Looking for a new and unique gaming experience? Check out these ten hidden gem games that offer something different, whether it’s a captivating story, challenging puzzles, or a mesmerizing visual style. From the supernatural thriller “Oxenfree” to the tactical role-playing game “The Banner Saga,” these games prove that you don’t need a massive budget or a big-name franchise to create a compelling game. Each offers its own unique gameplay and storytelling, making them all worth playing. So, if you’re ready for something new, why not give one of these hidden gems a try?
10 Hidden Gems in Gaming You Need to Play
1. Oxenfree
Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller game released in January 2016 by Night School Studio. In this game, you play as a girl named Alex who goes to a mysterious island with her friends on an overnight trip. The game combines puzzle-solving elements with dialogue choices, which affect the story’s outcome. The game’s eerie setting and immersive story will keep you hooked.
2. Firewatch
Firewatch is a first-person adventure game released in February 2016 by Campo Santo. You play as a fire lookout, Henry, who is stationed in the Wyoming wilderness. The game’s stunning visuals and beautiful soundtrack create a serene atmosphere that’s a perfect escape from the daily routine. The game’s story revolves around Henry’s personal life and an unexplained mystery in the forest.
3. Little Nightmares
Little Nightmares is a horror platformer game released in April 2017 by Tarsier Studios. You play as a small child who wakes up in a labyrinth-like vessel called the Maw. The game’s puzzles are challenging, and the atmosphere is full of dread, but it’s the game’s unique visuals that will draw you in. Little Nightmares’ use of light and shadows in its art style creates a terrifying environment that will keep you on edge.
4. What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is a narrative adventure game released in April 2017 by Giant Sparrow. You play as Edith Finch, who returns to her family’s home to explore the mysterious deaths of her family members. The game’s storytelling is engrossing, and the game’s unique approach to portraying the different family member’s deaths is intriguing. The game’s details and the overall presentation make it a memorable experience.
5. Return of the Obra Dinn
Return of the Obra Dinn is a first-person puzzle game released in October 2018 by Lucas Pope. You play as an insurance adjuster who must investigate the disappearance of a ship and its crew. The game’s distinct art-style of black and white and the use of an 1800s-inspired interface make it a unique and captivating experience. The game’s main mechanic of identifying the crew members and their fates in a non-linear way is satisfying and rewarding.
6. Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods is a narrative adventure game released in February 2017 by Infinite Fall. You play as Mae, who returns home to her small town after dropping out of college to discover the town and its inhabitants have changed. The game’s soundtrack and the overall presentation create a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. The game’s story about growing up and reconnecting with one’s past will resonate with many.
7. The Banner Saga
The Banner Saga is a tactical role-playing game released in January 2014 by Stoic Studio. The game’s story is set in a Viking-inspired world that’s on the brink of collapse. The game’s complex decisions and challenging battles will test your strategic skills. The game’s hand-drawn visuals and epic score make it feel like a living legend.
8. Transistor
Transistor is an action role-playing game released in May 2014 by Supergiant Games. You play as Red, who must battle through a futuristic city controlled by a mysterious entity known as the Process. The game’s gameplay combines real-time and tactical elements, and the game’s visual style and music make it a mesmerizing experience.
9. Papers, Please
Papers, Please is a puzzle game released in August 2013 by Lucas Pope. You play as a border inspector who must check the papers of travelers who enter your fictional communist country. The game’s use of bureaucracy and paperwork may not sound exciting, but the game’s story about the price of keeping a country safe will make you question your humanity.
10. The Stanley Parable
The Stanley Parable is an interactive narrative game released in October 2013 by Davey Wreden. You play as Stanley, who works in an office with no clear purpose, and the game’s narrator guides you through the story. The game’s use of humor and its various endings make it a game that’s worth playing multiple times. The game’s overall message about free will and choices will stick with you long after playing.
Final Thoughts
These ten hidden gem games prove that the gaming industry is full of unique and innovative experiences. Each of the games on this list offers something different, whether it’s a captivating story, challenging puzzles, or a mesmerizing visual style. These games are proof that you don’t need a massive budget or a big-name franchise to create a compelling game. So, if you’re looking for something new to play, consider checking out one of these hidden gems.