Hidden Gems: 7 Underrated Games You Need to Play Right Now
1. Outer Wilds (2019)
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
This game combines space exploration with time-loop mechanics, offering a mysterious and atmospheric experience that’s unlike anything you’ve played before. Players explore a solar system filled with strange planets and uncover secrets, all while trying to figure out the cause of the time loop.
2. The Pathless (2020)
Platform: PS4, PS5, PC, iOS
A visually stunning action-adventure game that focuses on fluid movement and exploration. Players control an archer and her eagle as they traverse a massive forest to defeat a mysterious evil. The game features a seamless, open-world environment that’s a joy to explore.
3. A Short Hike (2019)
Platform: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
A delightful, short exploration game where you play as a bird named Claire, who is hiking through a beautiful island to reach the summit. It’s a calming, feel-good experience that’s perfect if you need a relaxing, low-pressure game to unwind with.
4. Disco Elysium (2019)
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
This narrative-heavy RPG is filled with rich dialogue, dark humor, and an intricate story. As a detective with amnesia, you must solve a murder while grappling with your own inner demons. The unique role-playing system and branching dialogue options make it one of the most intriguing and deeply philosophical games in recent years.
5. Katana ZERO (2019)
Platform: PC, Switch
A neo-noir, action-platformer that offers fast-paced combat and a captivating story with time manipulation mechanics. The pixel art style and tight gameplay make this an action game worth experiencing, with a narrative full of twists and turns.
6. Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
A puzzle game set aboard a mysterious ship where you must use logic and observation to deduce the fate of its crew. The minimalist art style, combined with a deep and engaging mystery, makes this game a unique and incredibly rewarding experience.
7. Hades (2020)
Platform: PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
While it's gained more recognition over time, Hades is still an underrated gem in terms of its genre-defining mechanics and narrative depth. A rogue-like dungeon crawler with a rich story and well-designed combat, players take on the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the underworld.
These games may not have gotten the widespread attention they deserve, but they’re certainly worth checking out if you want something unique and different from the usual mainstream titles!