2024 delivered a diverse range of compelling video games, yet several gems remained unjustly overlooked. Some were eclipsed by blockbuster releases, others hampered by minor launch issues. This article highlights ten underappreciated titles you might have missed. 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 excellence. As Captain Titus, you engage relentless Tyranids, wielding the Ultramarines' arsenal – from bolters to chainswords. Cinematic combat, a grim future atmosphere, and co-op gameplay create intensely engaging missions. Stunning visuals bring the Warhammer universe to life, resulting in an unforgettable experience.

Why Underrated:

Despite its quality, Space Marine 2 surprisingly missed a "Game of the Year" nomination at The Game Awards 2024, sparking fan outrage. It boasts dynamic gameplay, breathtaking visuals, enjoyable co-op, and a unique setting, yet its appeal remained largely confined to Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts. It deserves a wider audience.

Last Epoch

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

A distinctive action-RPG centered around time travel and deep character development. Players explore Eterra, traversing different epochs, battling foes, and altering history. Five base classes, numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting options ensure diverse and exciting gameplay.

Why Underrated:

Last Epoch, despite initial attention, was quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate; it offers a fresh take on action-RPGs with its dynamic timeline, balanced gameplay, and accessible tutorials. It's a strong contender for players seeking innovative experiences within a familiar genre.

Open Roads

Image: backloggd.com

• 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 game prioritizes dialogue, emotional scenes, and exploration. Its unique visual style – blending drawn characters with 3D environments – is memorable. It's more than an adventure; it's a deep exploration of relationships, experiences, and the pursuit of truth.

Why Underrated:

Open Roads' intimacy and lack of action may have alienated mass audiences. However, it exemplifies video games as art, conveying deeply moving narratives. Its understated nature and focus on emotional content may have overlooked its powerful and rare experience.

Pacific Drive

Image: store.playstation.com

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

Pacific Drive is an unconventional survival simulator where your car is your only ally. You explore a forbidden zone teeming with anomalies and dangers, uncovering secrets while maintaining your vehicle. Each journey is a challenge, requiring careful route planning, repairs, and avoidance of deadly traps. Its unique atmosphere and grim world are unforgettable, especially for those who appreciate unconventional concepts.

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 frequent random events can be frustrating. However, its originality, atmosphere, and faithfulness to source material warrant attention. If you embrace unconventional gameplay and can overlook its flaws, Pacific Drive offers a memorable journey.

Rise of the Ronin

Image: deskyou.de

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

Team Ninja's grand action-RPG transports you to 19th-century Japan, a time of upheaval. As a ronin, you navigate the conflict between tradition and progress. The game blends samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling story filled with difficult moral choices. Its beautiful visuals and detailed world capture the spirit of a transformative era.

Why Underrated:

Despite its potential, Rise of the Ronin might have been overshadowed by other major releases. It's unfairly dismissed as "just another samurai game," overlooking its unique atmosphere and historical depth. Its exploration of modernization and player agency make it noteworthy, especially for those who appreciate historical adventures with an Eastern aesthetic.

Cannibal Abduction

Image: nintendo.com

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

A tense survival horror returning to genre roots. Trapped in a secluded cabin, you're pursued by cannibals, fighting for survival. You scavenge for weapons, hide in shadows, and solve puzzles, uncovering a horrifying story. The oppressive atmosphere, limited resources, and constant danger create a challenging experience.

Why Underrated:

Cannibal Abduction might have been lost amidst bigger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics and intimate approach may deter those accustomed to high-fidelity visuals, but these elements contribute to its unique charm. It's an homage to classic survival horror, appealing to fans of old-school horror seeking intense gameplay.

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. You must survive and escape the chaos caused by an unexplained horror. The tense atmosphere, disturbing sound design, and detailed setting create an immersive and chilling experience. With limited resources and no weapons, survival depends on wit and instinct.

Why Underrated:

Still Wakes the Deep may have lacked attention due to modest marketing and its niche genre. However, it's a masterful work of horror, focusing on atmosphere and psychological tension. It evokes SOMA and Amnesia but offers a unique setting and fresh take on survival. Fans of slow-burn, unsettling horror should experience this.

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. Players navigate dark spaces, interacting with clues that don't always provide clear answers. Despite lacking traditional mechanics, the game offers a serene atmosphere with deep cutscenes and mini-games, emphasizing visual richness and contemplative narrative.

Why Underrated:

Despite Golden Joystick and Game Awards nominations, Indika remained underappreciated. Its lack of tangible impact on the storyline and lengthy cutscenes contributed to its "blank slate" label. However, its visual style and philosophical approach appeal to those viewing it as an art project rather than a traditional action game. Its unconventional nature attracted attention, but not widespread popularity.

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 puzzle elements, inspired by PlayStation 1 titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Players explore an abandoned amusement park, facing mysteries, monsters, and dangers. Its retro horror visual style and gripping storyline create an unforgettable experience for genre fans.

Why Underrated:

Despite positive reviews, Crow Country was overshadowed by larger 2024 releases. Some criticized its simple combat and puzzles, and lack of deep psychological themes. However, its detailed world, unique plot, and well-crafted gameplay make it essential for fans of classic horror and exploration.

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 New York in 2329, where death is conquered and consciousnesses are stored. Immortality is exclusive to the elite, and death is temporary. Detective James Carr investigates murders, encountering mysteries related to transhumanism and immortality. The game blends detective elements and sci-fi, featuring photorealistic Unreal Engine 5 graphics and unique time manipulation mechanics.

Why Underrated:

Despite ambitious concepts and philosophical questions, Nobody Wants to Die lacks widespread recognition. Its blend of styles and genres might deter players expecting more linear experiences. While visually impressive, it faced competition from larger projects.

2024 offered many intriguing and ambitious games, many undeservedly overlooked. From philosophical explorations to tense horror and unique adventures, each game offers something special. As we move into 2025, remember that not every excellent game becomes a blockbuster; sometimes, the smaller gems leave the most lasting impression.