Looking for something new to dive into but tired of the same old recommendations? This list is for you. The following range from obscure indie darlings to underrated high-profile games, so you’re bound to find something exciting.
12World’s Dawn
World’s Dawnis anindie gamethat doesn’t shy away from its inspiration: Nintendo’s 1996 classicHarvest Moon. In fact, it’s much better than it in many ways. This is a relaxing farming simulator with visuals that evoke the style of 1990s RPGs, despite launching in 2016.
It’s equal parts a social life and a farming simulator, though the focus surprisingly leans more toward its story-driven elements. So, don’t expect the intricate farming systems of something likeStardew Valley.World’s Dawnis a simple yet cozy game that’s worth grabbing for a week or two of laid-back gameplay.
11Singularity
Singularitywas developed by Raven Software (and published by Activision), which later shifted to support the development ofCall of Dutygames. With a little over 5,000 reviews on Steam,Singularityis the very definition of a hidden gem.
The game is a blend ofBioshock’s atmospheric storytelling,Half-Life’s creative weapon designs, andCall of Duty’s FPS combat, with some light puzzle elements involving time manipulation. Though it’s an older game, the graphics still hold up well.
10FEZ
If you’ve never played a puzzle platformer, you’re in for a treat withFEZ. The standout feature of this game is its combination of 2D platforming with rotating 3D structures. You have to rotate the environment to find hidden pathways or secrets.FEZemphasizes exploration and is filled with cool secrets and rewards. The pixel art style perfectly complements the clever 2D-to-3D mechanic. It’s a unique platformer that you shouldn’t miss.
9Oxenfree
Oxenfreeis a story-centric game where a group of teens goes to a sinister island filled with paranormal phenomena. It’s the perfect setup for an old-school thriller horror.
This creepy game is full of mysteries and occasional jump scares that’ll keep you on edge. However,Oxenfreedoesn’t rely on cheap trills—the real appeal lies in the eerie, ominous atmosphere, combined with the stunning lo-fi-inspired aesthetic and quality writing.
8DuckTales: Remastered
DuckTales: Remasteredis a faithful HD remake of the 1989 originalDuckTalesplatformer for the NES, a game that many of us will fondly remember from childhood. It’s based on Disney’s belovedDuckTalescartoon, so it’s a nostalgia overload. Theremakefeatures enhanced audio and graphics but still captures the charm of the original. It also has some extra content.
Despite the big-name license and positive reviews, the game never quite took off commercially. It’s still well worth playing, though. Originally available on Android and iOS, it’s since been delisted from the marketplaces, so your options to play it are limited to Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.
7Pacific Drive
Pacific Driveis one of the best games I’ve played in recent years. Although it hasexceeded the publisher’s sales expectations, I still think that it’s criminally underrated.Pacific Driveis a survival sci-fi adventure with horror elements and a roguelike gameplay loop, where you drive through supernatural environments to complete various objectives. The game places a strong emphasis on your car, which constantly requires repairs as supernatural events wear it down.
Although the game has a few minor bugs and performance issues that need ironing out, it still provides a fantastic experience that’s best enjoyed alone, late at night. It’s currently 40% off, andSteamDB’s price historyindicates that it frequently goes on sale at this discount—making it a steal for a game this good.
6Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Given the recentsuccess ofMarvel Rivalsand the overall popularity of everything Marvel, you might be surprised to see a modern Marvel game on this list.Marvel’s Midnight Sunsis a turn-based RPG developed by
Firaxis Games (the developers behindXCOM) that had all the makings of a successful game. But despite solid initial sales and positive critical reviews, the game still didn’t meet commercial expectations.
However,Marvel’s Midnight Sunswouldn’t be on this list if it didn’t deserve the spotlight. Between the gorgeous art style, high-profile Marvel characters, and addictive card-based combat system, it’s a real hidden gem for fans of both turn-based strategy and comic book heroes.
5Sunset Overdrive
Before Insomniac Games blessed the world withMarvel’s Spider-Man 2under Sony, the studio releasedSunset Overdriveon Xbox. This vibrant, cartoonish open-world game dishes out over-the-top fun. Set in a city where an energy drink has turned humans into mutants, the game puts you in the shoes of a rebellious hero. You switch between parkour and fast-paced combat, smashing through hordes of enemies. It’s a fun, albeit chaotic, playground.
4Mirror’s Edge Catalyst
Mirror’s Edge Catalystis an open-world reboot of the popular 2008AAA gameMirror’s Edge—which is also worth checking out if you’ve never played it. This is a first-person action-adventure game with a strong emphasis on parkour in a futuristic city. Run, slide, and jump around an urban landscape in an attempt to outmaneuver your enemies.
Catalystgot a bad rap, largely because its open world doesn’t integrate with the gameplay as well as the linear map design of the original. However, it’s still an excellent game deserving of your attention due to its fluid movement, impressive map and sound design, and striking color palette.
3BioShock 2 Remastered
You’re probably wondering why this game is here, consideringBioShockis a popular franchise. One reason is thatBioShock 2never achieved the same popularity as its colorful steampunk counterpart,BioShock Infinite, which is set in a different universe. Another reason is that it wasn’t a huge commercial success. WhileBioShock 2sold over three million copies back when it was released in 2010, it still fell short ofTake-Two’s ambitious five-million salesgoal.
BioShock 2 Remasteredtakes the originalBioShock 2andenhances it with better graphics, performance, and additional content. It’s a horror FPS with engaging combat mechanics set in the dystopian world of Rapture. The game is well worth its current $3 sale price. Additionally, the original version is bundled with the remaster.
