10 AA Games That Could Pass For AAA

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The pressure to release games quickly in the AAA industry frequently forces developers to compromise on quality and refinement, resulting in many modern titles from major studios feeling unfinished or lacking polish.

Despite their smaller budgets, these games are surprisingly innovative and often surpass larger, more publicized titles. They deliver polished experiences, and sometimes boast gameplay or stories that are actually more engaging – even remaining enjoyable long after they first came out.

I’ve put together a list of AA games that are so good, they could easily be mistaken for major AAA titles. I think most people would agree they’re that impressive.

10. Hi-Fi Rush

Easy Breezy Rockstar

My friends and I will never forget when Tango Gameworks unexpectedly released Hi-Fi Rush. None of us anticipated how much we’d enjoy it, and playing it together created a lasting memory.

This game has everything: a captivating story, quirky characters, a cheerful rockstar as the hero, and a combat system that’s simple to pick up but difficult to truly master. It’s a winning combination!

I wanted to especially recommend Hi-Fi Rush because it demonstrates a level of detail and polish that surpassed many bigger, more expensive games when it was released. Now that everyone is excited to see what the sequel will be like with Tencent involved, the original Hi-Fi Rush is easily one of the best mid-budget games available today.

9. Persona 5

Caught in a Last Surprise

While this refers specifically to the initial release, Persona 5 is a remarkably high-quality game – it feels like a major, big-budget title, even though it was actually made on a more modest budget. It’s surprising how much quality they packed into it!

Looking back at Atlus, they’ve really grown! They didn’t have the same resources for making and promoting games like they do now, and you could definitely see that difference with Persona 5. Honestly, it’s become one of the most beloved JRPGs ever, though I’ll admit, that first dungeon feels a little long when you’re just getting into it!

This game features a heartwarming story about the strength of friendship, capped off by a truly excellent finale. It also boasts a beautifully designed and engaging turn-based combat system, with a user interface and overall experience that rivals many modern games in terms of quality and fan appeal.

8. Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Overflowing with Charm

I realize opinions may differ, but even though Kena: Bridge of Spirits was developed by an independent studio and won awards in the indie game category, it definitely feels more polished and refined than most indie titles – closer to a mid-range, or ‘AA’, game in terms of overall quality.

The presentation was so impressive that it led some viewers to believe they were watching a trailer for a major, high-quality game from PlayStation Studios. The game’s Pixar-like visuals and smooth gameplay really supported that impression.

Despite a few areas needing improvement, Ember Labs created a genuinely charming experience with Kena: Bridge of Spirits. The game features a heartwarming story and exciting, though occasionally clunky, combat. Hopefully, these combat elements will be refined if a sequel is made.

7. Remnant 2

Shootin’ Souls & Diggin’ Holes

The first game offered a fresh spin on the Souls-like genre by adding gun combat, but Remnant 2 really perfected and expanded on that exciting idea.

This next installment is bigger and bolder than before, featuring vast and varied environments filled with hidden secrets. The already excellent shooting mechanics have been improved to feel even smoother and more precise. They’ve also adjusted the role-playing aspects, offering more ways to customize your character and a wider range of unique playstyles.

Okay, so even though I’m saying a lot of good things, this game still feels like a solid AA title, which is a little surprising for a sequel. The story and voice acting are okay, nothing amazing, but honestly, the gameplay is where it really shines. If you can snag it on a good sale, you’re getting a ton of value for your money.

6. Ghostrunner

Swift, Lethal & Precise

Playing Ghostrunner for the first time is an incredibly exciting experience – it’s a relentlessly fast-paced game that throws you right into the action. I really enjoyed it, and it was a highlight of the free games I got with PlayStation Plus in 2022.

Finding out this game was short and made by a smaller studio actually made it a good fit for this list. The gameplay is consistently smooth and enjoyable, and it leaves you wanting more – I know I’m already looking forward to the next one!

If you enjoy fast-paced, stylish games like Katana Zero or Hotline Miami, you really should check out Ghostrunner. It’s a fantastic experience you won’t want to miss.

5. It Takes Two

Col-Lab-O-Ration!

If I hadn’t known Josef Fares’ work beyond his first few games, I would have thought someone was joking when I heard It Takes Two won Game of the Year. Luckily, I was one of the few who recognized his unique talent and played the game when it came out, so I understood why it deserved the award.

I had a blast playing ITT with my friends! We all got really invested in the story of Cody and May trying to fix their relationship. Even though it was made by a smaller studio, Hazelight, EA’s support allowed them to create a game that felt as polished and expansive as a major, big-budget title.

Every level is carefully crafted and full of creative ideas. If you enjoyed this game, get ready to be amazed by Split Fiction’s incredible environments and level design – it’s truly impressive!

4. Lies of P

The Premium Soulslike Experience

Honestly, everyone I know was completely blown away by Lies of P. We were all seriously starting to think it was a full-blown AAA game! And I get why – it’s one of the few Soulslike games that actually felt like it could go toe-to-toe with the massive, polished titles from FromSoftware’s Souls and Bloodborne series.

The game feels more like a mid-budget title, largely because its environments aren’t very diverse and the game follows a straightforward path. However, the story, level layouts, and combat are still as polished and engaging as you’d find in a big-budget blockbuster.

One of the game’s biggest strengths is its engaging gameplay, which sets it apart from other games in the same genre. Combat is fast-paced and intense, similar to Bloodborne, and encourages players to be aggressive. It also features unique customization options, letting you completely change a weapon’s abilities by swapping handles or modifying Pinocchio’s Legion Arms.

3. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

An Underrated Gem

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a fantastic example of an AA game that feels like a AAA title, and it’s a game I especially love. Ninja Theory really focused all their efforts into making it, and they succeeded in creating what they call an “independent AAA” experience.

This game powerfully portrays Senua’s struggles with psychosis, set within a dark and immersive world based on Norse and Celtic myths. While the combat is decent, the game’s short length makes it a truly worthwhile experience, and I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t.

If you connect with the story, the upcoming sequel delves even deeper into Senua’s personality and intricate mental state.

2. A Plague Tale: Innocence

Two Siblings & Lots of Rats

I was immediately impressed when I played Asobo Studio’s Plague Tale: Innocence. Despite not being a huge, blockbuster game, it felt much grander than it appeared thanks to its strong performances and impressive scenes.

The story of Amicia and Hugo, as they desperately flee hordes of rats across France while searching for their mother and a remedy to their plight, is truly unforgettable. Their journey reaches a powerfully emotional climax in the game A Plague Tale: Requiem.

The game also features well-designed stealth puzzles that are really engaging, and things get even more exciting when you reach the Requiem stage.

1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

A Medieval Adventure For The History Books

I was really surprised to discover that Kingdom Come: Deliverance, while not a top-tier AAA game, was a substantial “AA” title – and many thought it was close to being a full-blown AAA experience. That makes sense, because the game’s gameplay and RPG features are incredibly detailed and well-designed.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a truly immersive RPG experience. It features challenging, realistic combat, a world that responds to your character’s abilities and choices, and a detailed progression system where you build your character from the very beginning. You’ll have a lot of freedom in how you approach and complete quests.

Even though many people are already excited about the sequel coming next year and considering it a potential Game of the Year contender for 2025, the first game is still essential playing. Its graphics remain impressive due to the beautiful art style and powerful CryEngine.

To truly understand Henry’s journey and how he ends up in the later game, it’s essential to experience the first game first. Otherwise, you’ll be missing a crucial part of his story.

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2025-11-11 19:45