9 Hidden Gem Games Worth Checking Out
Discover a treasure trove of underappreciated video games that deserve your attention. This curated list, backed by expert opinions, showcases nine hidden gems across various genres, each offering unique gameplay experiences. From innovative fighting mechanics to heartwarming narratives and mind-bending mysteries, these games promise to captivate and surprise even the most seasoned players.
- Bloody Roar 2 Transforms Fighting Games
- Spiritfarer Brings Warmth to Farewells
- Outer Wilds Rewards Curiosity in Space
- Oxenfree Blends Supernatural with Real Dialogue
- Golden Idol Challenges Detective Skills
- Outer Wilds Encourages Patience and Discovery
- A Short Hike Offers Cozy Mountain Adventure
- Obra Dinn Engages Through Deductive Storytelling
- Hades Seamlessly Blends Action and Narrative
Bloody Roar 2 Transforms Fighting Games
“Bloody Roar 2” is a hidden gem that more PlayStation fans should revisit. Its fast-paced combat and unique beast transformation mechanic set it apart from other fighters of the era. Each character’s animal form adds a layer of strategy and flair, making matches feel dynamic and unpredictable. It also had surprising emotional depth in its story mode — rare for a fighting game — and a killer soundtrack to match.
Bryan Philips
Head of Marketing, In Motion Marketing
Spiritfarer Brings Warmth to Farewells
“Spiritfarer” is a quiet masterpiece that more people should play. It’s a management game about guiding spirits to the afterlife — with hand-drawn art, slow pacing, and real emotional weight. What stands out is how it makes farewells feel warm, not grim. It’s one of the few games that treats death with kindness.
Paul Bichsel
CEO, SuccessCX
Outer Wilds Rewards Curiosity in Space
One hidden gem I always tell people about is “Outer Wilds.” It’s this amazing space exploration game where you’re stuck in a 22-minute time loop, trying to figure out what’s really going on in this little solar system. What makes it stand out is that it doesn’t give you quests or markers — you just follow your curiosity, piece clues together, and every discovery feels earned. The feeling when you connect the dots and unlock a secret is like nothing else. It’s clever, beautiful, and really sticks with you long after you finish. I wish more people gave it a shot instead of only sticking to the big blockbuster games — it deserves way more love!
Hicham Badri
Blogger, SEO Expert, Gamerprospect
Oxenfree Blends Supernatural with Real Dialogue
I stumbled upon this game called “Oxenfree” a while back, and it’s been a standout for me. It’s an indie game that combines supernatural elements with a strong narrative that really pulls you in. The dialogue system is seamless, letting characters talk in a way that feels so real and fluid, you forget you’re in a game sometimes. What really makes it shine, though, is the way your choices genuinely affect the outcome of the story. It’s like peeling an onion; every layer reveals something new each time you play.
Plus, the whole vibe of the game — it’s got this eerie, yet beautiful art style that perfectly captures the mysterious and slightly spooky tone of the adventure. The soundtrack, too, is absolutely spot on, enhancing those tense moments and making the calm ones truly serene. For anyone who loves games where story and atmosphere are front and center, “Oxenfree” should definitely be on your radar. Just dive in and let the island’s mystery unfold. You won’t regret giving this game a shot!
Alex Cornici
Marketing & PR Coordinator, Magic Hour AI
Golden Idol Challenges Detective Skills
One hidden gem I keep recommending is “The Case of the Golden Idol.” It’s a brilliant, pixel-art detective game that flew under the radar but completely hooked me. Each chapter drops you into a murder scene frozen in time, and it’s up to you to piece together the clues and logic to figure out what happened. It’s like stepping into a living puzzle, and every solved mystery feels like a true triumph of brainpower.
What stands out to me is how smart the game is. It doesn’t rely on flashy mechanics or over-designed UI; it trusts the player. For someone like me, who’s spent years in growth marketing and publisher development, I know how rare it is for a game to take that risk and still be so effective. Games like “The Case of the Golden Idol” are proof that immersive storytelling and gameplay can thrive outside of traditional platforms.
David Diaz
Co-Founder and Chief Commerical Officer, Ray Browser
Outer Wilds Encourages Patience and Discovery
One hidden gem game I absolutely love is “Outer Wilds.” It’s an exploration-based adventure where you play as a space explorer stuck in a time loop, trying to uncover the mysteries of a solar system on the brink of destruction. What makes it stand out to me is the unique sense of discovery — it’s not about combat or leveling up, but about learning through trial and error. The game’s mechanics of time loops and environmental puzzles keep you engaged and force you to think creatively. The soundtrack is incredible, and the story feels incredibly organic, unfolding naturally as you piece together clues from the world around you. It’s a game that encourages patience and curiosity, and every time I discover something new, it feels like a personal triumph. More people should know about it because it’s a truly refreshing, thought-provoking experience.
Nikita Sherbina
Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
A Short Hike Offers Cozy Mountain Adventure
One hidden gem I absolutely love is “A Short Hike.” It’s a cozy, exploration-based indie game where you play as a bird named Claire hiking up a mountain to get cell phone reception. What makes it stand out is its relaxing vibe, charming pixel art, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. There’s no pressure or combat, just gliding, climbing, and chatting with quirky characters you meet along the way. The world feels alive with secrets, side quests, and hidden treasures. It’s surprisingly heartwarming and perfect for unwinding. I love how it subtly blends humor, adventure, and emotional moments in such a short, simple experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Qianqian He
Founder, BOXKING GAMING
Obra Dinn Engages Through Deductive Storytelling
A hidden gem I love is “Return of the Obra Dinn” — a masterclass in storytelling through deduction.
What sets it apart isn’t flashy graphics but its brilliant use of minimalism and player-driven narrative. You’re piecing together a ship’s mystery by connecting clues and making logical leaps, turning the player into a detective. It’s challenging, rewarding, and deeply immersive — no handholding, just pure engagement.
David Quintero
CEO and Founder, NewswireJet
Hades Seamlessly Blends Action and Narrative
I’m a big fan of “Hades” — it’s not exactly unknown, but it’s still overlooked by people outside the usual gaming crowd. It has fast-paced action, but what pulls me in is the story progression. Every time you “fail,” the characters react as if it’s part of the plan. It feels more like a conversation than a game over.
What really stands out is how polished everything feels without being overcomplicated. The art, the soundtrack, the dialogue — it all flows together seamlessly. You keep playing not just to win, but to see what someone says next. For anyone who enjoys games that reward persistence and attention to detail, it’s a gem worth picking up.
Russ Vall
Co-Founder, Mio Jewelry INC
