Video games are more popular than ever, and that is thanks to a dedicated community and the constant evolution of games themselves. From modern masterpieces like Red Dead Redemption 2 to classics such as Final Fantasy VII, this medium continues to grow and put out even more popular titles. However, in today’s world, it is hard for games to simply be good, with many fans being disappointed when a game is a 7 or 8 out of 10.
It seems that only the clear Game of the Year candidates get any recognition anymore, leaving plenty of good games to fly under the radar. That is why this list will feature ten great video games that don’t get the credit they deserve based on popularity compared to critical acclaim, gameplay, design, narrative, visuals, and fan opinion. Games can be good, and that is okay; not every title needs to be a revolutionary masterpiece.
‘Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2021)
Image via Square Enix
Marvel is anything but underrated, and this popularity has led them into the video game industry, including an adaptation of one of their heavy-hitter IPs. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy follows the ragtag group of heroes years after a galactic war. After a series of events, the group accidentally releases an intergalactic cult that threatens the galaxy, and the only way to stop it is by putting aside differences and working together.
Despite being a game about famous characters, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy didn’t become a major hit like other superhero games. However, it is just as good, if not better. It suffered from proximity to another recent Marvel game that was a mess, but Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy boasts an impressive cast of characters with phenomenal writing that more fans should appreciate.
‘The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’ (2011)
The Legend of Zelda is a critically acclaimed franchise that is never short on credit, but some games get a bit more hate than necessary, such as The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. On an island in the sky, Link is a knight in training who descends to the surface to rescue Princess Zelda, captured by the demon lord. First, however, Link must defeat Demise.
Most Zelda titles are cultural video game events, and while Skyward Sword had the potential to become one, the buggy motion controls made it arguably the worst 3D Zelda game. However, it still possesses some of the best aspects in the franchise, such as the perfectly designed and themed dungeons, a touching story, phenomenal music, and the remaster fixed the combat, making it a worthy Zelda masterpiece.
‘Bugsnax’ (2020)
Image via Young Horses
2020 was a weird time when plenty of games were delayed due to the pandemic. This should mean that the ones released were popular, but that wasn’t the case for Bugsnax. The titular creatures are food-like animals inhabiting the nearby region, and when a journalist comes to interview an explorer about these creatures, he finds the town fractured and the creatures on the loose.
Bugsnax is a bright, goofy, and charming video game, but this aesthetic gave fans the impression that it was a kids’ game. On the contrary, it proved to be a surprisingly mature experience that tackled adult themes such as depression, also featuring dark undertones. Bugsnax will catch players off guard with its finale and its overall Lovecraftian vibe that needs more credit.
‘Return of the Obra Dinn’ (2018)
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