Every gamer has that one hill they’re willing to die on—the game everyone else slept on, hated, or dismissed—but you’ll defend until the end of time. For me, that list of games I’m ready to defend is…kind of long. Over the years, I’ve fallen hard for games that either launched to mixed reviews, got overshadowed by bigger titles, or just didn’t get the respect they deserved.
Some of these games were victims of expectations that could never be met. Others were unfairly written off before players even gave them a chance. And a few are quiet little gems that slipped under the radar entirely.
Regardless of the reasons why these games were passed over, these are some of the most memorable and stuck with me over the years—the ones that made me laugh, cry, scream, and think long after I put down the mouse or controller. Whether it’s unforgettable storytelling, innovative gameplay, or pure emotional impact, these 15 titles truly deserve more love.
15 Games That Deserve More Love
1. Persona 3
If Persona 5 is the stylish, polished breakout star, Persona 3 is the emotional heavyweight that set the stage, but often gets overlooked. I go into full detail about why it’s a must-play in an earlier post, but in short: Persona 3’s unique tone, haunting atmosphere, and bold exploration of mortality and identity make it one of the most memorable entries in the series.
The game now exists in multiple forms: the original Persona 3, the expanded FES, the portable-focused P3P, and the gorgeous modern remake, Persona 3 Reload. While each version offers its own spin on the story and mechanics, the heart of Persona 3 remains the same—a deeply personal journey through grief, connection, and sacrifice.
If you only know Persona through Joker and the gang, this is the perfect chance to experience the game that started it all. You can also read my full thoughts here: Why You Need to Play Persona 3.
2. Alien Isolation
As a massive fan of the Alien movies—and as someone whose Dead by Daylight killer of choice is the Xenomorph—it was only natural that I gravitated toward Alien: Isolation. I don’t know exactly what I was expecting going in, but as someone who regularly plays Dead Space, Fatal Frame, and Resident Evil, I certainly didn’t expect this game to terrify me to the point of sweating through my shirt and literally screaming at one point.
The atmosphere is relentless. From the sterile, claustrophobic corridors of the Sevastopol Station to the constant creaks and distant echoes, the game makes you feel like the Alien could be lurking behind every single corner. And it’s not just the Xenomorph you have to worry about—the station is crawling with hostile human survivors and eerily aggressive androids, which only compounds the tension.
Alien: Isolation is, without a doubt, one of the most immersive and nerve-shredding horror experiences I’ve ever played. If you want a game that captures the sheer terror of Ridley Scott’s original film, look no further—just…maybe keep the lights on.
3. Immortals Fenyx Rising
I’ve already written a post or two about this game on my blog, but I still think Immortals Fenyx Rising deserves way more love than it ever got. At launch, it was instantly labeled a “Breath of the Wild clone,” which is honestly unfair. While it shares some DNA — open-world exploration, puzzle-filled vaults, and a stamina-based climbing system—it has its own vibrant personality and delivers a fresh, hilarious take on Greek mythology.
You play as Fenyx, a customizable hero thrust into an adventure to save the gods themselves, and the journey is bursting with charm. The narration—led by Zeus and the rest of the gods bickering — adds so much humor and personality to the storytelling, setting it apart from other open-world games that take themselves way too seriously.
The world itself is stunning and surprisingly rewarding to explore. Combat is fast and fluid, traversal is deeply satisfying, and the puzzles are cleverly designed without being frustrating. Honestly, the only hill I’ll die on here is that Ubisoft really dropped the ball by not supporting this with sequels or expansions. There was so much potential to build a beloved franchise here, and it’s baffling that they let it fade into obscurity.
If you skipped this one because you thought it was “Greek Breath of the Wild,” I highly recommend giving it a chance. It’s charming, funny, and quietly one of Ubisoft’s most creative games in years.
Check out my first impressions of the game here and my final thoughts of the game here.
4. Final Fantasy XIII
After years of development hell and sky-high expectations, Final Fantasy XIII had an uphill battle from the start. As the first installment of the ambitious Fabula Nova Crystallis trilogy (which also spawned Final Fantasy Versus XIII—later reworked into XV after its own development hell), fans expected perfection… and many felt let down. It didn’t help that this was the first mainline FF with a female protagonist, Lightning, originally envisioned as a “female Cloud Strife.” The problem? Traits that made Cloud iconic didn’t land the same way on Lightning at the time, and players weren’t ready to embrace her stoic, blunt personality.
Yes, the story can be a little soap-opera at times, and yes, people mocked it as a “hallway simulator” with its linear design (something that doesn’t even bother me, personally), story-locked leveling, and notoriously stingy economy. But here’s the thing: beneath all that, there’s a fantastic game. The world-building is complex and gorgeous, the characters are lovable, the battle system is fast and strategic–even with being turn-based, and the soundtrack? Absolutely phenomenal.
If anything, Final Fantasy XIII deserves a full remake to let modern players rediscover its potential and to add some quality of life updates. I don’t care what anyone says—this game holds up shockingly well today.
5. Beacon Pines
Beacon Pines is a game that completely flew under the radar, which is a shame because it’s something really special. On the surface, it looks like a cute storybook adventure, but beneath the charming art style lies a surprisingly dark and emotional narrative. You play as Luka, a young boy uncovering secrets about his small town, with the unique twist of collecting “charms” that let you rewrite key moments in the story and explore branching paths.
It’s cozy, mysterious, and heartfelt all at once—the kind of game that sneaks up on you and lingers long after the credits roll. If you love immersive and narrative-driven games with plenty of heart, plus mystery and cute animals, this game is definitely worth checking out. For more on the game, check out my whole review here.
6. Bioshock 2
BioShock 2 gets an unfairly bad rap for being “the sequel nobody asked for” and not being helmed by Ken Levine, but it quietly refined everything that made the first game so memorable. The dual-wielding plasmid system was a game-changer—you could finally use powers and weapons at the same time, creating fluid, dynamic combat scenarios the original couldn’t deliver. Being able to aim down sights and actually move while firing added a smoother, more modern feel to the gunplay without sacrificing the series’ tension.
But what really makes BioShock 2 special is the perspective shift: from the very beginning, you step into the boots of Subject Delta, a prototype Big Daddy. In the first game, becoming a Big Daddy was a late-game twist—here, you start as one, instantly flipping the power dynamic on its head. You’re stronger, more imposing, and yet emotionally tethered to Eleanor in a way that gives the story unexpected weight. In fact, the relationship between Delta and Eleanor is more powerful and impactful than the one between Elizabeth and Booker in Infinite. Elizabeth might be one of gaming’s most iconic companions, but this bond goes deeper—it’s raw, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. And don’t even get me started on the Minerva’s Den DLC—it’s a masterpiece in storytelling. If it doesn’t make you cry, you might want to have your heart checked.
With its improved gameplay, richer emotional stakes, and some of the series’ best writing, BioShock 2 deserves far more credit than it gets.
7. Stellar Blade
I still can’t believe how many people have slept on this game. I was initially hesitant to pick it up myself due to its heavy reliance on the oversexualization of its heroine, EVE, and its souls-like battle system, but the moment I started playing, I was hooked. I became instantly invested in EVE’s journey through a dystopian future where Earth has fallen to global warming, leading to the creation of a new race of humans who no longer need to eat, breathe, or even have heartbeats.
Shepherding this fragile existence is the Mother Sphere, an AI in the Colony above Earth, who created an army of android-like warriors (like EVE) to battle the monstrous Naytibas that have overtaken the planet. Between its breathtaking environments, addictively fun combat, fantastic soundtrack, and surprisingly emotional storytelling, Stellar Blade delivers far more than the marketing suggested.
If you want my full thoughts, you can read my deep-dive review here: Stellar Blade: Stellar Potential.
8. Ico / Shadow of the Colossus / The Last Guardian
I’m cheating a little here by grouping these together, but Fumito Ueda’s trilogy is so deeply connected in spirit that it just feels right. These aren’t just games; they’re experiences — haunting, minimalist masterpieces that rely on atmosphere and quiet emotion rather than exposition.
- Ico is an intimate escape story about two outcasts forming a bond without ever really sharing words.
- Shadow of the Colossus scales the concept up to something mythic, pitting you against towering, lonely colossi in a dying world, with each victory leaving you more hollow than triumphant.
- The Last Guardian brings the focus back to connection, letting you forge a delicate, heart-wrenching relationship with Trico, the giant cat-bird-dog you’ll want to adopt IRL.
Each of these titles explores themes of isolation, sacrifice, and love without needing to spell them out. They’re quiet, emotional, and unlike anything else in gaming. If you’ve never played them, you’re missing some of the most soulful storytelling this medium has ever seen.
9. Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy X-2 gets a lot of undeserved hate, and I’ve never understood it. As the first direct sequel in Final Fantasy history, it shocked fans by taking Yuna—the pure, selfless heroine who carried the entire weight of Spira in Final Fantasy X and reimagining her as someone finally free to figure out what she wanted for herself.
Yes, that meant a skimpier outfit, dual pistols, and a major tone shift that threw people off—but that was the entire point. For the first time, Yuna wasn’t defined by sacrifice. She wasn’t the quiet savior anymore; she was allowed to live—to explore, laugh, and even make mistakes. Watching her come into her own as a person instead of a symbol was refreshing, not to mention healing. And the narrative flip where she gets to save Tidus this time around? Perfectly cathartic.
Add in the unique dressphere system (one of the most creative combat mechanics in the series), addictive mini-games, and a surprisingly heartfelt story buried beneath the playful surface, and X-2 deserves far more love than it gets.
10. Assassin’s Creed Unity
Assassin’s Creed Unity is one of my absolute favorites in the series, and I’ll never understand why it didn’t get more love. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, it offers one of the most gorgeous and atmospheric recreations of Paris I’ve ever seen in a game. But what really sets it apart is the story—this was the most invested I’d been since losing Ezio Auditore da Firenze, and that’s saying something.
You play as Arno Dorian, an Assassin caught between loyalty, redemption, and forbidden love. His relationship with Élise de la Serre, a fiercely independent Templar, creates a star-crossed lovers storyline that highlights the ideological clash at the heart of the series. Their dynamic felt raw, personal, and heartbreaking in a way few Assassin’s Creed games manage to pull off.
Between its smooth parkour system, breathtaking city design, and emotionally driven narrative, Unity deserves far more recognition than it gets. If you skipped it or overlooked it, it’s absolutely worth revisiting today.
11. Abzû
If you loved Journey, you owe it to yourself to dive into Abzû—literally. From the same art director, this serene underwater adventure starts as a celebration of the ocean’s beauty, inviting you to swim alongside vibrant schools of fish, glide with manta rays, and uncover hidden marine wonders. It’s awe-inspiring from the very beginning, almost meditative, as if the game is whispering: “Look how alive the world still is.”
But as you dive deeper, you discover there’s far more beneath the surface. Abzû slowly reveals an ancient story, hidden ruins, and an unsettling imbalance threatening this underwater paradise. Without a single line of dialogue, the game blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and light narrative into a breathtaking emotional journey. Guided by an ethereal soundtrack, it transitions from tranquil to transcendent—leaving you with a sense of wonder long after the credits roll. For more of my thoughts on this game, check out this post here.
12. Voice of Cards
Voice of Cards is such an interesting little gem that never got the recognition it deserved. And I never see anyone talking about it. Inspired by tabletop games, it tells its entire story through cards — characters, environments, combat, even exploration—all narrated by a single storyteller. Directed by Yoko Taro (the genius behind NieR and Drakengard), it carries his signature blend of humor, oddity, and quiet melancholy, but wrapped in a cozy, low-pressure package.
I found this game funny, innovative, and unexpectedly relaxing. The gentle music and soft narration even lulled me to sleep a few times, which I say as a compliment. Though I haven’t finished the first title yet, I definitely plan to revisit it—especially since it ended up spawning two sequels. If you’re looking for something offbeat, soothing, and creative, Voice of Cards deserves a spot on your list.
13. Infamous
At one time, you were just as likely to see profile pictures of its hero, Cole, as you were of Uncharted’s Nathan Drake. But Sony let this series slip quietly into the night, even though the Infamous games delivered some of the best superhero storytelling and gameplay of their time.
What made these games truly special was player choice. The karma system didn’t just alter Cole’s powers — it changed the entire story, the relationships around him, and even the fate of the city itself. This kind of agency is something books and movies simply can’t replicate. Games like Infamous prove that interactive storytelling has its own unique strengths, letting you shape the world in a way no passive medium can.
The traversal felt amazing, the powers were unique, and the narratives—especially in Infamous 2— were surprisingly emotional. This series deserved so much more support than it got.
14. Viva Piñata
Many of you probably haven’t thought about this game in years—if at all—since it was mostly written off as a kids’ game (and, yes, there was even a cartoon). But I really believe Viva Piñata was way ahead of its time and would absolutely thrive with today’s cozy gaming crowd. The premise sounds simple: you manage your own little plot of land, cultivating it to attract, care for, and breed different species of piñata. But the gameplay was surprisingly deep and rewarding, with a hidden layer of strategy beneath its cheerful, candy-coated visuals.
In a lot of ways, Viva Piñata walked so games like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Sunhaven could run. It offered endless customization, charming creatures with unique personalities, and a surprisingly relaxing yet addictive gameplay loop. Honestly, if Rare re-released this game today with just a few quality-of-life updates, I have no doubt it would find a massive, devoted audience.
15. The entire “Tales of” Series
I simply couldn’t make this list without talking about the Tales series—a franchise that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as series greats like Final Fantasy, Fire Emblem, and Persona but is constantly overlooked. From Tales of Symphonia and Vesperia to Tales of Berseria and the more recent Tales of Arise, this JRPG series consistently delivers heartfelt stories, layered characters, and dynamic combat systems.
What makes the series special is how deeply it leans into character-driven storytelling. Each entry builds a world full of moral complexity while balancing its heavier themes with humor, warmth, and genuinely endearing party dynamics. With one of my favorites of the series, Tales of Xillia, being remastered for modern platforms, there’s not a better time to check out the series. Start anywhere in the series, but trust me: once you dive in, you’ll get hooked on some of the best character writing, creative world-building, and emotional payoffs JRPGs have to offer.
At the end of the day, I think these games prove one thing: critical reception and popularity aren’t always the best indicators of greatness. Each of these titles offers something special—a story, a feeling, or an experience that stays with you.
If you haven’t played them yet, I hope this inspires you to give them a chance. And if you have, maybe this list reminded you why they deserved your love in the first place. What about you—what hidden gems would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
What an awesome post, I love when people share the lesser known gems they think need more hype. (whether it be books, games or any kind of media). Immortals Fenyx Rising sounds interesting I’ve never heard of it before but I’m curious. Beacon Pines is on my wishlist so it’s nice to see it on this list and I hope I get to try it out someday! And I’ve also been curious about the Assassin’s Creed games because I feel like I would enjoy them. It sucks not a lot of people loved your fav one. And now I need to see if Voice of Cards is on Steam.
Aww, thank you, Veronica! I’m so glad I could introduce you to a few you haven’t heard of and encourage you to pick some of the others up 🙂 I was actually just thinking that Beacon Pines would be a great game to replay for spooky season myself!
I don’t know if you’re interested, but I’m part of a Video Game “Book” Club where we play a different game a month and discuss them? It’s been a great way to learn about new games (and ones that are new to me too). It’s hosted by another blogger, Kirsten from Video Games as Literature! There’s absolutely no pressure to play or finish games, but we do discuss them in discord.