10 Highly Reviewed Games You Have Probably Never Played

Recently, you might have noticed that game reviews have become a subject of intense discussion, whether it’s on popular forums like Reddit or in the comments sections of our site.

Occasionally, some critics may be seen as having made mistakes or misjudgments, leading gamers to doubt the credibility of game reviewers and the overall ratings on platforms such as OpenCritic. This skepticism can affect the trust that gamers place in the opinions and scores provided by game journalists.

In response to that, I agree. It’s beneficial to approach new experiences with a receptive attitude, so you can discover whether it resonates with your personal tastes.

Consequently, the diminishing value of total scores might have actually fostered some extraordinary games where record-breaking high scores were surpassed.

Regardless of whether you agree with my perspective or that of other journalists, I would like to draw your attention to some highly-rated titles that are worth your affection and focus.

To ensure we focus on high-quality titles, we’ll exclusively look at games that have garnered an OpenCritic score of 85 or above, based on ten or more professional critic reviews.

10. Videoverse

Add Me On MySpace

Hey there fellow gamers! Jumping right into it, let’s take a trip down memory lane with a bang from the good old 2000s. I present to you Videoverse – a game that’s like a heartfelt tribute to those days of dial-up internet and the early forms of social media we used to know!

In those days, everything felt fresh, thrilling, and untainted, and Videoverse truly captures that essence beautifully. However, a sense of purity alone doesn’t guarantee a revolutionary game, so it adds depth by weaving a compelling and poignant narrative into the experience.

As the game unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that things are falling apart, a reality made convincing by the authentic and historically grounded community dynamics within the game.

This experience has a gradual buildup that might not resonate with everyone, as it requires personal involvement. However, if you grew up in the nineties, this is an essential game to play.

9. NORCO

Southern Charm

Although some might consider text-based games and point-and-click adventures as remnants of an old time, let me loudly express my belief that these types of games continue to hold relevance in the world of modern gaming.

Games such as Citizen Sleeper and Roadwarden demonstrate this, and I firmly believe that NORCO stands out as the superior contemporary game within this genre, significantly so.

In the marshy town of NORCO, deep within the Louisiana backwoods, you go back to a location that never seemed familiar, as you delve into the mystery surrounding your mother’s demise. The ensuing events are a blend of the unsettling, the amusing, and the fantastical.

This game boasts an exquisite rhythm and combines elements of gravity, whimsy, and black comedy in a way that sometimes matches Disco Elysium. Without a doubt, it’s among the most visually striking games you’ll encounter.

This game is surprisingly overlooked, possibly because of its specific genre, but if you can only experience one game like it, I highly recommend NORCO. You might unexpectedly develop a deep affection for the text-based gaming style.

8. Minishoot Adventures

A Zelda Shoot-Em-Up

Since the debut of the original Zelda game, developers have been diligently working to produce the first Zelda-style game, a tradition that continues in the gaming world today. However, nowadays, their efforts tend to center around creating open-world, three-dimensional adventures similar to Breath of the Wild.

When video game enthusiasts consider outstanding top-down games reminiscent of Zelda, Tunic is often the initial title mentioned. However, a fresh contender has emerged and accomplished something equally impressive.

Minishoot Adventure resembles a fast-paced blend of Zelda’s dungeon exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, but with an intense twist: it seems as if endless bullets are constantly barraging you from all directions.

This is an ingenious adaptation of the traditional design, which dates back to the golden era of the first Game Boy. I highly recommend you give it a look.

7. Keep Driving

How Many Miles To The Gallon?

I’ve tried several games marketed as ideal for long drives, yet I often find they focus excessively on high-adrenaline narratives such as car chases with the cops or post-apocalyptic scenarios.

Without a doubt, I’m drawing from Heading Out and Overland there, but the essence of my statement remains unchanged: Typically, the road trip element is overshadowed. However, that’s not the case in Keep Driving, a game where your mission is to navigate your way to a music festival, no matter what transportation you have at your disposal.

Managing resources wisely is crucial here, as we need to optimize the game’s restricted role-playing game (RPG) elements, while also navigating the numerous challenges that lie ahead.

As a gamer, I can tell you this game is a captivating tale of growing up, filled with endearing details and surprisingly engrossing mechanics that keep you hooked. And let me tell you, its fantastic soundtrack makes you want to turn up the volume – it’s worth the entry fee on its own!

6. 1000xResist

All About The All-Mother

1000x Resist is a game that skillfully balances interactive gameplay with immersive narrative, standing out as a title that truly embodies this delicate equilibrium in the gaming world.

In this science fiction tale, you find yourself stepping into the high-tech nano-shoes of Watcher, who is thrust into a life-altering revelation that shakes their universe to its core. This discovery then challenges you to delve deeper, investigate further, and decipher the implications for both them and the very essence of reality itself.

This game stands out for its exceptional writing, skillfully addressing sensitive and intricate subjects. Its storytelling prowess is reinforced by superior sound design and fully voiced performances.

The quality of the game’s writing is truly outstanding, as it sensitively explores complex themes. The power of its narrative is further amplified through exceptional audio design and full voice acting.

This game isn’t particularly packed with action, nor does it offer a lot of interactive elements beyond walking and dialogues. However, let me assure you, its brilliance makes up for any lack of gameplay.

5. Blue Prince

An Underrated Gem In Waiting

As I eagerly await the release of this upcoming game, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation mixed with apprehension. While there’s a strong possibility that it could become a legendary title, known in every household, my gut instinct tells me otherwise. It seems to me that despite its potential for critical acclaim, it might not receive the player base it truly deserves, and may ultimately fade into obscurity.

In a beautifully comic-book styled environment, your mission will involve delving into a mysterious mansion, charting its ever-changing rooms as each day brings a fresh start, with only the day’s experiences remaining in your memory.

This game transforms it into an intricate and distinct Metroidbrainia-style adventure, combining strategic thinking, extensive exploration, and occasional ‘aha’ moments that make you feel brilliant, but are quickly overshadowed by the challenges ahead as you approach Room 46.

Without a doubt, you won’t find anything comparable to this gem, especially since it’s among the first free titles for PS Plus subscribers. So, there’s absolutely no reason to overlook this rising star in the indie world.

4. Ugly

Ironically, It’s Gorgeous

Many video games have experimented with various platforming tricks, yet none have thoroughly delved into the idea of symmetry as a game mechanic.

Games such as GRIS and Degrees of Separation subtly explore this concept, but Ugly takes it to its full potential, creating an exceptional puzzle-platforming journey.

Contrary to its title, Ugly turns out to be quite visually appealing, offering polished mechanics, a collection of intriguing puzzles, and a subtle unease that gradually unfolds throughout gameplay.

As a gamer, I can confidently say that this game is the ultimate experience, with flawless gameplay and stunning visuals that are second to none. It’s like hitting the jackpot when it comes to puzzle platformers; it’s worth its weight in gold. But

3. Just Shapes & Beats

Asteroids With Tunes

In crafting an effective rhythm game, the key lies in designing straightforward and user-friendly gameplay mechanics, while ensuring that the music takes center stage. This approach is what makes Just Shapes and Beats truly remarkable.

By pressing a single control button next to your character, which is a small triangle, you’ll navigate it skillfully across the screen in a manner reminiscent of Asteroids gameplay. However, unlike Asteroids, this game isn’t about firing projectiles. Instead, it’s about syncing with the rhythm, anticipating the next move, and deftly dodging obstacles that appear.

In a genre filled with quick time event-based games, Just Shapes and Beats stands out by offering an electrifying bullet-hell party experience. It boasts a plethora of fantastic electronic dance music tracks, along with gameplay that’s easy for almost anyone to grasp and enjoy.

If you’re searching for deep storytelling or intricate gameplay, then you might be off the mark. However, if what you desire is straightforward, engaging entertainment, there aren’t many games that compare.

2. Overboard!

Time To Plant Some Evidence

A well-crafted murder mystery is always intriguing, and what binds them together is an ensemble of possible culprits who are trapped in the same setting. The movie Overboard! effectively creates this scenario by portraying a sea-based homicide. Consequently, with no option to escape via swimming for miles, everyone must remain on board, making each person a potential suspect.

However, there’s a surprise in store for you. You are actually the perpetrator in this scenario. Consequently, your mission in this game becomes one of deduction: gather enough proof to convincingly implicate another player in the crime you have committed.

In a twist on traditional murder mysteries, this narrative delves into the realm of sinister, cunning, and deceitful actions, providing a rather thrilling sense of satisfaction.

1. In addition, when faced with difficulties, you might consider increasing the number of individuals you eliminate to boost your tally. This game’s unique charm lies in its open-ended approach, allowing for a variety of interpretations. If you’re seeking a darker take on the detective genre, this one truly stands out and offers an unparalleled experience.

2. Furthermore, when faced with challenges, one possible solution could be to eliminate more people to increase your total. The beauty of this game lies in its flexibility for players to approach it as they see fit. If you’re after a more sinister twist on detective stories, this one delivers an exceptional and unrivaled experience.

3. Additionally, when the going gets tough, you could consider adding to your body count by eliminating more people. The allure of this game comes from its open-ended nature, offering a wide range of possible interpretations. If you’re searching for a darker take on detective tales, nothing can compare to the depth and intrigue found in this one.

4. Plus, when circumstances become challenging, you could think about removing more people from the equation to inflate your kill count. The appeal of this game lies in its open-endedness, providing a diverse range of potential solutions. If you’re looking for a more sinister twist on detective fiction, nothing can rival the intensity and suspense offered by this one.

5. Moreover, when faced with hardships, you might consider increasing your body count by eliminating more individuals. The charm of this game lies in its flexibility, allowing players to approach it from various angles. If you’re after a darker take on detective narratives, nothing can surpass the complexity and tension found within this one.

1. Mullet Madjack

Party In The Back

Following the DOOM reboot, there’s been a surge in popularity for contemporary shooter games reminiscent of the ’80s. Titles such as Turbo Overkill, Cultic, and Dusk come to mind. Interestingly, one of the best among them is surprisingly lesser-known.

Mullet Madjack is essentially a fusion of games like DOOM, Hotline Miami, Ghostrunner, and Enter the Gungeon, blended to create an exhilarating cocktail of intense combat, fast-paced action, and vibrant neon aesthetics. This concoction promises a thrilling experience filled with violence and adrenaline.

This game provides players with a continuous push forward, similar to a boomer shooter, and combines it with traditional anime aesthetics and an engaging roguelike leveling system. As such, it stands out from the pack among other similarly themed, violent games.

It’s wonderfully cheesy, bold and brash, and a must-play for ’90s shooter fans.

2025-04-09 20:41