What Are the Most Underrated Games You Should Play Now?

TL;DR

Ten underrated video games, including titles like 'Star Wars: Squadrons' and 'Kena: Bridge of Spirits,' offer unique gameplay experiences that were overlooked at launch. These games, often ignored for various reasons, provide substantial entertainment and value, inviting gamers to revisit them for fresh enjoyment.

Transcript

(electronic beeping) - [Host] We've been running a theme here lately on Gameranx, if you couldn't tell, where we wanna talk about some games we don't get to mention very often. Here are some mostly big games that didn't get enough attention, or we suspect some people just skipped. Let's talk about some games, here. We got 10, so let's get started o... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Many games, like "Star Wars: Squadrons," provide nostalgia and engaging mechanics, often overlooked due to their presentation style.
• 🙈 The gaming community has a knack for reviving less popular titles, as seen with the dedicated followings of "Ghost Recon: Wildlands" and "Breakpoint."
• 👾 "Kena: Bridge of Spirits" exemplifies how games with artistic flair can thrive despite not dominating major award conversations.
• 👻 A shift in the gaming landscape allows games like "Immortals Fenyx Rising" to appeal to players seeking fun without overwhelming content.
• 🎮 The storytelling in games like "A Way Out" and "Quantum Break" demonstrates the value of cooperative gameplay and narrative integration.
• 📞 "Astral Chain" offers a distinct action-adventure experience that showcases the unique strengths of the Nintendo Switch without receiving the recognition it deserves.
• 😮 Classic franchises can surprise players with hidden gems such as "Call of Juarez: Gunslinger," which reinvents its genre through focused design.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is "Star Wars: Squadrons" overlooked in discussions about modern Star Wars games?

"Star Wars: Squadrons" has been overlooked mainly due to its first-person cockpit perspective, which may not appeal to all players. Despite this, it offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic aerial combat games, satisfying long-time fans with its immersive gameplay and engaging campaign. Additionally, its VR mode enhances the realism, further justifying its presence among modern Star Wars titles.

Q: What makes "Kena: Bridge of Spirits" a noteworthy game despite its low visibility in award discussions?

"Kena: Bridge of Spirits" combines a charming aesthetic with solid gameplay mechanics, including puzzles and combat. Although it received positive reviews upon release, its lack of presence in Game of the Year talks might be attributed to the saturated market of platformers. The game is celebrated for its artistic qualities and potential for future development, making it an enjoyable experience for players seeking something special.

Q: How have the "Ghost Recon" games like "Breakpoint" and "Wildlands" managed to build communities despite mixed reviews?

Although initially criticized, both "Ghost Recon: Breakpoint" and "Wildlands" found niche communities due to engaging co-op gameplay and ongoing updates. Players have embraced mods and custom experiences, enhancing their enjoyment of the games long after their initial release. This shows that community engagement can sometimes transform a game's legacy, as players create new experiences through cooperation and creativity.

Q: What sets "Immortals Fenyx Rising" apart from other Ubisoft titles released around the same time?

"Immortals Fenyx Rising" differentiates itself through its lighthearted take on open-world gameplay, offering a more concise and focused experience compared to other sprawling Ubisoft titles. With an emphasis on quality over quantity, it presents engaging puzzles and charming visuals inspired by Greek mythology that appeal to players looking for a fun and accessible adventure without being overwhelmed by endless tasks.

Q: Why is "Call of Juarez: Gunslinger" considered underrated, and what makes it stand out?

"Call of Juarez: Gunslinger" is underrated due to its origins within a franchise that has not consistently garnered interest. However, its tight gameplay mechanics and arcade-style shooter experience offer a satisfying shooting experience. The game embraces Western themes and showcases stylish action, resulting in a fun, straightforward experience that resonates with fans of the genre.

Q: How does "A Way Out" deliver a unique cooperative gaming experience?

"A Way Out" provides a unique cooperative experience by requiring two players to work together in a narrative-driven adventure. The game intertwines different gameplay mechanics, from stealth to action sequences, and capitalizes on its engaging storyline to create memorable moments between players. This hands-on teamwork and diverse gameplay styles redefine cooperative gaming, making it a standout title.

Q: What are the key features of "Astral Chain" that make it a hidden gem for Switch owners?

"Astral Chain" is a hidden gem due to its stylish action mechanics and intricate gameplay developed by PlatinumGames. Combined with a compelling story about crime-fighting and mystery-solving within a sci-fi setting, it offers fast-paced combat, engaging mechanics, and an appealing aesthetic. Despite its exclusivity to the Switch, it has largely been overshadowed in discussions about top games for the platform.

Q: Why is "Quantum Break" worth revisiting for players who missed it initially?

"Quantum Break" is worth revisiting due to its ambitious blend of interactive storytelling and live-action elements that create a unique gaming experience. The combination of time-manipulating gameplay and engaging combat stands out, as it was one of the earlier entries to introduce this style of narrative design. Despite some pacing issues, its innovative concepts and Remedy's distinct storytelling merit a second look.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The content highlights ten underrated video games that didn't receive enough attention upon release, emphasizing their unique gameplay and experiences.

• Each game is briefly described, including their mechanics, themes, and the reasons they might have been overlooked by the gaming community.

• The discussion encourages gamers to revisit these titles, as they offer substantial value and entertainment despite initial lackluster reception.