7 Video Game Treasures That Don’t Get Recommended Enough

I’m all about hidden gems that don’t get the type of attention they really seem entitled to. Out of all the big hits in the gaming industry over the years, the biggest joys sometimes come from where you have zero expectations. That’s pretty much the case with the games I’m about to go over, so sit back, relax, and grab a cup of coffee because this is going to be a good read.  

Never Heard Of These Before? Your Loss

In case you know about them already, you’re a fellow chad. If not, make sure to give them a go—you’re not going to be disappointed. And should you choose to have suggestions to contribute to the list, please feel free to talk about them in the comments section below. 

1. Tinykin

With charming visuals, responsive movement, and terrific writing, Tinykin is an exploration-based game that finishes before it starts to get boring. At the end of the day, therefore, you keep the experience near and dear to your heart, all because of its magnificent environmental theming, and enhanced difficulty to make the gameplay entertaining and gripping. 

2. Metro 2033

Arguably the best in the Metro franchise by 4A Games, Metro 2033 brings to the table an exceptionally unique first-person shooter experience that’s unfound anywhere else. And thankfully, you can visit the game in a remastered fashion that 4A Games specifically put out 4 years after the release of the original, though some complain that the new version doesn’t do the OG justice. Can’t vouch for that personally.  

It also bears mentioning that the Metro games are all based on the titular novel by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky. It’s an amazingly good read if you happen to be a fan of sci-fi post-apocalyptic novels as well. 

3. Blasphemous 

Fans of the Blasphemous franchise agree that nothing beats the first Blasphemous game. The sheer atmospheric brilliance of this partial Metroidvania sets it as a class apart from its counterparts and becomes hard to get off your mind prior to finishing it from top to bottom.

It incorporates Soulslike elements gloriously as well, with the lore keeping things even more enticing for the average player to keep on playing. I will say this: Blasphemous is not for you if you’re impatient. Prepare to annoy yourself to death or simply put the focus on “getting good” instead. 

4. Void Bastards

Blue Manchu’s Void Bastards quickly became one of my go-to favorites for a quick 20-minute session whenever I’m time-strapped as soon as I started playing. It’s a distinct first-person shooter with roguelike mechanics, featuring a special setting, and a serious motive that has you taking “charge.” Vague, I know, but I don’t wish to spoil the game for you. 

Oh, and Void Bastards has insane replay value. I’ve got about 100 hours into it, and I still feel like there’s so much more to do. 

5. Greedfall

Greedfall feels as if it got overshadowed by another big release, because there’s a lot to love here, in all fairness. The world-building of this RPG along with how well it carries the storyline until the end are two factors that kept me quite hooked to the title. Those who have a thing for open-world RPGs will find Greedfall quite up to the mark, though yes, it has moments where the title feels like a copy of some other franchise.

6. Tunic 

Tunic is one of those games that are best enjoyed when you have no prior knowledge about them, so let’s keep it this way here, okay? What I’ll tell you about this one is that it’s similar to Outer Wilds in that knowledge makes up most of your progression, and the art style is just outright fantastic. If I could, I’d really erase my memory and start afresh with Tunic. 

The combat is fairly tough as well, so it’s not like this is a kid’s game where you won’t have to be putting up with a challenge. The bosses, in particular, require patience to deal with, I’ll tell you that. Hope you don’t sleep on it. 

7. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 

And finally, a personal favorite at hand. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is as fine an RPG as it gets, with amazing combat, great exploration, stellar weapon variety, and highly enjoyable overall gameplay. The original came out all the way back in 2012, so do expect dated visuals.

However, if you’d like a relatively modern experience, I suggest going for Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning, which is a remastered version of the game that improves upon the OG experience significantly. If it’s up to me, I’d go for the first release any day of the week. It’s the nostalgia that takes the cake everytime.