Most Underrated PC Games

The PC gaming landscape is filled with thousands of titles that often struggle to find the massive audience they deserve. While major blockbusters dominate the headlines many creative and innovative projects remain hidden gems known only to dedicated fans. These games frequently offer unique mechanics and deep narratives that challenge standard industry conventions. Rediscovering these underrated titles provides a glimpse into the diverse history of the platform and the experimental spirit of its developers.

‘Alpha Protocol’ (2010)

In ‘Alpha Protocol’ players assume the role of Michael Thorton who is a secret agent tasked with uncovering a global conspiracy. The game features a branching narrative where choices significantly impact the political landscape and character relationships. It blends stealth and action mechanics within a modern espionage setting. This title is highly regarded for its deep role playing systems and the way it handles immediate consequence.

‘Singularity’ (2010)

Players explore a mysterious island where Soviet experiments with a powerful element have fractured time. ‘Singularity’ provides a Time Manipulation Device that allows users to age objects or restore them to their previous state. This first person shooter combines traditional gunplay with environmental puzzles and unique supernatural abilities. The atmosphere is heavily influenced by cold war aesthetics and science fiction horror elements.

‘Binary Domain’ (2012)

Set in a future where robots have begun to pass as humans ‘Binary Domain’ follows a squad sent to Tokyo to investigate a breach of international law. The game features a unique consequence system where squad members react to the player based on their performance and dialogue choices. Combat is intense and focuses on procedurally damaging robotic enemies by shooting off specific limbs. The narrative explores themes of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human.

‘Remember Me’ (2013)

‘Remember Me’ takes place in Neo Paris where citizens can digitize and trade their memories through a brain implant. Players control Nilin who is an elite memory hunter with the ability to break into minds and alter recollections. The game features a striking art style and a unique memory remixing mechanic that changes the outcome of past events. Combat allows for the customization of combo chains to provide healing or damage boosts.

‘Sleeping Dogs’ (2012)

This title follows undercover police officer Wei Shen as he infiltrates the Triad organizations of Hong Kong. ‘Sleeping Dogs’ emphasizes brutal martial arts combat and environmental takedowns over traditional firearms. The open world is filled with activities including street racing and karaoke which bring the city to life. It delivers a cinematic story about loyalty and the blurred lines between duty and crime.

‘The Saboteur’ (2009)

Set in Nazi occupied Paris ‘The Saboteur’ follows an Irish race car driver who joins the French Resistance. The game uses a distinctive visual style where liberated areas of the city transition from black and white to full color. Players utilize stealth and parkour to dismantle German infrastructure and inspire the local population. It blends open world exploration with a focused historical revenge story.

‘Spec Ops: The Line’ (2012)

‘Spec Ops: The Line’ follows a Delta Force team led by Captain Martin Walker into a sandstorm ravaged Dubai. The narrative serves as a deconstruction of typical military shooters and explores the psychological toll of warfare. Players are forced to make increasingly difficult moral choices that lead to various haunting conclusions. Combat utilizes the shifting sands of the city to trap or bury enemies during firefights.

‘Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning’ (2012)

This massive fantasy role playing game features a world co created by R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane. ‘Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning’ is known for its fluid action combat which is more responsive than many of its contemporaries. Players can customize their character through a flexible destiny system that allows for hybrid classes. The game offers a huge amount of content and lore set across diverse magical landscapes.

‘Mad Max’ (2015)

In ‘Mad Max’ players navigate a desolate wasteland in a heavily modified vehicle called the Opus Magnum. The game focuses on vehicular combat and base infiltration to gather resources and upgrade gear. Physical brawling is inspired by rhythmic combat systems and feels appropriately visceral and heavy. The vast desert environments capture the lonely and dangerous atmosphere of the original film series.

‘Titanfall 2’ (2016)

‘Titanfall 2’ features a campaign that focuses on the bond between a rifleman and a veteran Vanguard class Titan. The level design is celebrated for its inventive mechanics including time travel and factory platforming sequences. Multiplayer offers high speed movement and powerful mech combat that remains distinct in the first person shooter genre. Despite critical acclaim the game struggled commercially due to its original release window.

‘Tyranny’ (2016)

Unlike many role playing games ‘Tyranny’ puts players in the role of an officer in an evil army that has already conquered the world. The story focuses on interpreting the laws of a dark overlord and managing the squabbles of rival factions. Magic is handled through a sigil crafting system that allows for high levels of customization. The game emphasizes the political consequences of being a high ranking judge and executioner.

‘ELEX’ (2017)

‘ELEX’ is a science fantasy role playing game set on a planet devastated by a meteor strike. Players must choose between factions that utilize either advanced technology or primitive magic to survive. The world is completely open from the start and rewards exploration with a jetpack mechanic. It is known for its high difficulty and the complex interconnected nature of its quest design.

‘Vampyr’ (2018)

Set in London during the 1918 Spanish Flu outbreak ‘Vampyr’ follows a doctor who has been turned into a vampire. Players must decide which citizens to feed upon to grow stronger while trying to find a cure for the plague. Every character in the game has a name and a place in the social ecosystem of the city. Combat combines traditional weaponry with dark supernatural abilities in a gothic atmosphere.

‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ (2018)

This title offers a realistic and historically accurate simulation of medieval life in Bohemia. ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ avoids fantasy tropes in favor of complex systems like armor layers and realistic sword fighting. Players control Henry who is a blacksmith’s son seeking vengeance for the destruction of his village. The game requires players to manage hunger and sleep while navigating the political tensions of the Holy Roman Empire.

‘GreedFall’ (2019)

‘GreedFall’ is an action role playing game inspired by the seventeenth century colonial era with fantasy elements. Players explore a newly discovered island where magic and monsters clash with gunpowder and steel. The narrative focuses on diplomacy between settlers and the native population who have a deep connection to the land. Character progression allows for a variety of playstyles including technical trap setting and magical combat.

‘Pathologic 2’ (2019)

In ‘Pathologic 2’ players have twelve days to save a secluded town from a supernatural plague. The game is a grueling survival simulator where time is the most precious resource. Every choice results in a trade off as players struggle to manage their own health while treating patients. The surreal atmosphere and philosophical storytelling create a deeply unsettling and unique experience.

‘Arx Fatalis’ (2002)

‘Arx Fatalis’ is a first person dungeon crawler where the sun has been extinguished and humanity lives underground. The game is notable for its gesture based magic system where players must draw runes in the air with their mouse. Interactions with the environment are highly immersive and allow for cooking food or crafting items manually. It was the debut title for a studio that would later become famous for modern immersive sims.

‘Jade Empire’ (2005)

‘Jade Empire’ is an action role playing game set in a world inspired by Chinese mythology and martial arts. Players choose from various combat styles that include physical strikes and mystical transformations. The story features a moral alignment system called the Way of the Open Palm and the Way of the Closed Fist. It offers a rich narrative filled with legendary creatures and ancient political intrigue.

‘Call of Juarez: Gunslinger’ (2013)

This arcade shooter is told through the unreliable narration of an old bounty hunter in a saloon. ‘Call of Juarez: Gunslinger’ features stylized cel shaded visuals and fast paced gunplay. Players duel famous outlaws from the Wild West as the narrator frequently changes the details of his story. The game focuses on high scores and precision shooting within a linear and cinematic experience.

‘Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy’ (2004)

‘Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy’ is a third person shooter that emphasizes the use of psychic powers. Players can use telekinesis to lift objects and pyrokinesis to set enemies on fire. The physics engine allows for creative solutions to combat encounters and environmental puzzles. It remains a cult favorite for its fluid implementation of supernatural abilities in a military setting.

‘Second Sight’ (2004)

This narrative driven thriller follows a man with amnesia who discovers he has powerful psychic gifts. ‘Second Sight’ alternates between the present day where he is imprisoned and the past mission that led to his condition. The gameplay encourages stealth and the clever use of abilities like possession and projection. It is praised for its intricate plot and the way it handles its dual timeline structure.

‘Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse’ (2005)

Players control a zombie in a retro futuristic city set in the nineteen fifties. ‘Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse’ focuses on eating brains to convert humans into an undead army. The game uses a comedic tone and features a soundtrack of modern bands covering classic fifties songs. It provides a unique perspective on the action genre by making the player the monster.

‘The Sexy Brutale’ (2017)

‘The Sexy Brutale’ is a murder mystery set in a masquerade mansion where time loops every day. Players must observe the guests to prevent their deaths and acquire new powers from their discarded masks. The game features a vibrant art style and a jazz influenced soundtrack. Success requires careful timing and an understanding of the intricate schedules of every character in the house.

‘Hard Reset’ (2011)

Set in a cyberpunk city ‘Hard Reset’ is a fast paced first person shooter that avoids modern trends like cover systems. Players fight against waves of robotic enemies using two modular weapons that can be transformed into various tools of destruction. The environments are highly destructible and filled with electrical hazards to exploit. It pays homage to classic shooters with its focus on movement and high difficulty.

‘E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy’ (2011)

This title is a complex and surreal sci fi role playing game that offers players an enormous amount of freedom. ‘E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy’ features deep character customization including cybernetic implants and psychic abilities. The narrative is dense and often confusing but provides a unique atmospheric experience. It allows for both solo play and cooperative missions within its strange dark future.

‘Project Snowblind’ (2005)

‘Project Snowblind’ follows Nathan Frost who is a soldier enhanced with experimental cybernetic augmentations. Players use various high tech gadgets and bio mods to infiltrate enemy bases and disable security systems. The game features intense urban combat and allows for multiple approaches to every objective. It was originally conceived as a spin off of a famous immersive sim series.

‘Anachronox’ (2001)

‘Anachronox’ is a science fiction role playing game that uses a turn based combat system similar to classic console titles. The game follows a down on his luck detective named Sylvester Boots as he travels across the galaxy. It is known for its sharp writing and a cast of characters that includes a sentient planet. The diverse alien worlds and cinematic cutscenes make it a standout title of its era.

‘Giants: Citizen Kabuto’ (2000)

This unique title combines third person action with real time strategy elements across three different campaigns. Players control a team of space travelers a magical sea nymph and a massive monster named Kabuto. Each faction has vastly different gameplay mechanics including base building and resource management. The game is celebrated for its humorous dialogue and vibrant tropical environments.

‘Armed and Dangerous’ (2003)

‘Armed and Dangerous’ is a third person shooter that focuses on over the top comedy and ridiculous weaponry. Players use items like a gun that fires land sharks or a device that flips the entire world upside down. The game follows a group of rebels known as the Lionhearts as they attempt to steal a magical book. It features a parody of fantasy tropes and focuses on high energy action.

‘Sacrifice’ (2000)

‘Sacrifice’ is a real time strategy game played from a third person perspective where the player is a wizard on the battlefield. Instead of gathering traditional resources players harvest the souls of fallen units to summon new creatures. Every unit is unique and belongs to one of five different gods with their own distinct themes. The game features a branching story and bizarre alien landscapes that remain visually striking.

‘Enclave’ (2002)

This dark fantasy action game offers two separate campaigns where players can fight for the side of Light or Darkness. ‘Enclave’ features a variety of character classes including knights wizards and assassins. Combat is challenging and requires careful management of equipment and positioning. The levels are intricately designed and filled with hidden secrets and powerful bosses.

‘Chrome’ (2003)

‘Chrome’ is a tactical first person shooter where players use cybernetic implants to gain an advantage in combat. Missions take place on various alien planets and often involve stealth or long range engagement. Players must manage their energy levels when using augmentations like increased speed or thermal vision. The game features large open environments and a wide variety of futuristic vehicles.

‘Project I.G.I.’ (2000)

This stealth based shooter follows an agent named David Jones who must recover a stolen nuclear warhead. ‘Project I.G.I.’ is known for its massive outdoor maps and high difficulty level since there is no mid mission saving. Players must use binoculars to scout enemy movements and plan their approach carefully. It emphasizes tactical play and the use of realistic weaponry.

‘Advent Rising’ (2005)

‘Advent Rising’ is a cinematic sci fi epic that was intended to be the start of a massive trilogy. The game features a flick targeting system that allows for fast paced combat using both guns and psychic powers. The story follows humanity as they discover they are the legends of the universe. It features a sweeping orchestral score and high stakes drama across multiple planets.

‘Omikron: The Nomad Soul’ (1999)

This ambitious title blends adventure exploration and fighting game mechanics in a massive futuristic city. ‘Omikron: The Nomad Soul’ is famous for its collaboration with David Bowie who composed the music and appears as a character. Players can soul jump into the bodies of different citizens to continue their investigation. The game explores themes of reincarnation and digital consciousness in a dense urban environment.

‘Shadowrun: Dragonfall’ (2014)

Set in a cyberpunk world where magic has returned ‘Shadowrun: Dragonfall’ is a turn based tactical role playing game. Players lead a team of mercenaries in an anarchist Berlin where corporations and dragons pull the strings. The writing is highly praised for its depth and the moral ambiguity of its characters. Combat requires careful use of cover and the synchronization of magical and technological abilities.

‘The Surge’ (2017)

‘The Surge’ is a sci fi take on the challenging action role playing genre set in a decaying industrial complex. Players use an exo suit that can be upgraded by targeting and severing specific limbs from robotic enemies. This limb cutting mechanic allows for precise farming of equipment and upgrades. The level design focuses on shortcuts and environmental storytelling within a bleak corporate future.

‘Clive Barker’s Jericho’ (2007)

This squad based horror shooter follows a team of occult specialists as they investigate a supernatural rift in time. Players can switch between seven different squad members who each possess unique weapons and magical abilities. The game features disturbing creature designs and a narrative written by the famous horror author. Combat is intense and requires using the specific strengths of the team to survive ancient evils.

‘Dark Sector’ (2008)

‘Dark Sector’ follows an agent who becomes infected with a virus that grants him a powerful bladed weapon called the Glaive. Players can throw the Glaive to decapitate enemies or solve environmental puzzles by imbuing it with fire and electricity. The game features a gritty atmosphere and focuses on cover based shooting mixed with melee combat. As the infection spreads the player gains new evolutions and powers.

‘Zeno Clash’ (2009)

‘Zeno Clash’ is a first person brawler set in a surreal and bizarre fantasy world called Zenozoik. Players use a combination of martial arts and crude firearms to survive against strange creatures and rival clans. The art style is inspired by classical paintings and creates a visual experience unlike any other game. The story is a personal journey about family and survival in a hostile land.

‘Mirror’s Edge’ (2008)

This title focuses on the art of parkour and movement from a first person perspective in a pristine dystopian city. Players control Faith who is a courier delivering messages away from the watchful eye of a totalitarian government. The game emphasizes momentum and flow over traditional combat mechanics. Its minimalist aesthetic and use of vibrant colors create a unique visual identity for the urban landscape.

‘Bulletstorm’ (2011)

‘Bulletstorm’ is an energetic first person shooter that rewards players for killing enemies in creative and stylish ways. Using a leash and a powerful kick players can pull enemies into environmental hazards like giant cacti or electrical wires. The Skillshot system provides points for these kills which are used to upgrade weapons. It features a crude sense of humor and a fast paced campaign across an alien resort world.

‘Gothic’ (2001)

This open world role playing game takes place in a prison colony surrounded by a magical barrier. ‘Gothic’ is known for its living world where NPCs have daily routines and react to the player’s actions. Progressing in the game requires joining one of several rival camps and learning skills from trainers. The atmosphere is harsh and unforgiving making every bit of progress feel earned.

‘Two Worlds II’ (2010)

‘Two Worlds II’ offers a massive fantasy world with a particularly deep and innovative magic system. Players can craft their own spells by combining different effect cards to create unique elemental attacks. The game also features a comprehensive crafting system for armor and weapons. It provides a high level of freedom in how players approach quests and character development.

‘Risen’ (2009)

In ‘Risen’ players are shipwrecked on a mysterious island filled with ancient ruins and dangerous wildlife. The game follows the structure of classic European role playing games where players must choose a faction and slowly build their strength. Combat is methodical and focuses on timing and parrying rather than button mashing. The world is densely packed with secrets and rewards those who explore every corner.

‘Beyond Good & Evil’ (2003)

Players control Jade who is a photojournalist working to uncover a planetary conspiracy involving alien invaders. ‘Beyond Good & Evil’ blends stealth combat and vehicle exploration with a focus on photography as a gameplay mechanic. The characters and story are celebrated for their charm and emotional depth. The world of Hillys is filled with diverse life forms and a memorable soundtrack.

‘Psychonauts’ (2005)

‘Psychonauts’ follows a young boy named Raz who infiltrates a summer camp for psychic spies. The game is famous for its imaginative level design where players enter the minds of different characters to battle their inner demons. Each mental world reflects the personality and neuroses of the person it belongs to. It combines clever platforming with a witty script and a unique art style.

‘The Evil Within 2’ (2017)

This survival horror sequel moves away from linear corridors into larger open zones that players can explore at their own pace. ‘The Evil Within 2’ follows Sebastian Castellanos as he enters a simulated world to find his missing daughter. Players must manage limited resources while crafting tools and choosing whether to engage or avoid terrifying monsters. The narrative is more personal and focused than the original title.

‘Prey’ (2017)

Set on a space station overrun by shape shifting aliens ‘Prey’ is an immersive sim that emphasizes player agency. Players can acquire alien abilities like mimicking objects or using telekinesis to navigate the environment. The station of Talos I is a fully interconnected world that rewards lateral thinking and resourcefulness. It features a tense atmosphere and a story centered on identity and ethics.

‘Enslaved: Odyssey to the West’ (2010)

This action adventure title is a futuristic reimagining of a classic Chinese novel set in a post apocalyptic world. Players control Monkey who must protect a girl named Trip as they travel across overgrown urban ruins. The game features a strong focus on the relationship between the two lead characters and their mechanical companions. Combat is fast and cinematic with a heavy emphasis on teamwork and environmental interaction.

Please share your favorite hidden gems in the comments.