Ten Underrated Video Games of 2024 You Might Have Missed

2024 saw a flurry of video game releases, but some gems were unfortunately overshadowed. This article highlights ten games deserving more recognition, offering a diverse range of experiences you may have overlooked.

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 action title showcases modern action at its finest. As Captain Titus, players engage in intense battles against Tyranids, utilizing the Ultramarines' arsenal. The blend of cinematic combat, a grim future setting, and cooperative gameplay creates an unforgettable experience. The stunning visuals bring the Warhammer universe to life.

Why Underrated: Despite its quality, Space Marine 2 surprisingly missed a "Game of the Year" nomination, sparking fan outrage. Its dynamic gameplay, visuals, co-op mode, and unique setting appeal far beyond just Warhammer fans.

Last Epoch

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This action-RPG features time travel and a deep character development system. Players explore Eterra, traversing different epochs and altering history. Multiple classes, a unique fate system, and extensive crafting options provide engaging and multifaceted gameplay.

Why Underrated: Last Epoch initially gained traction but was quickly forgotten. Its innovative time-manipulation mechanics, balanced gameplay, and accessible tutorials make it a standout action-RPG.

Open Roads

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• 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 emphasizes dialogue, emotional depth, and exploration. Its unique visual style, combining hand-drawn characters with 3D environments, is memorable. It's an emotional journey focusing on relationships and the search for truth.

Why Underrated: The game's intimate nature and lack of action may have alienated some players. However, it exemplifies the artistic potential of video games, offering a deeply moving narrative experience.

Pacific Drive

Image: store.playstation.com

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

Pacific Drive is a unique survival simulator where players rely on their car to navigate a hazardous zone filled with anomalies. Careful route planning, vehicle maintenance, and avoiding traps are crucial for survival. Its unique atmosphere and challenging gameplay create a memorable experience.

Why Underrated: While critically acclaimed, Pacific Drive faced criticism for its controls, interface, and repetitive elements. Despite this, its originality and atmosphere make it worthwhile for those seeking unconventional gameplay.

Rise of the Ronin

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

This grand action-RPG transports players to 19th-century Japan, a time of upheaval. As a ronin, players navigate conflict between tradition and progress. The game combines samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling story with moral choices. Its beautiful visuals capture the spirit of the era.

Why Underrated: Rise of the Ronin may have been overshadowed by other major releases. While appearing like "another samurai game," it offers unique atmosphere and historical depth beyond typical action titles.

Cannibal Abduction

Image: nintendo.com

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

This tense survival horror returns to the genre's roots. Players must survive a family of cannibals in a secluded cabin, using scavenged weapons and stealth. The oppressive atmosphere, limited resources, and constant danger create a challenging experience.

Why Underrated: Cannibal Abduction might have been lost among bigger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics, while contributing to its unique charm, may have deterred some players. It's a throwback to classic survival horror, offering a thrilling experience.

Still Wakes the Deep

Image: pixelrz.com

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

This atmospheric horror game is set on a North Sea oil platform besieged by an unexplained horror. Players must survive and escape, relying on wit and instinct. The tense atmosphere, sound design, and detailed setting create an immersive and chilling experience.

Why Underrated: Still Wakes the Deep's modest marketing and niche genre may have limited its reach. It's a masterclass in atmospheric horror, reminiscent of SOMA and Amnesia, but with a unique setting and fresh take on survival.

Indika

Image: store.epicgames.com

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

Indika is a provocative game exploring religion, philosophy, and the search for truth through abstract gameplay. Players navigate surreal environments, interacting with cryptic clues. Despite lacking traditional mechanics, the game offers a serene atmosphere with deep cutscenes and mini-games.

Why Underrated: Indika, despite award nominations, is often criticized for its lack of traditional gameplay and lengthy cutscenes. However, its visual style and philosophical depth make it a unique artistic experience.

Crow Country

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This remake of a cult classic survival horror blends puzzle elements and a retro aesthetic reminiscent of Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Players explore an abandoned amusement park, facing mysteries, monsters, and dangers. Its unique visual style and gripping storyline create an unforgettable experience.

Why Underrated: Crow Country, despite positive reviews, was overshadowed by larger releases. While criticized for simple combat and puzzles, its detailed world, unique plot, and gameplay make it a worthwhile experience for classic horror fans.

Nobody Wants to Die

Image: youtube.com

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

This dystopian detective game sets players in a noir 2329 New York where death is conquered. Detective James Carr investigates murders, uncovering mysteries related to transhumanism and immortality. The game blends detective work and sci-fi with photorealistic graphics and unique time-manipulation mechanics.

Why Underrated: Nobody Wants to Die's ambitious concepts and philosophical themes haven't yet brought widespread recognition. Its blend of genres and competition from larger titles may have hindered its popularity.

2024 offered many ambitious games that deserved more attention. From philosophical explorations to intense horror and unique adventures, these games offer memorable experiences. Remember, not every excellent game becomes a major hit, and sometimes the smaller gems leave the most lasting impression.