Underrated 2024 Games With Shockingly Positive Reviews You Probably Missed Completely

I used to enjoy mainstream games, but I’ve started preferring titles that focus on unique creative ideas instead of just following what’s popular.

This often leads to unique products that don’t get the attention they deserve, but it also creates truly memorable experiences that stick with me for unusual reasons.

Okay, I’ll be honest, I’m usually drawn to indie games, and I think that’s a good thing! It just feels like independent developers have the most room to be really creative, and they’ve got a tough battle to get noticed in such a packed market.

Look, I get it – sometimes you scroll through game recommendations and everything feels… the same. I was feeling a bit down about that myself, until I found these eight awesome games from 2024! Seriously, they’re totally underrated but have amazing reviews, and I bet you haven’t even heard of them. I’m so excited to share them!

8. Saviorless

The First Cuban Indie is Amazing

I’ve been making an effort to play more video games from Latin America, and I’ve found some amazing titles. One standout is Saviorless, which is not only exceptional but also historically significant as the first video game ever made in Cuba.

This game stands out with its lovely hand-drawn visuals and fascinating mythology, creating a truly unique and memorable world. Despite its strangeness, it’s surprisingly captivating, and the three-hour experience is sure to leave a lasting impression, especially considering its origins.

Video games aren’t created in a vacuum—they’re always shaped by the circumstances surrounding their development. That’s why Saviorless is so important: it’s a landmark achievement for Cuban art, but it’s also a really fun game with excellent platforming, unique combat, clever puzzles, and stunning cutscenes.

This game is special and, while not quite like GRIS or Inside, it shares their artistic spirit and stands out on its own. It’s a simple yet different experience, offering a meaningful message from creators with a clear vision. The beautiful visuals and sound design make it a must-play.

7. ROBOBEAT

ULTRAKILL Meets BPMs

As a huge fan of ULTRAKILL, and having eagerly awaited its full release for a long time, I’m incredibly grateful for ROBOBEAT – sometimes I think I don’t even realize how much!

The game is incredibly satisfying and engaging because it uniquely blends fast-paced, accurate shooting with rhythmic gameplay, all wrapped up in a roguelike format. It’s just plain fun to shoot things, and even more rewarding when you perfectly time your shots to the beat of your favorite music.

I didn’t expect sliding around at high speed while trying to keep up with the music in a first-person shooter to be so fun, but a year later, I’m still completely hooked and can’t stop playing.

Even though ROBOBEAT might not have a lot of substance overall, its unique weapons, interesting mechanical designs, and cool visual and audio style make it a game I deeply appreciate. I think it will always be underrated, even if others eventually come to love it as much as I do.

6. KILL KNIGHT

Eternal Enjoyment

I wouldn’t call myself a huge arcade fan – I didn’t really experience them much growing up, even though I’m from the ’90s. But there’s something special about KILL KNIGHT that really draws me in and keeps me hooked for hours, almost like being mesmerized.

I’m a pretty straightforward person, and I really enjoy games where you can command massive battles with amazing graphics. But what really stood out about this game is how captivating it was – I’ve rarely been so completely hooked.

Honestly, I’m a bit surprised this game hasn’t gained more attention. Its art style is really well-suited for long play sessions, and the designs and environments genuinely create a sense of descending into hell.

Despite top-down shooters not being hugely popular, KILL KNIGHT stands out to me as a truly hidden gem – I’m always baffled it hasn’t found a wider audience. I’d be thrilled if this article introduces more people to it, because it’s the perfect game to relax with and enjoy during those rare moments of free time.

5. Neva

Beauty in Grief

Following the emotional journey of GRIS, Nomada Studio’s latest game, Neva, had a lot to live up to. Thankfully, it not only met those high expectations but truly delivered a stunning experience.

Okay, so it doesn’t hit me quite as hard emotionally as the original – I still think that one’s a bit better overall. But honestly, this game improves on everything that made the first one great. The platforming feels tighter, the worlds are more detailed, the animations are smoother, and the sound and music are fantastic. It’s a clear step up in pretty much every way.

Neva is a beautiful and emotionally resonant game where every scene looks like a stunning painting. It’s visually captivating, and you’ll want to capture every moment – it truly has one of the most impressive visual styles ever created.

The game features solid combat and decent puzzles, but the story is a real highlight. While I personally didn’t fully connect with it due to not having pets, it clearly shows the developers’ incredible talent for crafting emotionally resonant stories that appeal to a wide audience, and that’s truly commendable.

4. Another Crab’s Treasure

An Eco-Friendly Soulslike

I’ve consistently recommended Another Crab’s Treasure since it came out, and with good reason. I cover a lot of action games, and this one stands out – it’s really well-made and has a unique, charming personality.

This game isn’t just a skillfully made and difficult action game in the style of the Souls series – it also offers a powerful message about ocean pollution and how our actions affect the environment. It’s both a thrilling challenge and a thought-provoking experience, letting you customize your gameplay while exploring a world grappling with environmental issues.

What really stands out about this game is its surprisingly critical take on capitalism, especially considering the growing damage to our environment. It manages to be funny and satirical while still delivering a compelling experience with rewarding exploration, tight combat that relies on skillful timing, and platforming that adds a lot to the gameplay.

Another Crab’s Treasure is surprisingly fantastic, especially considering its scope. Whether you’re hoping for a solid Soulslike game, a game with a lot of charm, something funny, or even a great soundtrack tied to an interactive experience with a hermit crab as the star, you won’t be let down.

3. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

A Delight for Puzzle Fans

Fans of Sayonara Wild Hearts already know how skilled Simogo is. But after 2024, they’ll be recognized not just for creating one of the best rhythm games in recent years, but also for making a fantastic puzzle game.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is one of those special video games that really captures the joy of the genre. I always appreciate games that are original and surprising, and it’s rare to find something truly fresh these days. This game manages to be innovative effortlessly.

It’s surprising this game isn’t more well-known, but I think it’s easily one of the best puzzle games of the last ten years. It expertly blends clever puzzles with a captivating story, all wrapped in an atmosphere that truly pulls you in. It deserves all the praise it can get.

It’s challenging, enigmatic, and a bit unsettling, with a lot going on beneath the surface – and that’s what makes it so good. I’m not sure if it will appeal to everyone, but you absolutely shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to play Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, not even if you were on your last day.

2. Arco

Mesoamerican Fantasy

I’m incredibly excited about a unique indie RPG coming in 2024. It’s a pixel-art fantasy game inspired by Mesoamerican cultures, and it blends turn-based strategy with real-time action. I truly believe it’s going to be something special, and I’m confident you’ll agree!

I completely understand why Arco isn’t widely known – its style of role-playing is truly unique, unlike anything I’ve experienced. But it makes me imagine how amazing it would be if everyone could express their culture and background through interactive experiences like this.

This game offers a deeply moving story filled with compelling characters and meaningful choices. Through engaging conversations and a distinctive blend of gameplay and visuals, it delivers a truly unique and memorable experience.

At first look, Arco might seem simple, but it’s actually a really ambitious game. It takes big risks with its message and gameplay without completely falling apart. It’s powerfully artistic, strikingly original, and genuinely fresh. If you need a reminder that video games can be art, this game is a perfect example.

1. Mullet MadJack

An FPS Without Comparison

I used to feel really disappointed with first-person shooter games, which I’ve always loved. For a long time, they all felt the same, just repeating old ideas. Then, indie games like Bullet MadJack came out and reminded me why I enjoyed the genre in the first place.

Honestly, I can’t even begin to describe how amazing this game was. Every single second was pure bliss. It just completely sucked me in – it was like a hypnotic mix of intense action, bright neon lights, and this surprisingly smart commentary on how much stuff we buy and consume. It’s the kind of game that feels like it deserves to be studied by experts, because it’s just… beyond words, you know?

While Metacritic doesn’t quite call Mullet MadJack essential, it comes very close. This game brilliantly combines gameplay, story, art, music, and a thoughtful critique of how modern life often focuses on meaningless possessions. When a game achieves that level of artistic synergy, it’s hard not to see it as something truly special.

If you simply want a fast-paced shooting game, you’ll find a really good one here. But if you’re willing to delve deeper, the game offers a fascinating look at how players experience modern video games, the world of live streaming, and the trends and social issues that come with a gaming industry focused on making money.

What’s great is that the entire game can be completed in just three hours. It delivers a strong message and offers incredibly engaging, immersive gameplay without overstaying its welcome – and that’s something to be admired.

Mullet MadJack is instantly satisfying, much like the things it often points out are unhealthy. However, after you stop playing and your brain returns to normal, you’ll be left with a powerful and lasting impression.

2025-12-06 17:42