The best underrated games (Part 2)

yesterday, by Enzo

In an industry clearly dominated by AAA and highly publicized releases, there are many excellent games that end up flying under the radar. Whether due to a lack of visibility, a low-key launch, overwhelming competition, or concepts deemed too unconventional, some titles struggle to find the audience they deserve, despite their many merits. After a first selection that was very well-received a few months ago, it’s now time to present a second one. Let’s go!

Rare are the RPGs that dare to make the adventure truly dangerous, but this is the case of Outward. Here, the player isn’t a predestined hero, but rather a vulnerable adventurer who must manage hunger, fatigue, illness, weather, and get some careful preparations done before each expedition. Despite a controversial launch, Nightingale offers an original take on survival-crafting thanks to its system of procedurally generated worlds and interconnected realities. Its fantasy universe also gives it a unique visual flair.

Caught between the action-RPG and souls-lite genres, Flintlock has ended up getting less attention than it deserves, yet its blend of firearms, magic, and mobility works very well. Beneath its minimalist exterior, Shapez 2 - Factory is an interesting experience for fans of management, with some automation thrown in for good measure. It takes optimization mechanics to the extreme, and its accessibility masks great depth, offering satisfaction comparable to the genre’s giants, such as the best factory-builders.

Although relatively unknown, Let Them Trade offers a fresh take on economic management with an accessible yet clever approach centered on trade routes and expansion. Its gameplay is relaxing yet strategic, striking a good balance between depth and accessibility, and providing a refreshing alternative to heavier city-builders. Often overshadowed by major stealth franchises, Aragami 2 deserves more recognition, as it truly values stealth over head-on combat, and the shadow powers enhance this kind of gameplay.

Othercide boasts striking art direction and brutal tactical RPG gameplay, and remains an underrated gem. Its tactical timeline system is very clever, and its sacrifice mechanics reinforce its identity. In a completely different genre, we can mention Crime Scene Cleaner. Behind its unlikely concept lies a surprisingly engaging experience. It transforms an absurd idea into satisfying gameplay and follows a rather unexpected storyline. Finally, Friends vs Friends is both a multiplayer shooter and a card game that attempts something truly different. It’s a fairly rare blend of FPS and deckbuilding, where matches are fast-paced, fun, and unpredictable.

Ultimately, underrated games aren’t just good but lesser-known games. They are often the spaces where the industry experiments, innovates, and takes risks. Each of these titles offers something you rarely find elsewhere. Exploring these titles also means stepping outside the usual recommendations and bringing visibility back to games that deserve more than their niche status.