The gaming industry is vast, with new releases coming out almost every day. While AAA titles often dominate the spotlight, there are many indie and lesser-known games that fly under the radar but offer unique, unforgettable experiences. These hidden gems are often overlooked due to limited marketing, niche genres, or a lack of exposure, but they’re absolutely worth playing. Let’s dive into some underrated games you probably missed—but shouldn’t have.
1. Outer Worlds (2019)
Genre: Action RPG
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Created by Obsidian Entertainment, Outer Worlds is a brilliant RPG set in a retro-futuristic universe where corporations control everything. While it gained some attention for its RPG mechanics, the game was overshadowed by other titles in the same year. Featuring sharp writing, branching storylines, and a mix of humor and moral choices, Outer Worlds stands out for its deeply engaging narrative and vast choice-driven gameplay.
If you love games like Fallout but prefer a more compact, story-focused experience, Outer Worlds is a must-play.
2. Axiom Verge (2015)
Genre: Metroidvania
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Switch
For fans of classic Metroid and Castlevania, Axiom Verge is a masterful throwback to the golden age of 2D action-platformers. This game features a haunting, atmospheric world, intricate level design, and tight controls, all set to a retro 8-bit aesthetic. The plot, involving a scientist who awakens in a mysterious alien world, unfolds through intriguing narrative twists and lore.
Even though Axiom Verge received acclaim from critics, it didn’t break into the mainstream. If you’re into challenging platformers with exploration and puzzle-solving, this one is worth your time.
3. Hollow Knight (2017)
Genre: Metroidvania
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Although Hollow Knight has become more well-known recently, it was initially overlooked in the massive rush of 2017 releases. This stunning game by Team Cherry offers challenging combat, intricate exploration, and a hauntingly beautiful hand-drawn world. The game is set in the abandoned kingdom of Hallownest, where players control a silent knight encountering foes while uncovering the deep lore of the world.
Hollow Knight is a masterpiece in design and storytelling, with tight controls and a world that feels both eerie and enchanting. If you’re a fan of deep, atmospheric exploration, this is a game you shouldn’t have missed.
4. Salt and Sanctuary (2016)
Genre: Action RPG / Metroidvania
Platforms: PC, PS4, Vita, Switch, Xbox One
A beautiful blend of Dark Souls and classic 2D side-scrollers, Salt and Sanctuary is an action RPG with a dark fantasy aesthetic. The game features punishing combat, deep lore, and a huge world to explore, reminiscent of FromSoftware’s works but in 2D. The hand-drawn art style, moody atmosphere, and challenging enemies make it one of the best indie games of its genre.
While Salt and Sanctuary might not have received the attention it deserves, its tight gameplay, challenging difficulty, and unique take on the genre make it essential for any fan of Souls-like games.
5. The Witness (2016)
Genre: Puzzle
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, iOS
Jonathan Blow’s The Witness is a first-person puzzle game set on a mysterious island. The game features a series of environmental puzzles tied into its overarching story, which gradually unravels as players progress. While The Witness received some recognition, it didn’t make the waves it deserved due to its niche nature and cryptic narrative.
The puzzles are incredibly satisfying, and the game’s world is full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. If you enjoy games that make you think, The Witness offers a brilliant, cerebral experience that will stay with you long after you finish it.
6. Prey (2017)
Genre: FPS, Sci-Fi
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Arkane Studios’ Prey is an underappreciated gem in the fps genre. Set aboard a space station overrun by mysterious alien creatures, the game blends elements of survival horror, exploration, and narrative-driven gameplay. It received critical acclaim for its design, with a focus on player choice, indulging storytelling, and clever gameplay mechanics.
Despite its praise, it was largely overshadowed by other games in 2017. If you’re a fan of indulging sims like System Shock and Bioshock, Prey is an essential experience you shouldn’t miss.
7. Oxenfree (2016)
Genre: Adventure
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS
Oxenfree is a supernatural fun adventure game by Night School Studio that mixes horror and narrative-driven gameplay. The story follows a group of friends who accidentally open a ghostly rift on a remote island, unraveling a mystery with deep emotional stakes. The unique dialogue system sets the game apart, allowing players to shape conversations in real time.
Although the game received critical praise for its writing and atmosphere, it was overshadowed by bigger titles. If you’re a fan of interactive stories with supernatural elements, Oxenfree offers a gripping experience.
8. The Talos Principle (2014)
Genre: Puzzle, Philosophy
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
If you love thought-provoking puzzles and philosophical storytelling, The Talos Principle is a hidden gem that may have slipped under your radar. This first-person puzzle game, developed by Croteam, combines complex puzzles with deep existential themes. Players control a robot tasked with solving puzzles in a world that questions the nature of consciousness, existence, and artificial intelligence.
Though it didn’t get the widespread recognition it deserved, The Talos Principle offers a rich, intellectual experience that challenges both your puzzle-solving skills and philosophical views.
9. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017)
Genre: Action, Psychological Horror
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice tells the story of Senua, a warrior on a journey through a mythical world to rescue the soul of her lover. The game is notable for its portrayal of mental illness, particularly psychosis, and was praised for its deep narrative, atmospheric world, and sound design. Although it gained recognition for its innovative approach, it remains underrated in terms of its overall influence.
The game’s somber themes, emotional depth, and intense combat make it a standout experience that shouldn’t be missed by any fan of action-adventure games.
10. Nier: Automata (2017)
Genre: Action RPG
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
While Nier: Automata has gained more attention in recent years, it’s still often considered an underrated gem in the action RPG genre. Developed by PlatinumGames, this game mixes fast-paced combat, a fascinating narrative, and deep philosophical themes. The plot explores the conflict between androids and alien machines, with a story that tackles topics such as the meaning of life, consciousness, and free will.
Despite a solid fanbase, Nier: Automata didn’t get the recognition it deserved until later in its life cycle. If you enjoy complex narratives and action-packed gameplay, this is a must-play.
Conclusion
While AAA games often dominate the conversation in the gaming world, these underrated titles prove that there’s a wealth of incredible experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you love deep narratives, intricate puzzles, or better worlds, the gaming industry is full of hidden gems that deserve more attention. So, dive into these underappreciated games and experience a side of gaming you may have missed.