As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that this year has been nothing short of a feast for us gamers! From the strategic brilliance of Baldur’s Gate 3 to the tactical mastery of Unicorn Overlord, and the action-packed adventure of Remnant 2, these games have truly outdone themselves.
Have you ever encountered an unexpectedly amazing game, not one of the big-budget ones constantly promoted, but a hidden gem developed by a lesser-known studio?
These games often have about half the budget of the heavyweights in the industry, yet they can still catch us off guard and occasionally surpass their more polished counterparts.
We’re discussing budget video games that effectively capture the experience typically aimed for by big-budget titles.
Occasionally, it’s all about the gaming experience, other times it’s the graphics that grab our attention, but it’s always about excellence. Let’s explore a few Double-A titles that offer a Triple-A experience instead.
10 Sifu
Intense Kung-fu action
Essentially, Sifu emerged unexpectedly from the same studio that only had one previous title, Absolver, which was well-received but had limited reach and critical acclaim. However, Sifu transformed all the concepts from Absolver into a timeless Kung Fu vengeance tale.
The graphics are gorgeous, with a cel-shaded style that fits the mood perfectly, but the gameplay is where Sifu really shines.
The premise is simple: You age each time you die, and you get weaker and stronger as that happens. You’ll fight your way through multiple levels of henchmen using weapons and melee attacks, and the challenge here is immense.
Mastering your combo moves is important, but the timing of your parries, blocks, and dodges may prove to be even more decisive. Battles can resemble scenes straight out of a John Wick film.
The overall encounter is remarkably immersive and boasts an astonishing level of refinement, considering it’s developed by a compact studio. To date, no Triple-A game has managed to emulate the seamless martial arts proficiency you sense while playing SIfu.
9 Greedfall
Bioware, is that you?
In an attempt to fill the void left by games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age among role-playing game enthusiasts worldwide, developers at Spiders aimed to reproduce the intricate choice and consequence mechanics from those games within a universe uniquely their own.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the stunning beauty of this gameworld, crafted with an evident passion for detail. Every character, every battle, shines with a polish that speaks volumes about the dedication and care poured into creating this exceptional title.
The battlefield presents a diverse and strategic landscape, catering to close-quarters fighters, long-range shooters, and spellcasters alike. You’ll find yourself engaged in these skirmishes together with your comrades, each boasting distinct talents and skills.
You have the flexibility to tailor your skill set according to your preference, which means you can combine melee combat with magic, or magic with firearms, resulting in an unusual but exciting blend that isn’t commonly found within the game’s genre.
The tale is captivating as well, offering a colonial setting intertwined with magic that seems both recognizable and alien. Moreover, exceptional voice acting and scriptwriting maintain engagement throughout. If you’re in need of a fresh RPG experience, “Greedfall” evokes the essence of the classic giants, yet presents something uniquely innovative.
8 Vampyr
A Vampire Game With Some Bite 
In the realm of gaming, vampires haven’t received much favor except for a few classic games such as “Legacy of Kain” and more recently, “Vampyr” sought to change that. Set during the Spanish flu epidemic, you assume the role of a doctor who has been newly transformed into a vampire.
This intriguing dilemma sets up a play pattern where you’re perpetually choosing between boosting your vampire abilities by feeding, or staying virtuous and witnessing more and more individuals falling ill due to a lethal flu outbreak.
The aspect that makes this game captivating is how the environment transforms based on your choices. If you opt not to harm or consume people, the disease spreads unchecked, making the city progressively riskier to traverse, mirroring the perilous state of Dunwall in Dishonored.
Blend a combat experience reminiscent of the “Bloodborne” series with powerful abilities, and you’ll find an engaging gameplay cycle in this title.
In a league of its own, there’s simply nothing comparable to the gaming experience provided by Vampyr. Although some aspects, like the character dialogues, may seem reminiscent of AA-grade games, the overall quality is top-notch and unrivaled.
7 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Realistic schizophrenia in a haunted world
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is undeniably among the most visually stunning video games ever made, and what makes this even more remarkable is that it was released back in 2017.
In today’s high-tech era, where gaming rigs rule supreme, I’ve yet to encounter visuals as breathtakingly stunning as this game offers.
It’s not just a looker, though. The overall experience is also incredible, putting you in the shoes of Senua, a Viking warrior suffering from schizophrenia who is trying to save her lover from the goddess Hela.
Afterwards, you embark on a grim and perilous odyssey featuring close-knit, straightforward combats and intriguing ecological riddles to solve.
This game isn’t the longest one available, but it offers a unique experience but unlike any other. It’s as if you’re watching a movie, and this movie just happens to be a Viking story that also delves into the portrayal of a genuine mental illness. The quality, from its graphics to its voice acting to its gameplay, is akin to triple-A standard.
6 Evil West
Guns and Vampires
Evil West harks back to a time in gaming where the main focus was on wielding a powerful weapon and eliminating enemies. Essentially, that’s the essence of Evil West, and it doesn’t require much more than that.
Equipped with a robotic limb, firearms such as rifles and handguns, along with other extraordinary weaponry, you’ll splash this vibrant world with intense battle scenes that rival any action game’s top combat encounters.
In this fight, the intensity is palpable and significant, as your shots will tear impressively through adversaries, leading to a deadly ballet that typically culminates in a gory spectacle reminiscent of Doom: Eternal. It’s all an exhilarating experience to partake in.
The graphics are impressive, providing a high-quality AAA gaming feel for an enjoyable, albeit brief, experience that didn’t receive the recognition it deserved at its initial release in 2022.
As someone who craves intense, top-tier action games, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this one a spin. With AAA studios seemingly moving away from this genre, it’s a rare gem worth exploring.
5 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
An RPG That Champions Realism 
The game “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” stands out remarkably, offering a challenging rivalry against top-tier RPGs in the gaming industry.
Despite having a budget significantly smaller than that of games like Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077, Kingdom Come: Deliverance still outperforms many well-known and beloved titles in terms of graphics and gameplay.
One distinctive aspect of this game is that it gives you the sensation of being an ordinary villager unexpectedly drawn into a conflict, rather than the customary all-powerful deity typically found in RPGs.
As a fervent player, I must say that the swordplay in this game is nothing short of extraordinary! Initially, I found myself woefully inept, but by the end, I was cutting through adversaries by the dozens – not because of some random stat increase or supernatural abilities, but rather due to my newfound mastery of the art of swordsmanship within this world.
The story is also fantastic, and though it leaves off on a cliffhanger, it has plenty of intrigue, great characters, and a great protagonist to lead you along the way. The sequel is coming fast, so check out one of the best RPGs out there sooner rather than later.
4 Darksiders 2
Death Becomes You
In the exciting world of video games, you’ll find yourself immersed in an epic action-adventure titled Darksiders 2, where you take on the role of Death, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Yup, you’re playing as the reaper here, and he’s got some moves that would make Kratos blush.
Equipped with a scythe and numerous other tools for battle, Death proves to be an exceptionally adaptable warrior in combat. There’s something incredibly gratifying about engaging with this character.
As I delve deeper into this captivating game, I’m constantly chaining combos, battling towering bosses, and traversing diverse landscapes. And let me tell you, the narrative that ties it all together is nothing short of intriguing!
In my opinion, it’s simply extraordinary in every aspect, yet oddly overlooked within the gaming landscape that seldom showcases the action-adventure genre nowadays.
If you’re looking for excellent combat and a sprawling epic, Darksiders 2 is a great choice.
3 Divinity: Original Sin 2
The birth of something special
Divinity: Original Sin 2 has been a remarkable game, holding its ground among the top RPGs of the past decade, until Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios was released. However, this doesn’t mean that Divinity: Original Sin 2 is not incredible; on the contrary, it truly is an exceptional game.
In my opinion, this extraordinary game takes me on an unparalleled journey with its captivating cast of characters, intriguing primary missions, and countless engaging side adventures. It surpasses the norm of what I’ve come to expect from top-tier video games.
In this game, battles occur one at a time with a strong emphasis on strategy, making it possible for you to execute any idea that comes to mind. You’ll find yourself casting spells, executing stealthy assassinations, and unleashing fire from your mouth as you immerse yourself in over 80 hours of role-playing game pleasure.
Not only is this game great on its own, but it also allows for smooth collaboration with one or more friends, which makes it one of the top choices among multiplayer games.
Original Sin 2 remains one of the greatest games ever made, even considering its modest budget, which is surprisingly small compared to what major industry giants would typically spend.
2 Unicorn Overlord
An old friend
Because Atlus was involved, the game Unicorn Overlord carried a significant weight of expectation, and it certainly lived up to it. This grand tale of war isn’t particularly groundbreaking in terms of its narrative structure, but where it truly shines is in its gameplay.
As a gamer, I find myself repeatedly drawn into an engaging cycle: gathering my troops and sending them off to diverse conflicts, each one brimming with a small, captivating narrative of its own.
In this game, the enchantment lies in the pre-battle setup screens, where you can customize your different squads to respond to specific battle scenarios – similar to how Final Fantasy 12 used to function.
This gets increasingly complex with the more weapons and team slots you unlock, and while it can be a lot to handle, it’s incredibly rewarding.
As soon as your troops are prepared for action, engagements unfold in visually stunning, two-dimensional arenas. Here, intricate animations play out as you execute your strategies, with outcomes swinging either in favor or against you.
With a touch of affection, one might say that the game Unicorn Overlord has a nostalgic feel reminiscent of ’90s classics, yet it seamlessly fits into modern gaming culture. Despite not having the financial backing of triple-A productions, it doesn’t miss out on any of the fun. By all accounts, it could be a strong candidate for Game of the Year in 2024.
1 Remnant 2
Shooter Souls
Originally, “Remnant” was a decent game, yet it felt like it hadn’t fully reached its potential. However, with “Remnant 2”, we saw the complete embodiment of that vision, making it one of the finest games in recent times.
In this game, the blend of third-person gunfights and close-quarters combat is incredibly engaging and rewarding – a level of enjoyment that many other games find hard to match.
On your assignment, you’ll journey through various realms as you strive to eradicate a lethal plant disease, however, this narrative serves as your sole guide.
In these worlds, you’ll find terrifying landscapes, alien environments, and everything in between. At first glance, it may seem like a game in the style of “Souls,” but its unique character customization, weapon and armor options make it stand out. This results in a more approachable, cooperative Souls-style gaming experience.
Not only are the graphics impressive, they can even rival the greatness of games such as Elden Ring, and with its replayable, rogue-like features, each world guarantees multiple playthroughs, making it a game you’ll find yourself returning to frequently.
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2024-09-19 15:39