In a world where Red Dead Redemption 2, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and God of War dominate every “greatest games” conversation, it’s easy to forget the equally brilliant — but tragically overlooked — gems of the gaming world. With AAA titles hogging headlines, many incredible experiences go unnoticed by the broader audience. Here’s a roundup of the most underrated Xbox Series X|S and multi-platform games — both recent and retro — that deserve your attention now more than ever.
Forgotten Horror and Atmospheric Gold
The survival horror genre has seen a strong resurgence in recent years, and a few titles stand out not for their fame, but for how unfairly ignored they were:
- Alone in the Dark (2024): This remake flew under the radar despite its stellar performances from David Harbour and Jodie Comer and a moody atmosphere reminiscent of Silent Hill 2. Lovecraftian elements and noir jazz vibes make this a must-play for horror fans.
- The Medium (2021): A psychological thriller that never got the fanfare it deserved, The Medium brings a unique dual-reality mechanic that enhances both its story and puzzle-solving.
- Silent Hill 4: The Room (2004): While not as celebrated as the first three entries, this installment blends first-person exploration and disturbing world design to deliver a deeply unsettling experience.
Action Gems That Packed a Punch (But Got Lost)
Some games simply arrived at the wrong time or were overshadowed by better-known franchises — but they still brought something special:
- Days Gone (2019): A criminally overlooked open-world zombie game with jaw-dropping horde tech and an emotional core driven by Sam Witwer’s performance as Deacon St. John.
- Mad Max (2015): Despite being tied to a popular film franchise, Mad Max never received its due for incredible vehicular combat and post-apocalyptic world-building.
- Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): Often considered the black sheep of the Arkham family, this prequel actually delivers a strong Batman narrative and an underrated Christmas-themed atmosphere.
Thought-Provoking and Story-Rich Indie Titles
Some of the most emotionally resonant and narratively innovative titles don’t come from massive studios. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:
- Spec Ops: The Line (2012): This military shooter subverts genre tropes by confronting the horrors of war head-on. Its descent into madness remains one of gaming’s most powerful narratives.
- As Dusk Falls (2022): A branching narrative adventure that echoes Life is Strange, offering deep choices and consequences across a gripping family crime saga.
- The Thaumaturge (2024): With a Polish folklore twist and RPG mechanics, this atmospheric title stands tall among detective-based adventures thanks to its supernatural demons and strong writing.
2025’s Most Overlooked Releases (So Far)
While AAA games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 take center stage this year, a number of 2025 releases are quietly wowing players who give them a chance:
- Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time: Already a cozy RPG hit in Japan, it’s a time-traveling, monster-battling life sim that’s perfect for fans of Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.
- Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo: A 2D action-adventure full of quirky humor and retro style that’s already a cult favorite among platformer fans.
- The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy: A visual novel-meets-RPG with 100 endings, placing players in a school where saving the world is part of the syllabus.
- South of Midnight: Despite beautiful visuals and a haunting Southern Gothic vibe, this narrative-driven game has yet to break into the mainstream.
The Games That Time Almost Forgot
There are also those titles that were released years ago, loved by a small core, and now quietly sit in the shadows of time:
- Mirror’s Edge (2008): Still unmatched in its parkour mechanics and art direction.
- Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010): A unique blend of story and combat from the creators of Hellblade.
- Psychonauts (2005): A cult classic platformer that dives into the human mind, full of originality and heart.
- Titanfall 2 (2016): Released at a bad time commercially, but its campaign and movement system remain genre-defining.
Final Thoughts: Hidden Treasures in a Sea of Noise
While blockbuster releases will always dominate the conversation, the gaming landscape is rich with uncut gems that only the most discerning players discover. Whether you crave inventive mechanics, powerful storytelling, or just something different from the norm, these underrated titles offer depth, creativity, and heart. So next time you’re browsing your Xbox, PlayStation, or PC library looking for something fresh, consider skipping the chart-toppers in favor of these forgotten masterpieces.
Because sometimes, the best game you’ll ever play is the one you almost didn’t.
