Top 10 Underrated Games of 2024 You Missed

In 2024, the gaming industry was flooded with a diverse array of new releases, yet some remarkable titles flew under the radar. Whether they were overshadowed by blockbuster games or faced challenges at launch, these ten games merit more attention and might have escaped your notice. Prepare to uncover some hidden gems in the world of gaming.

Table of Content ---

• 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

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 sets the standard for modern action gaming. As Captain Titus, you engage in epic battles against the relentless Tyranids, wielding the full might of the Ultramarines' arsenal, including thundering bolters and powerful chainswords. The game combines cinematic battles, a gripping atmosphere of a grim future, and a cooperative mode that makes every mission highly engaging. Its stunning graphics breathe life into the Warhammer universe, creating an unforgettable experience.

Why it's underrated:

Despite its excellence, Space Marine 2 didn't secure a "Game of the Year" nomination at The Game Awards 2024, sparking outrage among fans. Boasting dynamic gameplay, breathtaking visuals, engaging co-op, and a distinctive setting, it primarily appealed to Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts. However, its appeal extends beyond the fanbase, offering a thrilling experience for any action game lover.

Last Epoch

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Last Epoch is a standout action-RPG that incorporates time travel and deep character development. Players journey through Eterra, a world split into different epochs, battling foes and altering history. With five base classes, numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting options, every session promises excitement and depth.

Why it's underrated:

Although Last Epoch garnered initial attention, it soon faded into obscurity. This is a shame, as it offers a fresh perspective on action-RPGs with its dynamic timeline system, balanced gameplay, and user-friendly tutorials. It's an excellent choice for those seeking innovation within a familiar genre.

Open Roads

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

Open Roads delivers a poignant narrative of a mother and daughter uncovering family secrets. The game emphasizes dialogue, emotional depth, and environmental exploration. Its unique visual style, blending drawn characters with 3D environments, enhances its memorability. This isn't merely an adventure; it's an immersive dive into character relationships and their quest for truth.

Why it's underrated:

Open Roads might have been overlooked due to its intimate nature and lack of action, which often appeals to a broader audience. Nonetheless, it exemplifies how video games can be a form of art, telling stories that resonate deeply. Its focus on emotional content, though, may have alienated those seeking more dynamic gameplay. Still, it offers a rare and profound experience.

Pacific Drive

Image: store.playstation.com

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

Pacific Drive is an innovative survival simulator where your car is your sole companion. You explore a forbidden zone filled with anomalies and dangers, uncovering its secrets while maintaining your vehicle. Each journey presents a unique challenge, requiring careful route planning, repairs, and trap avoidance. The game's unique atmosphere and eerie world make it unforgettable, especially for those who appreciate unconventional concepts.

Why it's underrated:

Despite receiving praise from critics, with positive reviews on Metacritic and a 79% recommendation rate on OpenCritic, Pacific Drive has its detractors. Some players found the controls, interface, and constant repair needs challenging. The repetitive nature and frequent random events can be frustrating. However, its originality, atmosphere, and respect for its literary inspirations make it worthy of attention for those willing to embrace its unique challenges.

Rise of the Ronin

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

Rise of the Ronin, crafted by Team Ninja, transports players to 19th-century Japan during a time of significant change. As a ronin, you navigate a conflict between tradition and progress, blending samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling narrative filled with moral dilemmas. The game's stunning visuals and detailed world capture the essence of an era in transition.

Why it's underrated:

Despite its potential and charm, Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other major releases. It's often dismissed as "just another samurai game," yet it offers a unique atmosphere and historical depth, elevating it beyond mere action. Its exploration of modernization and player choice make it a must-play for fans of historical adventures with an Eastern flair.

Cannibal Abduction

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

Cannibal Abduction is a gripping survival horror that harkens back to the genre's roots. Trapped in a secluded cabin, you must evade a cannibal family and survive by any means necessary. From breaking furniture for weapons to hiding and solving puzzles, you gradually unravel a terrifying story. The game's oppressive atmosphere, scarce resources, and constant danger create a true challenge.

Why it's underrated:

Cannibal Abduction may have been lost amidst more prominent horror releases. Its low-fi graphics and intimate approach might deter those used to high-end visuals, yet these elements contribute to its unique charm. It's a tribute to classic survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, ideal for fans of old-school horror seeking an adrenaline rush.

Still Wakes the Deep

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

Still Wakes the Deep, developed by The Chinese Room, is an atmospheric horror set on a remote oil platform in the North Sea. Your goal is to survive and escape amidst chaos caused by an unknown horror lurking in the shadows. The game's tense atmosphere, eerie sound design, and detailed settings create an immersive experience that sends shivers down your spine. With no weapons and slim chances of rescue, your wit and survival instincts are your only allies.

Why it's underrated:

Still Wakes the Deep might not have received the attention it deserves due to its modest marketing and niche appeal. However, it's a masterpiece in the horror genre, emphasizing atmosphere and psychological tension. It evokes comparisons to SOMA and Amnesia but offers a unique setting and fresh take on survival themes. If you enjoy slow-burning yet gripping stories with a haunting atmosphere, this game is worth your time.

Indika

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Indika is an unconventional and thought-provoking game that blends religion, philosophy, and personal truth with abstract, surreal gameplay. Players navigate through dark, empty spaces, interacting with clues that don't always provide clear answers. Despite lacking traditional gameplay mechanics, the game offers a serene atmosphere filled with deep cutscenes and mini-games, showcasing 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. Critics often labeled it a "blank slate" due to the minimal impact of actions on the storyline and gameplay, along with lengthy cutscenes. However, its visual style and philosophical depth make it a compelling art project for those who appreciate non-traditional gaming experiences. Its polarizing themes and unconventional gameplay appeal to a niche audience but didn't achieve mainstream popularity.

Crow Country

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Crow Country is a remake of a cult-classic survival horror with puzzle elements, inspired by iconic PlayStation 1 titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Players assume the role of an investigator exploring an abandoned amusement park in Georgia, USA, filled with mysteries, monsters, and dangers. The game's unique visual style evokes the atmosphere of retro horror, coupled with a captivating storyline that makes it an unforgettable experience for genre enthusiasts.

Why it's underrated:

Despite positive critic reviews and an immersive atmosphere, Crow Country was overshadowed by major 2024 releases. Critics noted the simplicity of its combat mechanics and puzzles, as well as a lack of deep psychological themes. Nonetheless, its attention to detail, unique plot twists, and well-crafted gameplay make it a must-play for fans of classic horror games and exploratory adventures.

Nobody Wants to Die

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

Nobody Wants to Die is a dystopian detective game set in a grim, art-deco-noir New York in 2329, where death has been conquered and human consciousnesses are stored in memory banks. Only the elite enjoy immortality, while death is merely a temporary setback. As detective James Carr, you investigate a series of murders targeting the city's elite, delving into complex mysteries surrounding transhumanism and immortality. The game combines detective elements and sci-fi with photorealistic graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, along with unique mechanics allowing time manipulation and event reconstruction at crime scenes.

Why it's underrated:

Despite its ambitious concepts and deep philosophical inquiries into immortality, transhumanism, and social disparities, Nobody Wants to Die has not yet gained widespread recognition. Its attempt to blend multiple styles and genres might deter players expecting more linear or traditional gameplay. Despite its visual excellence, it faces stiff competition from larger projects.

The year 2024 has introduced many intriguing and ambitious games, many of which did not receive the attention they deserved. From philosophical explorations in dystopian worlds to tense horrors and unique adventures, each game offers something special worth recognizing. As we approach 2025, let's remember that not every great game can be a blockbuster, and sometimes the lesser-known gems become the most memorable in the long run.