Hidden Treasures: 7 Must-Play Gaming Gems from 2024 You Haven’t Discovered Yet

There once was an era when it was feasible to experience every remarkable game released within a single year. However, that era has long passed, and we now find ourselves in a period where hundreds of games can debut daily.

Amidst the continuous flood of interactive entertainment, there are still games that will reward you tremendously for your time with enjoyable gameplay, distinctive art, and features that would struggle to succeed in a major studio release.

While the volume is overwhelming, we’ve curated seven hidden gems from 2024 that we believe you may appreciate. Since January typically sees a lull in new game releases, predominantly consisting of ports and remasters, now is an ideal opportunity to explore last year’s neglected treasures.

Editor’s note: All titles listed here are conventional “Web2” games devoid of any crypto or blockchain features. Nevertheless, you may still find them enjoyable!

Grateful You’re Present!

Platforms: Switch, PlayStation 5/4, PC, Mac

In numerous games, your task is, apart from being the chosen one destined to save the world, to assist everyone you meet. Grateful You’re Present adopts a similar approach, but as a 2D title featuring bizarre, remarkable art; instead of a heroic figure, you play as a peculiar individual in a northern English town whose only goal is to visit the mayor.

However, he’s preoccupied, so you might as well appreciate the scenery. The town is filled with individuals burdened with various dilemmas, and the only way you can assist them is by delivering a solid smack. This leads you through some genuinely absurd scenarios and delightful British humor that affectionately ridicules an area of England that doesn’t frequently receive attention in contemporary media.

Mullet Madjack

Platform: PC

Mullet Madjack is a frenetic shooter styled in anime that has you dispatching foes as swiftly as possible in narrow corridors, all to keep your heart racing and your score climbing. Its breathtaking visuals evoke memories of ‘80s and ‘90s cyberpunk anime as well as that surge of vintage FMV animated games like Road Blaster and Time Gal—but it’s louder, quicker, and more brutal.

Pacific Drive

Platforms: PS5, PC

What if, instead of being set in Chernobyl and primarily experienced on foot, the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series took place in the Pacific Northwest, where you drove a vehicle around to gather resources and stay alive? Enter Pacific Drive.

You find yourself trapped in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, a location filled with perilous and awe-inspiring anomalies, and your vehicle is your greatest chance at survival. Enhance and modify it to adapt to the numerous dangers present in the environment while you uncover the secrets of the Exclusion Zone.

Mini Mini Golf Golf

Platform: PC

Do not be misled into thinking Mini Mini Golf Golf is an excellent golfing title—you should look to Golf With Your Friends or What the Golf for a more engaging representation of the sport. Rather, Mini Mini Golf Golf attempts to convey a human narrative about climate change and remembrance through the medium of an extremely eccentric mini golf experience. That’s all we’ll divulge, as you ought to truly experience it firsthand.

Minishoot’ Adventures

Platforms: PC, Mac

As per the developer, the apostrophe in the title intends to signify that Minishoot’ is a shortened form of “Minimalist Shooter Adventure.” Minishoot is a top-down, Zelda-inspired, spaceship shooter adventure. A glance at the trailer is sufficient to clarify that concept.

Although resembling a bullet-hell shooter, this title is a complete role-playing game or RPG, featuring an expansive world and dungeons that showcase its Zelda influence prominently. There are hidden treasures throughout, enhancements to discover for your vessel, and formidable bosses to confront—and it’s all depicted through stunning 2D artwork.

Judero

Platform: PC

The visuals in Judero are equally breathtaking as those in Minishoot’, yet in vastly different manners. Immerse yourself in a Scottish-action-adventure game where every character is crafted from action figures and clay, complete with stop-motion animated sequences. The game alternates art styles, immersing you in vibrant watercolors, a Sonic-themed bonus round, and more.

While many major titles offer impressive graphics, this can sometimes lead to a somewhat uniform experience. Judero will completely shatter that monotony.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Platforms: PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X/S + One, PC

Lastly, a hidden treasure from a major publisher. Capcom is primarily recognized for Resident Evil and Monster Hunter World, consistently delivering phenomenal releases. Amongst these, however, is this quirky title, Kunitsu-Gami.

This title is a combination of action-strategy and tower-defense gameplay. Set in a distant historical Japan, a mountain is tainted by malevolence. The priestess Yoshiro has the ability to sanctify it, but she requires your protection, Soh. Through dance-like sword moves, you will liberate villagers from corruption and recruit them for various roles such as Woodsman, Sumo, Ascetic, and Healer.

Each aspect of this game draws inspiration from Japanese historical art, including Bunraku theatre, Kagura dance, and woodblock prints. The creators constructed the sets from tangible materials and digitized them in three dimensions, also designing costumes from actual fabric and capturing them on actors. Even the goodies collected to present to Yoshiro were crafted by a professional and scanned at the highest resolution to ensure their authenticity and beauty.

In stark contrast to almost all other titles produced by Capcom, Kunitsu-Gami went largely unnoticed and deserves your attention.

Edited by Andrew Hayward