What Is the Most Underrated Game of 2024?

The past year saw the release of so many excellent titles across all genres. But there are, sadly, some games that didn’t see the success or popularity they otherwise deserved. The Siliconera staff has come up with our picks for the most underrated game of 2024 that you should pick up and play, especially over the holiday season.

Siliconera Speaks Up: Most Underrated Game of 2024

Arco is absolutely amazing. It’s such a fascinating strategy game with unique combat system and gameplay. Plus the places it takes us, people we meet, and stories it tells feel unique. I loved seeing how it all came together in the end. Plus, it looks so different, but so gorgeous. — Jenni

It’s not the most revolutionary game in the world, but I’d still like to go to bat for Sand Land. It had that charming Toriyama style, fun vehicle customization and was just a cozy, fun time all the way through. Plus, I like that the stealth-takedown animation is just the prince making a scary face at some soldiers so they faint. — Elliot

I found Isles of Sea and Sky truly wonderful, and I need more people to give it a try. It is a sokoban style puzzle game with open-ended world exploration and a progression system that borrows from Zelda and Metroidvanias. I usually struggle to fully get through most puzzle games, even if I like them a lot, but with Isles of Sea and Sky I could not get enough of it. It helps a lot that the pixel art graphics have a cozy SNES or Game Boy Color vibe and the music is a delight. Seriously, give it a try! — Daniel

There are quite a lot of picks this year for the most underrated game of 2024. My overall pick has to be Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club. This is a stunning visual novel that isn’t too difficult, with a solid mystery. Its ending is a bit weird, but if you stick with it, it balloons into a masterpiece conclusion everyone should check out. The other pick I have to point out is Ova Magica. It has some early access quirks about it, but this game beautifully blends farming sims and Pokemon together in a neat, colorful way. I just wish there was more content. — Cody