In the ever-growing world of gaming, it’s easy for some hidden gems to slip under the radar. While blockbuster titles often steal the spotlight, there are plenty of underrated games that offer incredible experiences, innovative mechanics, and unique stories. Whether you’re looking for something fresh or simply tired of the mainstream, here are five underrated games you should try this year!
1. “Axiom Verge 2” – A Retro-Style Metroidvania with a Twist
If you’re a fan of Metroidvania games and love exploring vast, interconnected worlds, then Axiom Verge 2 might be your next favorite. Although it didn’t make the waves that its predecessor did, this sequel is a true gem. Created by solo developer Thomas Happ, the game offers a deep narrative, engaging puzzle mechanics, and beautiful pixel art.
Unlike many other games in the genre, Axiom Verge 2 takes a unique approach to exploration, with the main character’s ability to hack into devices to manipulate the environment and solve puzzles. The sense of discovery and the intricacy of the level design make it a must-play for fans of the genre—just don’t expect the traditional action-heavy gameplay of many modern games. It’s slower, more thoughtful, and absolutely captivating.
Why Play?
If you’re a fan of classic, retro-inspired games with modern sensibilities, Axiom Verge 2 is one of the most enjoyable and overlooked titles to experience.
2. “Chicory: A Colorful Tale” – A Charming Artistic Adventure
At first glance, Chicory: A Colorful Tale may seem like a simple painting game, but it’s so much more than that. This indie title from the creators of Wandersong combines delightful art mechanics with an emotional, heartwarming story.
In Chicory, you control a dog named “Pepper” who is tasked with bringing color back to a black-and-white world. Armed with a magical paintbrush, you explore vibrant landscapes, solving puzzles and uncovering hidden secrets. But what sets it apart is its narrative that touches on themes of self-worth, creativity, and finding your place in the world.
Why Play?
For anyone who enjoys indie games with a personal touch, Chicory offers a warm, thoughtful experience wrapped in colorful and captivating gameplay.
3. “The Forgotten City” – A Time-Bending Mystery
Based on a popular mod for Skyrim, The Forgotten City is an innovative narrative-driven game that combines a rich mystery with a time-loop mechanic. Set in an ancient Roman city, you play as a protagonist who must investigate a strange occurrence: a mysterious law that states that if one person sins, everyone in the city will die.
The twist? You have the ability to reset time and explore different choices, gathering clues and interacting with unique characters to solve the puzzle. The writing is top-tier, and the game’s intricate web of storylines makes it a rewarding experience for fans of puzzles, historical settings, and narrative-driven adventures.
Why Play?
If you love mystery games with a thought-provoking narrative and enjoy unraveling secrets through multiple timelines, The Forgotten City is an unforgettable experience.
4. “Disco Elysium” – An Unconventional RPG Masterpiece
While Disco Elysium gained some attention upon release, it still feels underappreciated by the wider gaming community. This groundbreaking RPG is a mix of noir detective fiction and philosophy, with a stunning art style and a writing-driven experience. You play as a down-on-his-luck detective who has forgotten his identity and must solve a murder mystery in a crumbling city.
What sets Disco Elysium apart is its unique approach to RPG mechanics. Instead of combat, the game focuses on dialogue, character development, and moral decisions. Your interactions, personality traits, and thought processes directly shape the narrative, offering an incredibly personal and varied playthrough.
Why Play?
Disco Elysium is for players who enjoy deep, narrative-heavy RPGs with innovative mechanics. If you like games that make you think, and you’re open to playing something entirely different, this is a must-play.
5. “Outer Wilds” – A Mind-Bending Space Exploration Game
Outer Wilds is one of those games that catches you off guard. It’s a space exploration game where you play as an astronaut who explores a solar system caught in a 22-minute time loop. Once the loop resets, you experience the entire universe anew, each time uncovering secrets, solving puzzles, and learning more about the strange fate of this unique world.
What makes Outer Wilds special is its sense of wonder and discovery. The game doesn’t hold your hand, and the only way to progress is through exploration and observation. Each discovery feels earned, and the cosmic setting coupled with the time-loop mechanic makes for an unforgettable experience.
Why Play?
If you’re a fan of exploration, mysteries, and games that make you think outside the box, Outer Wilds is one of the most rewarding and underrated games in recent memory.