The world of gaming is vast and filled with incredible titles that often fly under the radar, awaiting discovery by enthusiastic players. These hidden gems offer unique experiences, innovative gameplay, and captivating stories that can rival those of their more popular counterparts. Let’s dive into a curated list of over 12 hidden gems across various platforms that you might not have played yet, but definitely should.
1. Hyper Light Drifter
A top-down game with a captivating art style and a narrative that is both haunting and beautiful. Players explore a world filled with ancient secrets, making their way through a series of puzzles and dungeons. The game is praised for its challenging gameplay, beautiful soundtrack, and the emotional depth of its story, all presented without words.
2. The Swapper
This puzzle game challenges players to create clones and swap between them to solve increasingly complex puzzles. What sets The Swapper apart is its deep, thought-provoking storyline that explores the nature of identity and consciousness. The game’s atmospheric soundtrack and unsettling environments add to its allure.
3. Return of the Obra Dinn
A puzzle game set in 1802 where you play as an insurance investigator on a ship that has returned after being missing for several years, with all crew members deceased or missing under mysterious circumstances. Armed with a magical pocket watch, you must determine the fate of each crew member. The game’s unique monochrome aesthetic and challenging puzzles make it a standout.
4. The Pathless
An open-world adventure where you play as a hunter tasked with lifting a curse from a mystical world. The twist? You’re accompanied by an eagle that allows you to soar through the skies, providing a unique perspective on open-world exploration. The game is filled with ancient ruins, mysterious energies, and a compelling narrative.
5. Abzu
For those who love underwater exploration, Abzu offers a breathtakingly beautiful experience. With stunning visuals and a mesmerizing soundtrack, players dive into the depths of the ocean, interacting with sea creatures and uncovering hidden secrets. It’s a game that’s as much about exploration as it is about relaxation.
6. Night in the Woods
A narrative-driven adventure game that follows the story of Mae, a cat who returns to her hometown after dropping out of college. What ensues is a deeply personal story of friendship, family, and finding one’s place in the world. The game is known for its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and exploration of mature themes.
7. The Stanley Parable
Originally a mod for Half-Life 2, The Stanley Parable is a choice-driven game with a wicked sense of humor. Players navigate through an office building, influenced by a narrator who comments on your every move. The game’s branching paths and multiple endings ensure high replayability.
8. What Remains of Edith Finch
An exploration game where you revisit your family’s history through a series of vignettes, each with its own unique mechanics and storytelling style. The game is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the stories that shape us.
9. Ori and the Blind Forest
A beautifully designed action-adventure game with challenging platforming elements and a deep, emotional storyline. The game’s world is stunning, with hand-painted backgrounds and a soundtrack that perfectly complements the on-screen action.
10. Celeste
A challenging platformer that also delves into themes of mental health, self-doubt, and perseverance. The game’s tight controls and minimalist design make for an experience that’s both rewarding and thought-provoking.
11. Outer Wilds
A space mystery game where players are stuck in a time loop, reliving the same 22 minutes over and over. Each loop allows you to explore more of the solar system, uncover clues, and try to escape the time loop. The game’s unique mechanics and intriguing storyline make for a compelling experience.
12. Disco Elysium
A groundbreaking RPG set in a dystopian world where you play as a detective trying to solve a murder case. The game is renowned for its deep character customization, engaging story, and political themes. The choice-driven narrative allows for a high degree of replayability.
13. Sunless Skies
A narrative-driven exploration game set in a Victorian-era inspired Gothic space setting. Players captain a spacefaring locomotive, exploring the solar system, managing resources, and uncovering a deep, dark narrative that explores themes of colonialism, power, and identity.
Each of these games offers a unique experience that can enrich your gaming palate. They are not just hidden gems; they are examples of innovation, storytelling, and creativity within the gaming industry. Whether you’re into puzzles, narratives, exploration, or challenges, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, dive in and discover your new favorite game.
