The Greatest Hidden Gem Games You Wish You Had Played Sooner

The world of video games boasts many famous and successful titles, created by both large companies and smaller independent developers. However, with so many games released each year, a number of excellent games remain largely unknown and deserve more recognition.

As a gamer, I truly believe there’s a fantastic game out there for everyone, even if you think you’ve played it all! Maybe you missed something when it first came out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t discover it now. There are so many amazing games, and it’s incredibly satisfying to find one that really clicks with you, no matter how old it is. Whether you’re looking for a huge adventure or a game that really makes you feel something, I’m confident you’ll find a hidden gem you’ll absolutely love.

Before Your Eyes

Watching The Story Move With Every Blink

Okay, so I just finished playing Before Your Eyes, and seriously, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The story is amazing, but what really blew me away was how you play it. It uses your webcam to track your blinks – literally! Every time you blink, time moves forward in the game. It makes every single moment feel so precious and honestly, it adds a ton of emotional impact to everything, even the little things.

Despite receiving a lot of positive attention in recent years, many people still haven’t discovered Before Your Eyes. If you appreciate realistic and emotional stories, this game is ideal for a single playthrough – be warned, it’s incredibly moving and likely to leave a lasting impact.

Returnal

Each Death Is A Step Towards The End

Returnal is a challenging game that combines the fast-paced action of a bullet hell with the replayability of a roguelike. Players take on the role of Selene, who crash-lands on a strange planet, and quickly discover that the game explores complex psychological themes alongside its intense gameplay.

This game differs from typical roguelikes because players always face a real challenge – you’ll never become overwhelmingly powerful. Instead, you’re constantly hunted by relentless and frightening enemies. While it first appeared on PlayStation 5, the PC version didn’t gain much traction, despite being a really well-made shooter that genre fans would likely appreciate.

Nine Sols

Proving That There Can Be More Than Just Hollow Knight

Nine Sols is a beautifully designed metroidvania game. It combines the precise parrying of Sekiro with fluid movement, creating a gameplay experience that stands out among the best in the genre. You’ll explore a unique world inspired by Taoism and steampunk, battling infected creatures and robots with a mix of mystical attacks and defenses.

The game is incredibly engaging because you’re always moving forward, feeling like you’re achieving something, even when you’re briefly going back to find items or collectibles. While it’s gained popularity gradually since its release, it truly deserves recognition alongside excellent games like Hollow Knight for its refined details and high quality.

The Plucky Squire

A True Fairy Tale Narrative

The Plucky Squire is a unique and imaginative game that feels like stepping into a storybook. Players battle monsters and solve puzzles within the pages of a fairy tale, but the adventure doesn’t stop there! They’ll soon venture beyond the 2D storybook world and explore a fully realized 3D desk, offering a surprising amount of freedom.

This game is ideal for a relaxing play session. It’s not very challenging – the battles and puzzles are simple – but completing them still feels satisfying. Though it didn’t get a huge amount of hype when it first came out, it’s a charming adventure that most players will enjoy all the way through.

Scorn

Biomechanical Insanity

Scorn drops players into a terrifying alien world filled with death, decay, and disturbing imagery. Visually, it’s similar to the Alien movies, but with a unique mechanical twist. You’ll explore a bleak, metallic landscape where danger lurks around every corner and there’s no sense of direction or security.

Although this game offers a truly outstanding survival horror experience, it didn’t get much attention when it first came out and has only gained a small, dedicated fanbase since then. Despite its limited recognition, it remains one of the genre’s best titles, especially for players who enjoy body horror and disturbing enemy creations.

The Case Of The Golden Idol

Thinking Outside The Box

The Case of the Golden Idol is a detective game where you solve the mystery of 12 unusual deaths in a town full of secrets. You’ll explore different locations, investigate clues, and examine objects to figure out exactly what happened and uncover the truth.

What makes this game special is its strange but relatable quality. Its unique art style helps it stand out visually, and despite gaining popularity, it deserves recognition as a standout puzzle game due to its clever design and incredibly rewarding gameplay.

Alpha Protocol

Obsidian Showing That They Are The King Of RPGs

Alpha Protocol is an action-packed stealth game where your choices really matter as you try to prevent a global conflict. You’ll navigate diverse locations, using a mix of smarts and force to infiltrate enemy lines and stop the war before it starts.

Though the game came out over ten years ago, it’s still fun to play because it feels so responsive and realistic. With Obsidian Entertainment continuing to be a leader in role-playing games, it’s a great time to go back and experience one of their classic titles, which offers the same exciting gameplay as their newer releases.

Alice: Madness Returns

Enter The Horrific Wonderland

Alice: Madness Returns is a visually striking and unsettling adventure game that delves into the depths of the human psyche. Players journey through a warped and nightmarish Wonderland, trying to uncover the truth and find a path back to the real world. With its dark fantasy style and challenging gameplay, it shares similarities with early Souls-like games, but features unique and engaging movement mechanics, allowing for exploration both high above and far below the surface.

The game blends real and dreamlike settings, creating bizarre and chaotic environments populated by a variety of unusual enemies. Alice: Madness Returns has been a long-time favorite among players, and many have been hoping for a sequel or remake. This renewed interest could finally give the game the follow-up it deserves.

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2025-10-29 22:06