We have already highlighted this best video games of 2024 – the big titles that everyone is talking about. But now it’s time to shine a light on something else.

These games flew under the radar and were overshadowed by juggernauts Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. While they may not have had the same massive marketing push, one could argue that they are just as good – maybe even better. In fact, one of these titles made it onto both lists.

So let’s give these hidden gems a moment in the spotlight. Here are the best video games of 2024 that you may have missed.

Lorelei and the laser eyes

First is Lorelei and the laser eyesa mind-bending puzzle game with a slightly alliterative title that’s fun to say out loud.

The less you say about this game before you get started yourself, the better. All you need to know is that this puzzle game is set in a black and white mansion with fixed camera angles reminiscent of classic horror games like the original resident Evilalthough you won’t be shooting zombies here. Instead, you solve puzzles. Lots of them. Puzzles contain puzzles and all lead to more puzzles.

You may need to keep a notepad next to you while playing. It’s such a game. Have fun!

Ys X: Nordics

Ys X: Nordics is technically not an indie game like most of the other titles on this list. It comes from a well-known Japanese development studio in Falcom Yes The action RPG series has been around for so long Final Fantasy. It just doesn’t have the same prestige, especially in the West. Yes But it deserves it, and selfishly I want other people I know to play it so I can talk to them about it.

Yes Takes the type of fast-paced, mindless action combat the series is known for, while also adding tactical, defensive layers to make it deeper and more novel than its immediate predecessors. The protagonist of the series, Adol Christin (he’s just a guy who loves adventure and has no other personality traits to speak of), is accompanied on this adventure by a cool Viking named Karja, and together the two of them sail on the high seas and try to… to break, among other things, evil curse.

It features great music, a hugely satisfying upgrade loop, and the best sea ship combat on this site Assassin’s Creed. Don’t miss this.

Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip

I love video games that you can complete in just one or two sittings. I also love the open-world classic from the PlayStation 2 era The Simpsons: Hit & Run.

Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip Completion only takes a few hours. You take on the role of a goofy little guy running around a goofy open-ended city completing tasks to upgrade his car and eventually fly into space. How Hit & Runit’s a light-hearted, cartoonish open-world driving adventure with very low stakes and an endearing sense of humor. It’s perfect Steam deck Game too. The only downside is that it is currently only available for PC.

Destructible speed of light

UFO 50

Astute readers may remember UFO 50‘s placement on our main GOTY list this year. I felt it deserved a second mention.

This is a collection of 50 fake retro games created by a fictional company in the game and by a bevy of talented indie developers in real life. It spans multiple eras of classic game design, from boring 8-bit adventures to RPGs and more. UFO 50 is a tribute to what games used to be and paints a positive view of what games can be in the future.

Just take a look at this, okay?

1000xResist

1000xResist is another problem where the less you know, the better.

Just know that this unique sci-fi adventure game is more about compelling narratives than deep mechanics. It has a stunning art style, and the more people I know who play it, the more people I know who insist this might be the best game of 2024. Everyone is hopeless about it 1000xResist-pillated.

Thank God you’re here

Set in a fake town in the north of England, Thank God you’re here is a self-described “absurd slapformer comedy” about a traveling salesman bouncing around town doing random tasks for people and, more generally speaking, just having a bit of time.

There’s nothing more to say about it Thank God you’re hereanother game that can be completed in one sitting. It’s funny, strange and has a great look. That secures him a spot on this list.

I am your beast

So far, the games on this list have mostly been lighthearted or narrative-focused. I am your beast That’s not necessarily the case.

But it Is a great, stylish, comic-style first-person shooter set in a series of tiny sandboxes full of fun and violent methods to take down your enemies. Do you want to take out guys by kicking them in the face or throwing bear traps at them? Just keep walking. Of course you can also use weapons, but it’s more fun to be creative.

Minishoot adventure

“What if The Legend of Zelda Was an arcade-style shooter?” is the elevator pitch for Minishoot adventureand it is strong. This simple little game combines the twin-stick action of many classic arcade games with the more exploratory puzzle-solving elements of adventure games.

If that quick elevator pitch doesn’t grab you, this may not be your game. But if so, you should probably check this out.

Caravan Sand Witch

I love open world games, but I also love low stakes games. These two genres don’t meet often enough, but when they do, good things happen.

Input Caravan Sand Witchan open-world adventure on an alien planet with a small community of eccentric people to hang out and do things with. Almost all gameplay in Caravan Sand Witch The idea is to drive a van through the desert and explore ruins to find scrap and other valuables. Along the way, you discover a narrative that underlies the whole thing and makes the journey worthwhile.

If you enjoy exploring Zelda But you don’t want to worry about annoying things like fighting or failing, this is the game for you.

Rise of the Golden Idol

The sequel from 2022 The Fall of the Golden Idol is another macabre homage to old PC adventure games.

You’ll use your detective skills to solve a series of 1970s-style cases with stylish visuals that can occasionally veer into disturbing territory. Fans of classic adventure games will surely find something to love here.