The 10 Most Underappreciated Games of the Decade!

This time I’m going to put my focus on the games that don’t quite get the love and attention that they deserve. Some of these games may be highly rated by those that have experienced them. However, they don’t quite get the love and admiration that they should. This is what makes them underrated. Nobody can play every single game that releases but in my opinion, these are 10 games that are well worth checking out. The 10 most underappreciated video games of the decade.

10 – Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014)

How can a game that won numerous Game of the Year awards be considered underrated? Well, even though it was hugely successful I still feel as though it’s underappreciated. It may have done well amongst fans of the series but it never cracked the mainstream. In a lot of ways it’s similar to games like The Witcher 3 or Assassins Creed: Odyssey but those games are revered whereas this isn’t. I’m not saying it’s better than them but it’s a damn solid RPG in its own right. It succeeded in all of the ways that Mass Effect: Andromeda failed. Delivering an excellent story, visuals, gameplay and an array of interesting characters. Also, it’s a great entry point for newcomers. Do yourself a favour if this passed you by, you won’t regret it.

09 – Graveyard Keeper (2018)

The past decade has delivered some delightful simulation games. If you’re a fan of the genre then make sure you go and check this out. I was genuinely addicted to this back in 2018 and I still think fondly about my time with it. I often find myself humming the wonderful music that plays throughout your journey.

08 – The Turing Test (2016)

Much like Portal, you progress through the game by completing creative puzzle rooms. The game has a compelling narrative that does a fantastic job of making you question just about everything you’re told. It isn’t often that a video game manages to raise such interesting questions surrounding free will, sacrifice and what it is to be human.

07 – We Happy Few (2018)

Here me out on this. Yes, this is an extremely flawed game. Yes, it was broken upon release and still suffers from bugs even today. However, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a very good game. Basically, if you can look past the technical shortcomings of We Happy Few then you’ll find an excellent, narratively driven single-player experience.

06 – Rayman Legends (2013)

Why haven’t we seen a sequel to this yet? That alone says to me that this game went underappreciated. Outside of Nintendo, there are few games in which you can have as much platforming fun with friends as in Rayman Legends. The animations are beautiful and the music impeccable. The controls are incredibly fluid as well. Check this out if you missed it.

05 – Ori & the Blind Forest (2015)

Similarly to Dragon Age, this is a game that is very highly rated from those that have played it. However, I don’t believe that it gets the appreciation it deserves simply because it’s an Indie title. My idea of a perfect game is one that has characters I care about, a strong narrative, emotion, fun gameplay, a beautiful art-style and a great soundtrack. Ori and the Blind Forest has all of those things and more.

04 – RIME (2017)

Rime is a beautiful video game but for a variety of reasons. If there were to be one aspect that surpassed the visuals or story then it would have to be the soundtrack that accompanies them. Genuinely, it is something special. Rime wouldn’t have the special ambience or be as emotive as it is without its spectacular music. Listening to it play as you roam around can only be described as magical.

03 – The Evil Within 2 (2017)

If you’re as big of a fan of survival horror as I am then I implore you to check out this game. It takes the strongest aspects of the original and improves upon them. This sequel delivers a great story as well as free-roam sections comparable to the Silent Hill games of old. Add to that some excellent enemy design, memorable boss battles and moments of genuine horror and you have something well worth your time.

02 – What Remains of Edith Finch (2017)

Those that have experienced this game will let you know just how good it is. You might think of yourself as someone who isn’t really a fan of “Walking Simulator” games. Do yourself a favour and give this a try. I guarantee it will completely change your mind and will deliver something you’ll never forget.

01 – Dust: An Elysian Tail (2012)

This is a game that was developed and designed by a single man. This is an important detail because you’ll have to remind yourself of it when you consider just how good this game is. The story, characters, gameplay, it knocks it out of the park in every way. The soundtrack is one of the best that you’ll hear. I put this at the number 1 spot because I believe it’s the game that is most deserving of your appreciation.

Honourable Mentions – Titanfall 2, Alice: Madness Returns, Deadly Premonition, Plants VS Zombies: Garden Warfare, Valiant Hearts: The Great War, Sunset Overdrive, Wolfenstein: The New Colossus.