The 10 most underrated games of 2024 that you might have missed

2024 delivered a diverse range of video games, yet some exceptional titles flew under the radar. This article highlights ten games deserving more recognition, offering a chance to discover hidden gems you might have missed. Prepare to expand your gaming horizons!

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

Release Date: September 9, 2024 Developer: Saber St. Petersburg Download: Steam

This game exemplifies modern action gaming. As Captain Titus, you engage in brutal battles against relentless Tyranids, utilizing the Ultramarines' arsenal – from bolters to chainswords. Cinematic combat, a gripping grim-dark atmosphere, and a cooperative mode create incredibly engaging missions. Stunning graphics bring the Warhammer universe to life, making this a truly unforgettable experience.

Why it's Underrated:

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

Last Epoch

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

A unique action-RPG where time travel and deep character development are central. Explore Eterra, traversing different epochs, battling enemies, and altering history. Five base classes with numerous subclasses, the Monolith of Fate system, and extensive crafting options ensure exciting and multifaceted gameplay.

Why it's Underrated:

Last Epoch, despite initial attention, was quickly forgotten. This is a shame, as it offers a fresh take on action-RPGs with its dynamic timeline system, balanced gameplay, and accessible tutorials. It's a strong contender for players seeking something new within the genre.

Open Roads

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 focuses on dialogue, emotional scenes, and exploration. Its unique visual style, blending hand-drawn characters with 3D environments, is memorable. This is more than an adventure; it’s a deep exploration of relationships and the search for truth.

Why it's Underrated:

Open Roads' intimacy and lack of action may have limited its appeal to mass audiences. However, it showcases the artistic potential of video games, delivering a deeply moving narrative. Its emphasis on emotional content, while potentially alienating some, makes it a powerful and rare experience.

Pacific Drive

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

Pacific Drive is an unusual survival simulator where your car is your only ally. Venture into 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 evasion of deadly traps. The unique atmosphere and grim world make it unforgettable.

Why it's Underrated:

While critically acclaimed (positive Metacritic and OpenCritic scores), Pacific Drive has its detractors. Some found the controls, interface, and constant repairs challenging, citing repetitive gameplay and frustrating random events. Despite this, its originality, atmosphere, and faithfulness to source material make it worth considering for those who appreciate unconventional games.

Rise of the Ronin

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. Play as a ronin caught between tradition and progress. The game blends samurai combat, open-world exploration, and a compelling story filled with difficult moral choices. The beautiful visuals capture the spirit of a changing era.

Why it's Underrated:

Despite its potential, Rise of the Ronin might have been overshadowed by other major releases. Unfairly categorized as "just another samurai game," it offers a unique atmosphere and historical depth, going beyond simple action. Its exploration of modernization and player choice makes it stand out.

Cannibal Abduction

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’ll break furniture for weapons, hide in shadows, and solve puzzles, uncovering a horrifying story. The oppressive atmosphere, limited resources, and constant danger create a true challenge.

Why it's Underrated:

Cannibal Abduction may have been lost among bigger horror releases. Its low-fi graphics and intimate approach might deter those expecting graphical sophistication, but these elements contribute to its unique charm. It's a homage to classic survival horror.

Still Wakes the Deep

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

An atmospheric horror set on an isolated North Sea oil platform. 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 relies on wit and instinct.

Why it's Underrated:

Still Wakes the Deep might have lacked attention due to modest marketing and its niche genre. However, it’s a work of art in horror, focusing on atmosphere and psychological tension. It evokes SOMA and Amnesia but with a unique setting and fresh take on survival.

Indika

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

An unusual and thought-provoking game blending religion, philosophy, and the search for truth with abstract and surreal gameplay. Navigate empty, dark spaces, interacting with clues that don't always provide clear answers. Despite lacking traditional mechanics, it offers a serene atmosphere with deep cutscenes and mini-games.

Why it's Underrated:

Despite Golden Joystick and Game Awards nominations, Indika remains underappreciated. Criticized for its "blank slate" gameplay and lengthy cutscenes, it stands out for its visual style and philosophical approach. It's more of an art project than a traditional action game.

Crow Country

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

A remake of a cult classic survival horror with puzzle elements, reminiscent of PlayStation 1 titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Explore an abandoned Georgia amusement park filled with mysteries, monsters, and dangers. Its retro horror visual style and gripping storyline create an unforgettable experience.

Why it's Underrated:

Despite positive reviews, Crow Country was overshadowed by larger 2024 releases. Criticized for simple combat and puzzles, and a lack of deep psychological themes, its attention to detail, unique plot, and well-crafted gameplay make it worthwhile for fans of classic horror.

Nobody Wants to Die

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

A dystopian detective game set in a grim, art-deco-noir New York of 2329, where death is conquered and consciousness is stored. Immortality is exclusive to the elite, and death is a temporary inconvenience. Detective James Carr investigates murders, becoming entangled in mysteries of transhumanism and immortality.

Why it's Underrated:

Despite ambitious ideas and philosophical questions, Nobody Wants to Die lacks widespread recognition. Its blend of styles and genres may deter players expecting a more linear experience. Despite visual excellence, it faces competition from larger projects.

2024 offered many interesting and ambitious games that didn’t receive the attention they deserved. From philosophical explorations to tense horror and unique adventures, each game offers something special. As we move into 2025, remember that smaller gems can often become the most memorable.