Most Underappreciated Games Of 2024

There are plenty of fantastic games across every single genre that have made an impact in the year 2024. However, there are also others that deserve recognition despite being buried by the noise made by bigger games. It’s a game eat game world out there.

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These titles are usually overlooked but each one offers an incredible and often unique gameplay experience.

Every game has a niche audience, whether it becomes a massive success or not. Some are underrated simply because they are buried by bigger titles. Others have a good concept as a foundation but miss the landing. There is no such thing as a truly bad game as long as there are players willing to give it a shot, or it serves as a learning lesson that helps strengthen future titles.

8

Pacific Drive

Cruising Through An Anomaly

Systems

Released

February 22, 2024

Developer(s)

Ironwood Studios

Publisher(s)

Kepler Interactive

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Language

Pacific Drive has an interesting premise that has you scavenging for supplies to upgrade your station wagon. Rather than just making your vehicle a means to get around, Pacific Drive makes it the key to your survival as it protects you from radiation and allows you to travel through the rough terrain.

You can modify your car to last longer as you try to outrun a storm, but you’ll also need to maintain the protection that you already have. This forces you to stay on the move as you explore the exclusion zone and try to uncover the mystery behind the anomalies occurring all around you. Pacific Drive is underrated since it’s hard to stumble upon a discussion about the game itself. However, once you discover it, it’s hard to let go.

7

No More Room In Hell 2

An Underrated Zombie Game

Systems

Released

October 22, 2024

Developer(s)

Torn Banner Studios

Publisher(s)

Torn Banner Studios
, Lever Games Inc.

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ // Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Mild Sexual Themes, Language, and Use of Alcohol

No More Room In Hell 2 follows up on one of the most realistic depictions of a zombie apocalypse in video game history. However, as an early access game, it has its bugs and glitches that need to be worked over before the title truly starts to blossom.

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Underneath, though, it’s a decent game for big groups who enjoy the presence of slower zombies. While it has a bit more gunplay than the original game, the scarcity of bullets still forces you to think before you engage.

6

Alone In The Dark

An Underrated Remake

As far as horror games go, Alone In The Dark is a great horror title to pick up from 2024’s lineup. However, in terms of remakes and remasters, it seems every other game receives more love. Regardless, Alone in the Dark excels at setting a tone with unsettling visuals and terrifying designs.

It’s gothic, it’s Lovecraftian, and it sets the perfect mood for playing it in the dark. Possibly even alone in the dark? While combat can be somewhat messy at times, what really pushes you forwards is the narrative involving eldritch horrors, cults, and the private investigators who arrive at Derceto Manor.

5

Until Dawn

Revisiting An Old Story

Systems

Released

October 4, 2024

Developer(s)

Ballistic Moon

Publisher(s)

PlayStation PC LLC

ESRB

m

Until Dawn’s remake, for the most part, has the same story as the original with an after credits scene and a few tweaks to the storyline. While this doesn’t make it remarkable, there are still many reasons why it deserves more love.

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The new camera system lets you see more of the world from different angles, and it includes DLC segments that were previously locked behind preorders. Some of the writing is also changed to give you a better insight into whom these characters are as well as what the future has in store for them. Like SIlent Hill 2 and Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, Until Dawn’s remake keeps everything that made the original game great intact but often gets overlooked due to how relatively recent the original game is.

4

Lego Horizons Adventures

An Unexpected Lego Game

Horizon Zero Dawn is the last game you would expect to have a video game crossover with Lego. However, you have to admit that the world of Horizon Zero Dawn looks surprisingly good when converted to Lego. The animation and movement is reminiscent of the style seen in the Lego Movie. It also makes the post-apocalyptic world more colorful while toning down some of the bleaker moments.

Lego Horizons Adventure is a retelling of the original game in Lego with all the traditional Lego gameplay of smashing objects and switching between characters. Unlike the original Horizon Zero Dawn, this is one version you can play in co-op. It also gives Alloy a more quirky personality, which is a breath of fresh air for some of the more serious PlayStation IPs.

3

Penny’s Big Breakaway

A Visually Pleasing Platformer

If you’re looking for a colorful game that didn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves, give some love to Penny’s Big Breakaway. This 3D platformer stars Penny, a street performer whose yo yo comes to life. On the verge of finally getting her big break, Yo-Yo strips the king of his clothes, embarrassing him and causing Penny to go on the run.

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With penguin guards constantly throwing themselves at you, you’ll need to keep momentum up so they don’t swarm you. Luckily, you can learn new tricks that will keep the penguin army off your back. With plenty of wit and charm, it’s a shame this title didn’t get the spotlight.

2

Star Wars Outlaws

Blaster Gameplay Makes It Worth It

In a different reality, Star Wars Outlaws could have been one of the better sci-fi games of 2024. While it doesn’t manage to achieve this, Star Wars Outlaws is still a nice dip back into the Star Wars universe after Jedi Survivor in 2023.

Rather than using a lightsaber, this game has you using a blaster as you stealthily make your way through various jobs and get into firefights against the criminal underworld. While the stealth mechanics can be a hit or miss, the game excels at making blasters satisfying to use with iconic sound effects and the need for precise shots.

1

Mario Vs. Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong At It Again

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Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024)

Systems

Platform(s)

Switch

Released

February 16, 2024

ESRB

E For Everyone

As fans wait for any sign that Mario Odyssey 2 might happen or a Donkey Kong game that isn’t a port of a Wii U title, one title often goes under the radar. This is Mario Vs Donkey Kong for the Nintendo Switch, and it is the perfect puzzle-platformer for two players.

The goal of the game is to chase after Donkey Kong through a series of platforms. Sometimes, you will need to find a key to open a door, while in others you’ll need to guide Mini-Marios back to where they belong. It’s a delightful little game that doesn’t get much attention.

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