We’ve had lists talking about the best of the best and sometimes the worst, but how about the underrated ones? Check out these 15 really highly-rated games without playscores that you probably haven’t heard of.
15. Heaven Dust 2 on PC and Switch
If you’re a huge fan of the RE series, mainly the older ones, Heaven Dust has the exact DNA, but with a much lesser budget and cheaper.
It has a classic survival horror element with some smartly designed puzzles. There are no dated fixed camera angles, but its isometric view brings out a lot of tension despite seeing the whole area.
14. APICO on PC and Switch
A game built for that endless, yet rewarding grind. APICO lets you breed swarms and swarms of busy bees and pollinate the world. If you’re a Stardew Valley fan, you might enjoy this.
While it doesn’t exactly mirror the real world, it’s still a fascinating simulator that reminds us how important these yellowjackets are.
13. JANITOR BLEEDS on PC, Series X, and Xbox One
Horror enthusiasts looking for something new should check this out. It takes place in an abandoned arcade station in the middle of nowhere. No man in their right mind would go in there. Then again you’re a horror fan, so it doesn't really apply to you, does it?
Solving puzzles, playing the machines and running away from a terrifying monster. If any of that sounds fun to you, this will be a match made in hell.
12. Sephonie
Taking obvious inspiration from classic 3D platformers. Sephonie’s PS2-like jank is intentional. It’s a fever dream from start to finish, but that doesn’t mean it has no depth.
It evokes themes of life and death, so it’s going to be a rollercoaster of emotions. Just make sure you are prepared for its Tetris-like puzzle sequences.
11. PowerSlave Exhumed on PC, Series X, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One
A major achievement in preserving a two-decade old videogame. And not just that, it’s also a polished experience, with HD visuals and better performance. This is a first-person shooter that punishes hard. It’s not meant for impatient casual gamers.
But if you’re a Doom or Quake fan who likes it hardcore, this is right up your alley.
10. Hell Pie on PC, PS5, Series X, PS4, and Xbox One
3D platformers are still a thing and those 3D Mario games are a testament to that. When it comes to gameplay, this game is a lot like those Mario games and even A Hat In Time.
Be warned, though, this is their edgier and more obscene cousin.
Despite all its nasty themes of hell and violence, Hell Pie actually shows a mastery of the genre with its responsive controls and inventive levels. It’s just like playing a game from the early 2000s.
9. Grapple Dog on PC and Switch
If the title doesn’t sell you enough, what will? It’s a dog with a grappling hook, what more could you ask for?
Title aside, this is a tightly-designed 2D platformer akin to Celeste or classic Sonic games. Its buttery smooth 60 frames encourages players to go the extra mile. You can challenge yourself to some speedrunning or just make up random world records as you go.
8. Shadow Man: Remastered on Switch, PS4, and Xbox One
The Shadow Man returns from the depths of hell. Much like PowerSlave, this revival of the 1999 title is another work by Nightdive Studios. This game was ahead of its time, bringing out an eerie atmosphere that’s sure to make you piss your pants.
If you like Silent Hill with a bit of platforming in between, the Shadow Man awaits.
7. RiffTrax: The Game on PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One
A party game where you can be the funny guy for a few minutes. RiffTrax is all about comedic timing and finding the perfect prompt to pair with a classic movie scene. You can play wherever, whenever as long as you have a working mobile phone with internet.
For only 10 dollars, you can spice up your boring Discord servers and enjoy a fun night separating the clowns from the comedic geniuses.
6. Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands and Switch
Nothing like a good ol’ ski trip to the snowy mountains. This is a game that respects your time. It doesn’t hand you a laundry list of objectives to do or surprise you with boss fights around each corner. It’s just your much needed R&R after a long day’s work.
It encourages exploration, but you can do it at your own pace. Take in the sights, do crazy tricks, and maybe play a Spotify playlist as background music. Anything works.
5. Variable Barricade
For the hopeless romantics or anime fans. This is an otome game with a wide selection of relentless suitors. You got a specific type? They probably got it. Anyone is welcome here, regardless of gender. I mean, it’s 2022, right?
Even though it still belongs in the same field as most romance visual novels, Variable Barricade stands out with stellar voice acting, fantastic soundtrack and smart dialog branches.
4. Onde
A sound-surfing platformer where you take control of an ethereal spirit and soak in the atmosphere. It’s the chillest game on the list and a perfect place to retire your hardcore gaming styles.
If you’re looking for a zen experience, you can pick this game up for a measly 7 dollars. No wonder it receives decent review scores.
3. tERRORbane on PC and Switch
Games that mastered the art of breaking the fourth-wall are a rare breed. For a game that calls itself an RPG, tERRORbane is pretty far off.
It’s a game where you maximize its game-breaking bugs to get through its story. There’s no traditional path to take here. Everything can and should be broken and whatever you’re seeing on your screen is but the tip of the iceberg.
2. Dungeons of Dreadrock on PC, Switch, Android, and iOS
A simple yet clever attempt at recreating the old school flair of classic RPGs.
Dreadrock borrows concepts from the games that came before, and adds their own touch to gameplay. It doesn’t have a lengthy story campaign; it doesn't need one. Everything just works with its simple premise and quirky writing.
1. Lost in Play on PC and Switch
A game that made both Thirdy and Raine’s jaws drop. Lost In Play is a surreal point and click adventure with an artstyle that’s reminiscent of popular Cartoon Network shows. Every little detail is meticulously crafted and its sense of childlike wonder puts a smile on our faces.