Discover Underrated Video Games Console And PC Gems

Many video games capture the spotlight upon release, but some true gems often go unnoticed. These underrated titles, whether on consoles or PC, offer unique experiences and innovative gameplay that deserve recognition. This article explores a selection of underrated video games across various platforms, highlighting their strengths and why they are worth playing.

PC Underrated Gems

The PC gaming landscape is vast, with countless titles vying for attention. Several PC games have quietly cultivated dedicated fanbases without achieving mainstream success. Here are a few underrated PC gems that deserve a look:

1. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution, released in 2011, is a cyberpunk-themed action role-playing game developed by Eidos Montréal and published by Square Enix. Serving as the third installment in the Deus Ex series, it acts as a prequel to the original Deus Ex (2000). The game is set in 2027, a time when advancements in human augmentation technology have sparked societal divisions and ethical debates. Players assume the role of Adam Jensen, a security chief for Sarif Industries, a leading company in augmentation technology. After a devastating attack on Sarif Industries headquarters, Adam is forced to undergo extensive augmentations to save his life, thrusting him into a world of conspiracies, corporate espionage, and moral dilemmas.

The gameplay of Human Revolution seamlessly blends elements of first-person shooting, stealth, role-playing, and hacking, providing players with a multitude of approaches to tackle objectives. Players can customize Adam's augmentations to suit their preferred playstyle, whether it's stealthy infiltration using cloaking devices and silent takedowns, direct combat with enhanced strength and weaponry, or strategic hacking to manipulate the environment and enemy systems. The game's non-linear level design encourages exploration, rewarding players who discover hidden pathways, access codes, and valuable resources. The narrative of Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a standout feature, delving into profound themes of transhumanism, corporate power, and the ethical implications of technology. The choices players make throughout the game have significant consequences, shaping the storyline and leading to multiple endings. This emphasis on player agency enhances replayability, as different decisions can reveal new perspectives and outcomes.

The world of Deus Ex: Human Revolution is meticulously crafted, featuring a blend of gritty urban environments and sleek, futuristic architecture. The visual design, inspired by cyberpunk aesthetics and Renaissance art, creates a unique and immersive atmosphere. The game's soundtrack, composed by Michael McCann, complements the atmosphere with its blend of electronic and orchestral music, enhancing the sense of tension and intrigue. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is sometimes underrated in discussions of the best PC games. Its deep gameplay mechanics, compelling narrative, and immersive world make it a must-play for fans of the cyberpunk genre and action role-playing games. The game's ability to allow players to shape their experience through choices and playstyle makes it a standout title in the crowded PC gaming market.

2. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, released in 2004, is a cult classic action role-playing game developed by Troika Games and published by Activision. Based on White Wolf Publishing's tabletop role-playing game Vampire: The Masquerade, the game plunges players into the dark and alluring world of vampires in modern-day Los Angeles. Players assume the role of a newly embraced vampire, choosing from several vampire clans, each with unique abilities and disciplines. As a fledgling vampire, players navigate the complex political landscape of the vampire society, interacting with various factions and characters, and making choices that impact the storyline.

Bloodlines distinguishes itself with its rich narrative, compelling characters, and immersive atmosphere. The game's writing is exceptional, featuring sharp dialogue, intriguing storylines, and memorable characters. The player's chosen clan significantly influences their gameplay experience, as each clan possesses unique abilities and weaknesses that affect how they interact with the world. For example, the stealthy Nosferatu clan must avoid being seen by humans due to their grotesque appearance, while the charismatic Toreador excel in social interactions. The gameplay of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines combines elements of role-playing, stealth, and combat. Players develop their character's skills and disciplines, engage in dialogue-driven quests, and battle enemies using melee weapons, firearms, and vampiric powers. The game's atmosphere is a standout feature, capturing the dark and seductive nature of the vampire world. The environments, from the gritty streets of Hollywood to the opulent vampire mansions, are richly detailed and atmospheric. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of gothic rock and electronic music, further enhances the game's immersive quality.

Despite its strong reception and dedicated fanbase, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is often considered underrated due to its troubled development and initial release state. The game was plagued by technical issues at launch, which overshadowed its many strengths. However, the game has since been patched and improved by the community, making it a more stable and enjoyable experience. The game's unique blend of role-playing, narrative depth, and vampire lore makes it a standout title in the PC gaming world. Its enduring appeal and cult status are a testament to its quality, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines continues to be celebrated for its innovative storytelling and immersive world, solidifying its place as an underrated gem in the history of PC games.

3. System Shock 2

System Shock 2, released in 1999, is a groundbreaking first-person action role-playing game developed by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios. A sequel to the 1994 game System Shock, it is set on a starship in the year 2114, where players awaken from cryosleep to find the ship overrun by genetically mutated creatures and a rogue artificial intelligence named SHODAN. Players assume the role of a soldier trying to unravel the mystery behind the ship's infestation and survive the horrors that lurk within.

System Shock 2 is renowned for its immersive atmosphere, compelling narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game seamlessly blends elements of first-person shooting, role-playing, and survival horror, creating a tense and engaging experience. Players explore the derelict starship, scavenging for resources, crafting items, and battling grotesque enemies. The game's RPG elements allow players to customize their character's skills and abilities, choosing from different skill trees that cater to various playstyles. The narrative of System Shock 2 is a standout feature, driven by the chilling presence of SHODAN, one of the most memorable villains in video game history. SHODAN's manipulative and menacing personality permeates the game, creating a constant sense of dread and unease. The story unfolds through audio logs, environmental storytelling, and interactions with other characters, revealing the events that led to the ship's downfall. The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its detailed environments, eerie sound design, and haunting musical score.

Despite its critical acclaim and influence on subsequent games, System Shock 2 is sometimes underrated in mainstream discussions of PC games. Its challenging gameplay and complex mechanics may deter some players, but those who persevere will find a rewarding and unforgettable experience. System Shock 2 is often cited as a precursor to games like BioShock, which share similar themes and gameplay elements. The game's legacy lies in its innovative approach to blending genres and its ability to create a truly immersive and terrifying world. For fans of survival horror, role-playing, and atmospheric storytelling, System Shock 2 is an underrated gem that deserves to be experienced. Its impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, and its enduring appeal ensures its place as a classic in the PC gaming canon.

Console Underrated Gems

The console gaming world is filled with iconic franchises and blockbuster titles, but there are also many underrated console games that deserve recognition. These games, often overlooked upon release, offer unique experiences and innovative gameplay. Here are a few console gems that are worth exploring:

1. Beyond Good & Evil

Beyond Good & Evil, released in 2003, is an action-adventure game developed and published by Ubisoft. The game follows the adventures of Jade, a young photojournalist and martial artist, and her pig-like companion Pey'j, as they uncover a government conspiracy on the mining planet of Hillys. Set in a vibrant and imaginative world, Beyond Good & Evil blends elements of stealth, combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, creating a unique and engaging experience.

The gameplay of Beyond Good & Evil is diverse, offering a mix of different mechanics. Players explore the world of Hillys, gathering evidence of the government conspiracy by taking photographs of wildlife and uncovering hidden truths. Jade's martial arts skills come into play during combat encounters, where she can use a variety of attacks and combos to defeat enemies. Stealth elements are also crucial, as players must avoid detection by guards and navigate through restricted areas. The game's puzzles are cleverly designed, requiring players to use their wits and the environment to progress. The narrative of Beyond Good & Evil is a standout feature, featuring compelling characters, a gripping storyline, and thought-provoking themes. Jade is a strong and relatable protagonist, and her relationship with Pey'j adds heart and humor to the game. The story delves into themes of government corruption, environmentalism, and the power of truth, making it a timeless and relevant tale. The world of Hillys is richly detailed and imaginative, filled with diverse environments, quirky characters, and a unique visual style.

Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Beyond Good & Evil did not achieve commercial success and is often considered underrated. However, its enduring appeal and cult following have kept the game alive in the hearts of many players. The game's unique blend of gameplay mechanics, compelling narrative, and imaginative world make it a standout title in the console gaming landscape. Beyond Good & Evil is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in game design. For fans of action-adventure games, Beyond Good & Evil is an underrated gem that deserves to be experienced. Its legacy lives on through its dedicated fanbase and its influence on subsequent games. The game's potential sequel has been in development hell for many years, but the original remains a beloved classic.

2. Psychonauts

Psychonauts, released in 2005, is a platforming action-adventure game developed by Double Fine Productions and published by Majesco Entertainment. The game follows the story of Razputin, a young psychic who runs away from the circus to join a summer camp for psychics. Set in a whimsical and imaginative world, Psychonauts blends platforming, combat, puzzle-solving, and psychic powers, creating a unique and memorable experience.

The gameplay of Psychonauts is centered around exploring the minds of other characters, each represented as a unique and surreal environment. Raz uses his psychic abilities to navigate these mental worlds, battling inner demons, solving puzzles, and uncovering hidden secrets. The game's platforming is fluid and challenging, requiring players to use Raz's agility and psychic powers to traverse the environments. Combat encounters are engaging, with Raz using a variety of psychic attacks to defeat enemies. The puzzles in Psychonauts are cleverly designed, requiring players to think creatively and use their psychic abilities in inventive ways. The narrative of Psychonauts is a standout feature, featuring quirky characters, witty dialogue, and a heartwarming story about friendship and self-discovery. Raz is a likable and relatable protagonist, and his interactions with the other characters are filled with humor and charm. The game's themes of mental health and personal growth are handled with sensitivity and insight, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. The visual style of Psychonauts is unique and imaginative, with Tim Burton-esque character designs and surreal environments.

Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Psychonauts did not achieve widespread commercial success and is often considered underrated. However, its cult following and critical praise have kept the game alive, leading to a long-awaited sequel, Psychonauts 2, released in 2021. Psychonauts is a testament to the power of creativity and originality in game design. Its unique blend of gameplay mechanics, compelling narrative, and imaginative world make it a standout title in the console gaming landscape. For fans of platforming action-adventure games, Psychonauts is an underrated gem that deserves to be experienced. Its legacy lives on through its dedicated fanbase and its influence on subsequent games. The game's exploration of mental landscapes and its quirky characters have made it a beloved classic.

3. Vanquish

Vanquish, released in 2010, is a third-person shooter developed by PlatinumGames and published by Sega. The game is set in a near-future world where the United States is at war with Russia. Players assume the role of Sam Gideon, a DARPA agent equipped with a high-tech armored suit that allows him to perform superhuman feats of agility and combat. Vanquish is known for its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay, innovative mechanics, and stylish visual presentation.

The gameplay of Vanquish is a unique blend of cover-based shooting and high-speed acrobatics. Sam can slide across the battlefield at incredible speeds, perform bullet-time maneuvers, and unleash devastating melee attacks. The game's combat is fast and frantic, requiring players to use their agility and reflexes to survive. The armored suit's boost ability allows Sam to quickly move between cover points, dodge enemy fire, and close the distance for melee attacks. The bullet-time mode, known as ARS (Augmented Reaction System), slows down time, allowing players to line up precise shots and evade incoming projectiles. Vanquish's combat encounters are designed to be challenging and rewarding, encouraging players to experiment with different tactics and weapons. The game's boss battles are particularly memorable, featuring massive enemies and intense action sequences. The visual style of Vanquish is sleek and futuristic, with detailed environments, impressive special effects, and stylish character designs.

Despite receiving positive reviews, Vanquish did not achieve widespread commercial success and is often considered underrated. However, its unique gameplay mechanics, fast-paced action, and stylish presentation have earned it a cult following among fans of third-person shooters. Vanquish is a testament to the creativity and innovation of PlatinumGames, known for their action-oriented titles. For fans of the genre, Vanquish is an underrated gem that deserves to be experienced. Its fast-paced gameplay and innovative mechanics set it apart from other shooters. The game's influence can be seen in subsequent titles, solidifying its legacy as a cult classic.

Why Play Underrated Games?

Exploring underrated video games offers several benefits for gamers. These hidden gems often provide unique and innovative experiences that are not found in mainstream titles. Underrated games can offer a fresh perspective on established genres, introducing new mechanics, compelling narratives, and imaginative worlds. By playing these underrated games, gamers can discover hidden talents and support developers who take risks and push the boundaries of game design. Furthermore, diving into underrated games can lead to a more diverse and enriching gaming experience, broadening one's horizons beyond the familiar AAA titles. These gems often have dedicated communities of fans who appreciate the unique qualities of the game, creating a welcoming and passionate environment for new players. Discovering an underrated game that resonates with you can be a rewarding experience, providing hours of entertainment and sparking a deeper appreciation for the artistry of video game development. So, venturing into the realm of underrated games is a worthwhile endeavor for any gamer seeking something different and exceptional.

Conclusion

The world of video games is filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether on PC or consoles, these underrated titles offer unique experiences and innovative gameplay that deserve recognition. From the cyberpunk intrigue of Deus Ex: Human Revolution to the psychic adventures of Psychonauts, these games showcase the creativity and artistry of video game development. By exploring underrated games, gamers can broaden their horizons and discover new favorites that might otherwise be missed. These gems often provide a refreshing alternative to mainstream titles, offering fresh perspectives and challenging gameplay. So, take the time to delve into the world of underrated video games and uncover the hidden treasures that await. These titles are a testament to the diversity and creativity of the gaming industry, and they offer a rewarding experience for those willing to explore beyond the beaten path. Remember, some of the most memorable gaming experiences come from the most unexpected places.