Skip To...
As gamers, we usually tend to watch out for big AAA titles during a year and a few indie ones that have a considerable impact. However, with the thousands of games launching annually, it’s normal for us to overlook a few. For that reason, we decided to make a list to shine the spotlight on some of the best gaming hidden gems of 2024. You might have heard about some of them through the grapevine, but if not, here are some we consider must-play titles.
Honorable Mention: Our Adventurer Guild
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: The term “Adventurer Guild” isn’t new to many. You might’ve heard it through anime, a few video games, or even manga. However, not all these products manage to capture the essence of what one of these guilds is. Well, that’s where GreenGuy comes in with Our Adventurer Guild. This game mixes many gaming systems into an addictive and unforgettable package. You have guild management, turn-based tactics, and a lot of character customization. If you ever wanted to create a guild full of daring adventurers, now’s your chance.
5. Fear the Spotlight
Patrick Armstrong, Staff Writer: An abandoned school. A seance. A fire. Don’t let the PSX models and grainy filters fool you. Fear the Spotlight does more than throw spooky tropes in a blender. It rekindles survival horror coals first kindled by games like Clock Tower and Silent Hill. It also introduces us to a spotlight-headed monstrosity every bit as terrifying as the iconic Pyramid Head. With clever puzzles, taut nightmare sequences, and a charming YA plot, Fear the Spotlight was one to fear this year. Silent Hill 2 got many gamers back into the retro horror groove, and now’s the perfect time to experience the terror of Cozy Game Pals.
4. Crow Country
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: Undoubtedly, 2024 was one of the best hidden survival gaming gems, and Crow Country is here to prove my point. You may look at it and instantly think about the first Resident Evil games, and you wouldn’t be wrong. The inspiration behind it is clear, but what makes it unique is the modern QoL improvements, better controls, and a fantastic story. It might not be the longest game out there, but it is impactful in its short playtime. If you’ve missed the roots of the survival horror genre, Crow Country will definitely give them to you.
3. Mouthwashing
Patrick Armstrong, Staff Writer: Mouthwashing is the twitching, chittering brainchild of Wrong Organ, the dev behind How Fish Is Made. Both games are surreal, funny, and disgusting in equal measure. They’re also best played without any knowledge of what you’re getting into. It’s shocking Wrong Organ managed to create something even more off-putting and brilliant than the former digestive tract nightmare, but here we are. Join Curly and his spacefaring crew for an intergalactic journey you’ll wish you’d never, ever been a part of. Mouthwashing is one of the best psychological horror experiences of the year. Don’t forget to swish.
2. Elin
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: In the hidden corners of sandbox experiences, Elin is one of those hidden gems many might’ve missed in 2024. Elin is the official prequel to Elona, which many might remember as one of the best RPGs with sandbox and roguelike elements. Now, Elin is here and takes the sandbox part to wild new levels. Whether you want to be an adventurer, create a farm like in Stardew Valley, or just build a village from scratch, you can do that and more. As long as you pay your taxes, you’ll be safe—at least for a while.
1. Drova – Forsaken Kin
Julio La Pine, Staff Writer: Fortunately, 2024 had no shortage of RPGs, with some of them even making it to the contended GOTY category. However, many might’ve missed Drova – Forsaken Kin. This game takes the RPG genre back to its old-school roots. No hand-holding, no quest markers, and a brutal and boundless world to explore. It is one of those few role-playing games that actually immerses you in a landscape where you have to make your way to the top. While the combat isn’t mind-blowing, its story and RPG mechanics are unmatched and even better than some AAA titles—a true must-play for fans of the genre.
