In 2024, the gaming industry saw a plethora of exciting releases, yet several remarkable games were overshadowed by major hits or went unnoticed due to minor launch issues. This article highlights ten such games that deserve more recognition and may have slipped under your radar. Prepare to uncover hidden gems in the world of video games.

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 at its finest. As Captain Titus, you'll battle relentless Tyranids with the Ultramarines' arsenal, from thundering bolters to powerful chainswords. The game's cinematic battles, grim future atmosphere, and cooperative mode make every mission engaging. Its stunning graphics bring the Warhammer universe to life, making it a memorable experience.

Why it's underrated:
Despite its brilliance, Space Marine 2 was overlooked for a "Game of the Year" nomination at The Game Awards 2024, sparking controversy among fans. It offers dynamic gameplay, stunning visuals, fun co-op, and a unique setting, yet it primarily attracted Warhammer 40,000 fans. It has the potential to appeal to a broader audience.

Last Epoch

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This unique action-RPG revolves around time travel and a deep character development system. Players explore Eterra, navigating different epochs, battling enemies, and altering history. With five base classes and numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting options, Last Epoch offers a rich, multifaceted gaming experience.

Why it's underrated:
Although it garnered attention post-release, Last Epoch was quickly forgotten. It provides a fresh take on action-RPGs with its dynamic timeline system, balanced gameplay, and accessible tutorials. It's a great choice for players seeking innovation within the genre.

Open Roads

Image: backloggd.com

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

Open Roads is a touching narrative 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, makes it particularly memorable. It's a deep dive into character relationships and their quest for truth.

Why it's underrated:
Its intimate nature and lack of action may have led to its oversight. Open Roads showcases how video games can be an art form, telling stories that resonate deeply. Its modesty and focus on emotional content might have alienated those seeking more dynamic experiences, but it offers a 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 filled with anomalies and dangers, uncovering its secrets while maintaining your vehicle. Each trip is a challenge, requiring careful route planning, repairs, and trap avoidance. Its unique atmosphere and grim world make it unforgettable, especially for those who appreciate unconventional concepts.

Why it's underrated:
Despite positive reviews on Metacritic and OpenCritic, some players found its controls, interface, and constant repair needs challenging. Repetitive gameplay and frequent random events can be frustrating. However, its originality and deep respect for its literary source material make it worth exploring for those who appreciate unconventional games.

Rise of the Ronin

Image: deskyou.de

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

This grand action-RPG from Team Ninja transports players to 19th-century Japan, an era of change and upheaval. As a ronin, you're caught between tradition and progress, engaging in samurai combat, exploring an open world, and making moral choices. Its beautiful visual style and detailed world capture the spirit of an era on the brink of change.

Why it's underrated:
Despite its potential, Rise of the Ronin might have been overshadowed by other big releases. Often seen as "just another samurai game," it offers a unique atmosphere and historical depth, making it more than just an action game. Its themes of modernization and freedom of choice make it worth exploring, especially for fans of historical adventures.

Cannibal Abduction

Image: nintendo.com

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

This tense survival horror harks back to the genre's roots. You're trapped in a secluded cabin, pursued by cannibals, and must survive at any cost. Breaking furniture for weapons, hiding, and solving puzzles, you uncover a horrifying story. Its oppressive atmosphere, limited resources, and constant danger make every moment a challenge.

Why it's underrated:
Cannibal Abduction may have been lost among louder horror releases. Its low-fi graphics and intimate approach might deter those used to graphical sophistication, but these elements create its unique charm. It's a tribute to classic survival horror games like Resident Evil or Silent Hill, perfect for fans of old-school horror.

Still Wakes the Deep

Image: pixelrz.com

Release Date: June 18, 2024
Developer: The Chinese Room
Download: Steam

This atmospheric horror game from The Chinese Room is set on an isolated oil platform in the North Sea. Your goal is to survive and escape from a platform engulfed in chaos due to an unexplained horror. Its tense atmosphere, disturbing sound design, and detailed decorations create an immersive experience. With no weapons and minimal rescue chances, you rely on your wit and survival instincts.

Why it's underrated:
Its modest marketing and niche genre may have contributed to its lack of attention. Still Wakes the Deep is a work of art in the horror genre, focusing on atmosphere and psychological tension. It evokes hits like SOMA and Amnesia but offers a unique location and fresh take on survival themes. It's a gripping, slow-burning story perfect for fans of unsettling atmospheres.

Indika

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Indika is an unusual and provocative game blending religion, philosophy, and personal truth with abstract, surreal gameplay. Players navigate empty, dark spaces, interacting with clues that don't always clarify the narrative. Despite lacking traditional gameplay mechanics, it offers a serene atmosphere, deep cutscenes, and mini-games, allowing players to appreciate its visual richness and contemplative narrative.

Why it's underrated:
Despite nominations for the Golden Joystick and The Game Awards, Indika didn't receive the recognition it deserved. It's often criticized for its lack of tangible impact on the storyline and overly lengthy cutscenes. However, its visual style and philosophical approach make it interesting for those who see it as an art project. Its polarizing themes and unconventional gameplay appeal to critics and niche players but didn't achieve widespread popularity.

Crow Country

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This remake of a cult-classic survival horror with puzzle elements is inspired by iconic PlayStation 1 games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Players investigate an abandoned amusement park in Georgia, USA, filled with mysteries, monsters, and dangers. Its unique visual style evokes retro horror, and its gripping storyline makes Crow Country unforgettable for fans of the genre.

Why it's underrated:
Despite positive reviews and its immersive atmosphere, Crow Country was overshadowed by major 2024 releases. Critics noted its simple combat mechanics and puzzles, as well as a lack of deep psychological themes. However, its attention to detail, unique plot, and well-crafted gameplay make it a must-play for fans of classic horror and exploratory adventures.

Nobody Wants to Die

Image: youtube.com

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

This dystopian detective game transports players to a grim, art-deco-noir New York in 2329, where death is defeated, and consciousnesses are stored in memory banks. As detective James Carr, you investigate murders plaguing the city's elite, delving into mysteries of transhumanism and immortality. The game blends detective and sci-fi elements with photorealistic graphics on Unreal Engine 5 and unique mechanics for manipulating time and reconstructing crime scenes.

Why it's underrated:
Despite its ambitious ideas and philosophical questions about immortality and social contrasts, Nobody Wants to Die hasn't gained wide recognition. Its blend of styles and genres may deter players expecting more traditional gameplay. Additionally, despite its visual excellence, it faces competition from larger projects.

The year 2024 brought many interesting and ambitious projects, many of which did not receive the attention they deserved. From philosophical explorations in dystopian worlds to tense horrors and unique adventures, each of these games offers something special. As we move into 2025, let's remember that not every excellent game can be a major hit, and sometimes the smaller gems end up being the most memorable in the long run.