Join to get exclusive perks & news!

20 underhyped games you probably didn’t play

1-21

Ignacio Weil

Gaming - November 12th 2024, 09:30 GMT+1

About this gallery:

For this gallery, we’re shining a spotlight on games we consider absolute masterpieces—even if they never quite got their moment to shine, or maybe just didn’t capture the hearts of the gaming crowd (which is probably why you didn’t pick them up either).

If you think we missed any other game that’s a total crime to forget (Maybe we’re guilty for not including it!), why not drop it in the comments? | © Nolla Games

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning - 2012

Imagine a fantasy RPG where your hero is brought back from the dead just to get stuck in a game so good, you’ll forget Skyrim exists! *Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning* has everything: lore so dense you could probably use it as a pillow, combat that’s punchy and fast-paced, and a world bursting with color and creativity. Somehow, it flew under the radar back in the day, but for those who dig into this hidden gem, it’s like finding a treasure chest in a dragon’s lair. If you’re into customizable playstyles and flexing on fate, Amalur is calling you! | © 38 Studios

Sleeping Dogs - 2012

You’re an undercover cop in Hong Kong, and in *Sleeping Dogs*, you’re not only chasing bad guys – you’re street racing, performing martial arts, and eating dim sum like a boss. Somehow this gem didn’t get the attention it deserved, despite offering a fresh spin on the open-world genre. It’s all about the street-level grit with a story that keeps you glued to the controller. Every fight feels like a movie scene, and the city is alive with sights, sounds, and secrets that make you wonder why more people aren’t talking about it. | © United Front Games

Sunset Overdrive - 2014

Brought to you by the makers of *Spider-Man*, this game is like an energy drink-fueled fever dream. Set in a city where everyone is turning into mutants after a toxic energy drink spills, you play as a snarky, acrobatic survivor with a taste for outrageous weapons. *Sunset Overdrive* combines wall-running, rail-grinding, and parkour in a world that’s as colorful as it is chaotic. It’s loud, it’s silly, and it’s ridiculously fun – yet somehow, it was a blink-and-you-miss-it hit. Give it a shot if you’re into action with a splash of neon insanity. | © Insomniac Games

Cropped Mad Max — Mad Max - 2015

While the *Mad Max* movies are all about roaring engines and desert showdowns, the game lets you live out your post-apocalyptic fantasies in full, rust-covered glory. This game got buried under the sand, but it's a wild ride for anyone who loves chaotic vehicular combat and a world where gasoline is gold. With a sprawling open world to explore and your trusty car, the Magnum Opus, *Mad Max* feels like a wasteland playground – and it's just as brutal as it sounds. | © Avalanche Studios

Dig or Die - 2015

Ever wanted to mix survival with a touch of sci-fi and tons of digging? *Dig or Die* throws you onto an alien planet and lets you unleash your inner miner as you build, dig, and fend off creatures in an ever-hostile world. The twist? You’re also facing weather hazards, from torrential rains to flooding, which makes this survival game feel like a fight against nature itself. It’s got indie charm and is way tougher than it looks – an unpolished gem waiting for someone brave enough to take it on. | © Gaddy Games

Hyper Light Drifter - 2016

*Hyper Light Drifter* is one of those indie darlings that went under the radar yet hits you right in the feels with its hauntingly beautiful art and music. With its pixel-perfect graphics and minimalist storytelling, the game feels like a long-lost arcade classic but carries an emotional weight that’s hard to ignore. It’s challenging, yes, but the kind of tough love you can’t help but come back to. If you haven’t drifted through this masterpiece yet, consider it a neon-tinted punch to your soul. | © Heart Machine

Rain World - 2017

This game is basically *Survival of the Fittest* – if you’re a little slugcat in a world where everything is out to eat you. *Rain World* combines platforming with a challenging survival element that makes it feel both breathtaking and nerve-wracking. The world is ruthless, mysterious, and it’s up to you to navigate it with wits and agility. It may be underappreciated, but it’s a masterpiece for anyone willing to get lost in a hostile world and embrace a unique kind of loneliness. | © Videocult

A Hat in Time - 2017

A cute little girl with a big hat and even bigger dreams to get back to space – that’s *A Hat in Time* in a nutshell. This game has charm dripping from every edge, from its vibrant levels to quirky characters that bring joy back into platforming. It’s like a love letter to the 3D platformers of old, complete with collectibles, puzzles, and a sense of adventure that feels like home. If you’re looking for pure fun without the gritty realism, grab your hat and dive into this one. | © Gears for Breakfast

Return of the Obra Dinn - 2018

Mystery lovers, meet your match. *Return of the Obra Dinn* puts you in the shoes of an insurance inspector, but this is no desk job – you’re tasked with uncovering what happened to a ghostly ship lost at sea. With a unique monochrome art style and an intricate web of clues to unravel, it’s as much a detective’s dream as it is a mind-bending puzzle. This game may look like it came from another century, but its storytelling is pure modern genius. | © Lucas Pope

Noita - 2019

In *Noita*, you’re a spellcasting wizard in a world where every single pixel can be destroyed. Yes, every pixel. It’s as chaotic and challenging as it sounds, with unpredictable spells and traps waiting around every corner. If you’re a fan of roguelikes and emergent gameplay, this game will keep you on your toes and probably burn you to a crisp – but in the most magical way possible. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the difficulty curve. | © Nolla Games

Void Bastards - 2019

Ever wanted to combine roguelike elements with a comic-book aesthetic? *Void Bastards* takes you on a space journey filled with quirky humor and a ton of attitude. Each ship you board is procedurally generated, meaning every time you play, it’s a new challenge to survive. You’ll scavenge, craft, and shoot your way through hilarious enemies, with gameplay that feels fresh and snappy. It’s a space adventure for those who love strategy and, well, a little chaos. | © Blue Manchu

Atomicrops - 2020

Think *Harvest Moon* meets *Mad Max* – that’s *Atomicrops* in a nutshell. It’s a farming simulator in a post-apocalyptic world where your crops aren’t just for eating; they’re for fighting. This game isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving in a world gone mad, complete with mutated veggies and weird animals. It’s frantic, it’s fun, and it’ll probably make you crave carrots. Farming has never been this chaotic. | © Bird Bath Games

ULTRAKILL - 2020

An old-school shooter with the intensity cranked up to eleven, *ULTRAKILL* makes *Doom* look like a stroll in the park. You’re in hell, fighting through waves of demons with style and precision in a neon-drenched nightmare. This is no slow shooter – it’s fast, brutal, and wildly satisfying. Each level is a test of reflexes, daring you to chain kills in the most stylish way possible. Are you brave enough for the carnage? | © Arsi "Hakita" Patala

Deaths Door — Death's Door - 2021

Playing as a little crow in a big world of souls to collect, *Death’s Door* brings an eerie charm to the action-adventure genre. It’s a bit dark, a bit whimsical, and packs a punch with every boss fight. It’s got the vibe of a classic Zelda game but wrapped in a story about death and purpose that’s surprisingly heartwarming. Don’t let the somber theme fool you – this game has plenty of humor and personality waiting for those who dare knock on its door. | © Acid Nerve

In Sound Mind - 2021

A horror game that’s as much psychological thriller as it is jump-scare central, *In Sound Mind* combines surreal puzzles with eerie environments. You’re exploring your own mind, confronting fears in a creepy, dreamlike setting that keeps you on edge. It’s underappreciated for its clever use of horror without relying on cheap thrills, and each chapter feels like a standalone nightmare. Step in if you dare – just don’t expect a peaceful sleep afterward. | © We Create Stuff

Citizen Sleeper - 2022

Set on a space station filled with drifters and outcasts, *Citizen Sleeper* is a unique blend of RPG and storytelling, where choices feel meaningful, and survival is never guaranteed. You’re a Sleeper – a synthetic being with a ticking clock – trying to carve out a life in a world that’s forgotten you. This game is a love letter to classic tabletop RPGs, and it’s filled with moral dilemmas that’ll make you question everything. For anyone who loves a good existential crisis in space. | © Jump Over The Age

Whos lila — Who’s Lila? - 2022

A surreal horror game that’ll leave you questioning reality, *Who’s Lila?* lets you manipulate your character’s expressions to navigate a haunting narrative. It’s a psychological thriller wrapped in a bizarre, almost dreamlike atmosphere, where every choice changes the outcome. You’ll find yourself lost in its eerie world and second-guessing every move you make. Who knew managing facial expressions could be so terrifying? | © Garage Heathen

Roboquest - 2023

In *Roboquest*, you’re a robot on a mission in a colorful, dystopian world that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon gone rogue. It’s a roguelite shooter that combines fast-paced action with a co-op twist, and every run is an adrenaline rush. The gameplay is addictive, the world is vibrant, and the difficulty will keep you coming back for more punishment. If robots could dream, they’d probably dream of *Roboquest*. | © RyseUp Studios

Cassette Beasts - 2023

Imagine a world where you transform into creatures via magical cassette tapes. *Cassette Beasts* lets you collect monsters by “recording” them on cassettes, blending Pokémon vibes with a dash of retro flair. It’s as quirky as it sounds, and every battle is a nostalgic trip. This is the ultimate game for anyone who ever wanted to harness the power of a mixtape. The soundtrack and world are so charming, you might just find yourself humming along. | © Bytten Studio

Nine Sols - 2024

A blend of Asian folklore and sci-fi in a beautifully crafted 2D world, *Nine Sols* is a mesmerizing tale of revenge and exploration. You’re on a journey to face gods and demons, slicing through foes with precision in a world that feels like a living painting. It’s packed with atmosphere and mythology, bringing an epic story to life with every step. It’s one of 2024’s best-kept secrets – an under-the-radar masterpiece. | © Red Candle Games

1-21

In a world full of AAA blockbusters and non-stop gaming headlines, it’s easy to overlook the hidden gems that fly under the radar. But for those who dare to dive a little deeper, there’s a whole lineup of incredible games waiting to be discovered. This list rounds up 20 underhyped titles that didn’t get their moment in the spotlight but are absolutely worth your time.

From mind-bending mysteries to chaotic roguelikes, these games offer unforgettable experiences that you might’ve missed. So, if you're ready for some off-the-beaten-path adventure, read on to find your next unexpected favorite!

Facebook X Reddit WhatsApp Copy URL

In a world full of AAA blockbusters and non-stop gaming headlines, it’s easy to overlook the hidden gems that fly under the radar. But for those who dare to dive a little deeper, there’s a whole lineup of incredible games waiting to be discovered. This list rounds up 20 underhyped titles that didn’t get their moment in the spotlight but are absolutely worth your time.

From mind-bending mysteries to chaotic roguelikes, these games offer unforgettable experiences that you might’ve missed. So, if you're ready for some off-the-beaten-path adventure, read on to find your next unexpected favorite!