action FPS Zombie Released October 22, 2024 ESRB M For Mature 17+ // Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Mild Sexual Themes, Language, and Use of Alcohol Developer(s) Torn Banner Studios Publisher(s) Torn Banner Studios, Lever Games Inc. Platform(s) PC Powered by Expand CollapseNo More Room In Hell 2 follows up on one of the most realistic depictions of a zombie apocalypse in video game history. However, as an early access game, it has its bugs and glitches that need to be worked over before the title truly starts to blossom.
Related12 Underrated Japanese Horror Games
Japanese devs have created many horror video game gems over the years. Here are some that you might not have heard of.
PostsUnderneath, though, it’s a decent game for big groups who enjoy the presence of slower zombies. While it has a bit more gunplay than the original game, the scarcity of bullets still forces you to think before you engage.
6 Alone In The Dark
An Underrated Remake
Alone in the Dark
Survival Horror Released March 20, 2024 ESRB M for Mature Developer(s) Pieces Interactive Publisher(s) THQ Nordic Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand CollapseAs far as horror games go, Alone In The Dark is a great horror title to pick up from 2024’s lineup. However, in terms of remakes and remasters, it seems every other game receives more love. Regardless, Alone in the Dark excels at setting a tone with unsettling visuals and terrifying designs.
It’s gothic, it’s Lovecraftian, and it sets the perfect mood for playing it in the dark. Possibly even alone in the dark? While combat can be somewhat messy at times, what really pushes you forwards is the narrative involving eldritch horrors, cults, and the private investigators who arrive at Derceto Manor.
5 Until Dawn
Revisiting An Old Story
Until Dawn
Horror 10.0/10 Released October 4, 2024 ESRB m Developer(s) Ballistic Moon Publisher(s) PlayStation PC LLC Platform(s) PC, PS5 Powered by Expand CollapseUntil Dawn’s remake, for the most part, has the same story as the original with an after credits scene and a few tweaks to the storyline. While this doesn’t make it remarkable, there are still many reasons why it deserves more love.
5:46 Related12 Most Underrated Choice-Based Games
These games prove you don't need to be Telltale, Supermassive, or Quantic Dream to put forward masterful branching decision-based stories.
PostsThe new camera system lets you see more of the world from different angles, and it includes DLC segments that were previously locked behind preorders. Some of the writing is also changed to give you a better insight into whom these characters are as well as what the future has in store for them. Like SIlent Hill 2 and Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, Until Dawn's remake keeps everything that made the original game great intact but often gets overlooked due to how relatively recent the original game is.
4 Lego Horizons Adventures
An Unexpected Lego Game
LEGO Horizon Adventures
Adventure 3.0/5 Released November 14, 2024 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence, Language Developer(s) Guerrilla Games, Studio Gobo Publisher(s) Sony Interactive Entertainment Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5 Powered by Expand CollapseHorizon Zero Dawn is the last game you would expect to have a video game crossover with Lego. However, you have to admit that the world of Horizon Zero Dawn looks surprisingly good when converted to Lego. The animation and movement is reminiscent of the style seen in the Lego Movie. It also makes the post-apocalyptic world more colorful while toning down some of the bleaker moments.
Lego Horizons Adventure is a retelling of the original game in Lego with all the traditional Lego gameplay of smashing objects and switching between characters. Unlike the original Horizon Zero Dawn, this is one version you can play in co-op. It also gives Alloy a more quirky personality, which is a breath of fresh air for some of the more serious PlayStation IPs.
3 Penny’s Big Breakaway
A Visually Pleasing Platformer
Penny's Big Breakaway
Platformer Action 4.0/5 Released February 21, 2024 ESRB E for Everyone Developer(s) Evening Star Publisher(s) Private Division Platform(s) PC, Xbox One X, Xbox One S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch Powered by Expand CollapseIf you’re looking for a colorful game that didn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves, give some love to Penny’s Big Breakaway. This 3D platformer stars Penny, a street performer whose yo yo comes to life. On the verge of finally getting her big break, Yo-Yo strips the king of his clothes, embarrassing him and causing Penny to go on the run.
6:06 RelatedUnderrated First-Person Shooters
Sometimes great games get buried under the deluge of AAA titans like Call of Duty or Halo. Check out some of these overlooked FPS games!
PostsWith penguin guards constantly throwing themselves at you, you’ll need to keep momentum up so they don’t swarm you. Luckily, you can learn new tricks that will keep the penguin army off your back. With plenty of wit and charm, it’s a shame this title didn’t get the spotlight.
2 Star Wars Outlaws
Blaster Gameplay Makes It Worth It
Star Wars Outlaws
Open-World Action-Adventure 3.5/5 18 7.4/10 Released August 30, 2024 ESRB T For Teen // Violence, Simulated Gambling, Mild Language Developer(s) Massive Entertainment Publisher(s) Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Games Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand CollapseIn a different reality, Star Wars Outlaws could have been one of the better sci-fi games of 2024. While it doesn’t manage to achieve this, Star Wars Outlaws is still a nice dip back into the Star Wars universe after Jedi Survivor in 2023.
Rather than using a lightsaber, this game has you using a blaster as you stealthily make your way through various jobs and get into firefights against the criminal underworld. While the stealth mechanics can be a hit or miss, the game excels at making blasters satisfying to use with iconic sound effects and the need for precise shots.
1 Mario Vs. Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong At It Again
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024)
Platformer Puzzle Released February 16, 2024 ESRB E For Everyone Developer(s) Nintendo Publisher(s) Nintendo Platform(s) Switch Powered by Expand CollapseAs fans wait for any sign that Mario Odyssey 2 might happen or a Donkey Kong game that isn’t a port of a Wii U title, one title often goes under the radar. This is Mario Vs Donkey Kong for the Nintendo Switch, and it is the perfect puzzle-platformer for two players.
The goal of the game is to chase after Donkey Kong through a series of platforms. Sometimes, you will need to find a key to open a door, while in others you’ll need to guide Mini-Marios back to where they belong. It’s a delightful little game that doesn’t get much attention.
Next10 Underrated Mario Games
With so many games in the series, it's no surprise that many Mario titles are overlooked.
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