Why Players Should Look Out For Games That Deserve Better Recognition

If you’ve been reading some of my previous articles, then you already know that I’m a sucker for underrated gems. I mean, it’s baffling really … The amount of effort that some developers pour into their projects, only for the end result to be half-baked, just because of another title with more popularity and backing draws all attention toward itself. Such a shame.

With this piece, I wanted to talk about some games that are teetering on the edge of becoming more famous, but unless you, as a player, send more love and praise their way, the latter isn’t happening. Your Elden Rings and Red Dead Redemptions are fine and all, but nothing beats the satisfaction of stumbling upon one treasure trove of a video game, and lucky for you, the listicle at hand is full of them.

Play These Games And Be The Judge Yourself About Their Quality

In case you happen to play a game that fits the description here, make sure to post a comment down below and tell us all about it.

1. Chants Of Sennaar

You’ve probably never even heard of Chants of Sennar if you haven’t gone around digging into underrated games, but anyhow, there’s always a first time for everything. This is a beautiful puzzle-based adventure title that gives off a strong kinship toward Outer Wilds. If you’ve played that one, you already know how it’s got best-in-class progression, so tell you what, Chants of Sennar is fairly alike in that regard.

The story is great, the artwork is outright fantastic, and the music is super soothing. When you’re done playing, you are going to wish that there were more games like this one. Mark my words. 

2. Kenshi 

Talk about playing a game that’s not designed to be fun. Yes, Kenshi is one such IP that will test your mettle in more ways that you’d like to admit, given that it’s a punishing survival-based RPG with unpredictability brimming at its forefront. I will say that it’s one of the most stressful games ever made, but at the end of the day, the game’s sheer randomness will keep you engaged for the time to come. 

Basically, Kenshi has something for everyone. Its mechanics are grounded in reality, such as having to steal to survive, and slowly climb up the ranks of status to be able to access higher-level zones. You really have to try this one out if you consider yourself a seasoned gamer. 

3. Grim Dawn 

I’m surprised even to this day why Grim Dawn couldn’t get the attention it deserves, being a first-rate action RPG that does not rely as much on better items and equipment as much as some of its other counterparts. The build diversity is remarkable, so grinding the game for higher-powered loot feels actually doable rather than just a chore. 

The title has less than 100,000 reviews on Steam, making it go under the radar for so many aspiring players.

4. Bulletstorm 

Talk about mindless, chaotic fun and action mixed together in first-person shooting format. Bulletstorm is a classic at this point, having come out more than a decade ago in 2011, with well-known developer People Can Fly helming the project. But thanks to the devs putting together the “Full Clip” edition of the game, you can experience it afresh with all available add-ons for a first-class yet unique shooting experience.

Now, what sets Bulletstorm apart from its competitors is its distinct combat, which is just loaded to the brim with versatility, thanks to the “instinct leash” and whatnot. There’s a variety of different weapons at your disposal, and the visuals — for a game that was released 13 years ago — are fairly admirable too. No reason to skip this one, I assure you.  

5. Pentiment 

Utterly robust replayability? Check. A terrific setting that most other media pieces do not emphasize on? Check. Pentiment is a passion project of the Creative Director of Fallout: New Vegas, Josh Sawyer, and if you liked what Disco Elysium had to offer, you’re going to love this one as far as the quality is concerned. Sadly, the narrative-driven adventure-based game failed to take off for Obsidian Entertainment, despite being a literal work of art. 

eXputer reviewed Pentiment as well, rating it 5/5, with author Huzaifah Durrani remarking, 

I implore you not to overlook Pentiment, because even though it is exactly what it seems like on the surface, it is also so much more than that.” 

6. Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood 

Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is a first-person shooter from the late 2000s, and I’ll be honest with you, I did not expect to enjoy this game as much as I did. Amazing combat gameplay, a gripping plotline, and striking visuals that really took me aback at the time. It’s a western shooter done exceptionally well, and the multiplayer? Oh, you had to be there for that. Absolutely mental.