Video games are more popular than ever, and that is thanks to a dedicated community and the constant evolution of games themselves. From modern masterpieces like Red Dead Redemption 2 to classics such as Final Fantasy VII, this medium continues to grow and put out even more popular titles. However, in today’s world, it is hard for games to simply be good, with many fans being disappointed when a game is a 7 or 8 out of 10.
It seems that only the clear Game of the Year candidates get any recognition anymore, leaving plenty of good games to fly under the radar. That is why this list will feature ten great video games that don’t get the credit they deserve based on popularity compared to critical acclaim, gameplay, design, narrative, visuals, and fan opinion. Games can be good, and that is okay; not every title needs to be a revolutionary masterpiece.
‘Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2021)
Marvel is anything but underrated, and this popularity has led them into the video game industry, including an adaptation of one of their heavy-hitter IPs. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy follows the ragtag group of heroes years after a galactic war. After a series of events, the group accidentally releases an intergalactic cult that threatens the galaxy, and the only way to stop it is by putting aside differences and working together.
Despite being a game about famous characters, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy didn’t become a major hit like other superhero games. However, it is just as good, if not better. It suffered from proximity to another recent Marvel game that was a mess, but Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy boasts an impressive cast of characters with phenomenal writing that more fans should appreciate.
‘The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’ (2011)
The Legend of Zelda is a critically acclaimed franchise that is never short on credit, but some games get a bit more hate than necessary, such as The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. On an island in the sky, Link is a knight in training who descends to the surface to rescue Princess Zelda, captured by the demon lord. First, however, Link must defeat Demise.
Most Zelda titles are cultural video game events, and while Skyward Sword had the potential to become one, the buggy motion controls made it arguably the worst 3D Zelda game. However, it still possesses some of the best aspects in the franchise, such as the perfectly designed and themed dungeons, a touching story, phenomenal music, and the remaster fixed the combat, making it a worthy Zelda masterpiece.
‘Bugsnax’ (2020)
2020 was a weird time when plenty of games were delayed due to the pandemic. This should mean that the ones released were popular, but that wasn’t the case for Bugsnax. The titular creatures are food-like animals inhabiting the nearby region, and when a journalist comes to interview an explorer about these creatures, he finds the town fractured and the creatures on the loose.
Bugsnax is a bright, goofy, and charming video game, but this aesthetic gave fans the impression that it was a kids’ game. On the contrary, it proved to be a surprisingly mature experience that tackled adult themes such as depression, also featuring dark undertones. Bugsnax will catch players off guard with its finale and its overall Lovecraftian vibe that needs more credit.
‘Return of the Obra Dinn’ (2018)
Historical video games aren’t the most popular, but this genre is home to plenty of masterpieces, including the indie game Return of the Obra Dinn. Set in 1807, the titular merchant ship drifted ashore only to reveal that all of its 60 crew members were either dead or missing. The player is an investigator with a magical pocket watch that reveals the exact moment of a person’s death, and the player needs to use it to learn their fates.
Return of the Obra Dinn is a historical game with a maritime aesthetic unlike any other game, plus it uses the mystery to ramp up the tension. What’s more, this game boasts one of the greatest art styles in video games, with the use of shadows and light creating a striking visual style. Return of Obra Dinn is a magnificent historical game that doesn’t get the love because of its experimental style, but that is exactly why it needs more credit.
‘The Forgotten City’ (2021)
Most of the games on this list are lesser-known titles, and The Forgotten City is another game that, despite its lack of fame, is quite remarkable. Players control a time traveller who is pulled into an underground Roman city where people are turned to gold if they misbehave. Gamers must go through this time loop, stop the curse, and save everyone.
The Forgotten City is a must-play title with one of the most underrated narratives ever. The game exploits its time loop mechanic to the fullest, slowly building the story. Using the philosophical ramifications to further explore moral dilemmas not usually seen in mainstream video games, The Forgotten City is a narrative masterclass that flew under everyone’s radar.
‘Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle’ (2017)
Nintendo is very protective of its franchises, which is why they try to ensure they are all the best they can be. One rare instance they outsourced an IP is with Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle. When a strange device merges the Mushroom Kingdom with the world of Rabbids, Mario, Luigi, and Peach must work with these bizarre creatures to defeat enemies and restore both worlds to their original states.
It is rare for Nintendo to leave Mario in the hands of others, but Ubisoft proved that maybe they should, because Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is an unexpected delight. The tactical turn-based combat is surprisingly engaging and allows for plenty of strategic thinking while remaining a bright and charming experience. On top of this, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a hilarious video game that makes the most out of its once-in-a-lifetime crossover.
‘Pillars of Eternity’ (2015)
Fantasy is arguably the most popular genre in gaming, but because there are so many, plenty of classics get overlooked, like Pillars of Eternity. Set in the dark world of Eora, this fantasy game follows a party and their adventures across the world in the middle of a technological renaissance. The player is a watcher, meaning they can see souls, but this slowly drives them insane, leading them to understand the inner workings of the system to solve an ancient conspiracy.
Pillars of Eternity features one of the most unique video game worlds and power systems, with soul science being woven into the worldbuilding, lore, and narrative. The deep philosophical themes help establish the world and the story, moving along nicely for an overall experience that is too good not to get more credit.
‘Vampyr’ (2018)
Vampire games usually make for amazing, atmospheric experiences, but there aren’t enough heavy hitters out there that get the recognition they deserve; Vampyr is the perfect example. Fans play as Jonathan Reid, a blood transfusion expert in London in 1918, who suddenly turns into a vampire. He still wishes to help his patients, but in the position he is in, it is hard to put aside his vampiric impulses and thirst for blood.
Vampyr often gets overlooked because of its supposed clunky gameplay, but it has so many other perfect aspects to make up for that, including the citizen system. This means every NPC has a backstory, history, and relationships, meaning players need to weigh their morals and determine who or when to eat. This approach makes Vampyr one of the most intelligently designed video games that truly tempts players to be evil.
‘The Evil Within 2’ (2017)
The horror genre is a staple of video games, but some modern classics still fly under the radar, like The Evil Within 2. Set years after the first game, the protagonist learns that his daughter, who was supposedly dead, is actually alive. He must plug back into the nightmare situation to fight monsters and creatures in the overrun world of Union in order to save his daughter.
The first game was infamously clunky, leading many to skip The Evil Within 2, even though it fixed everything about the original. This revamped formula includes a semi-open world that elevates the survival horror aspects to make everything scarier and tenser. The Evil Within 2 also features an emotional narrative on top of its unsettling nature to create a complex masterpiece that everyone should play.
‘Mad Max’ (2015)
There are plenty of video games based on movies, but they are rarely anything to write home about. That usually means the good ones, like 2015’s Mad Max, also don’t get the credit they deserve. The titular character is robbed and left in the unforgiving wasteland to die. With no care, Max teams up with a mechanic to build the ultimate war machine and take his revenge on those who wronged him.
Since it came out on the same day as another famous game and is based on a film, no one played Mad Max or gave it any credit, which is unfortunate considering how good it is. The open world is well-designed, and the vehicle traversal and combat are extremely satisfying. Mad Max also includes melee combat that rivals the best action games, creating an overall rewarding experience. It’s a hidden video game masterpiece that comes close to perfection; sad that so few seem to acknowledge it.
