The Hidden Treasures: Top Ten Underrated PC Games Worth Discovering

PC gaming has a long, storied history packed with high-profile successes that have reshaped the industry. But behind these popular giants are the unsung heroes- games that slipped under the radar either due to low marketing budgets or stiff competition. These underrated gems often provide an engaging gameplay experience and innovative ideas that are unique in their own ways. Here is our top ten list of the most underrated PC games that deserve much more attention.

1. Tyranny (Obsidian Entertainment)

In 2016, Obsidian Entertainment turned the classic fantasy trope on its head with Tyranny. Rather than playing as a hero set to thwart an evil empire, players are cast as a Fatebinder, enforcing the order for said evil empire. While not revolutionarily groundbreaking in terms of game mechanics or graphics, it’s Tyranny's richly nuanced story writing that sets it apart. Its exploration of morality and power is sophisticated and thought-provoking.

2. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (38 Studios)

Despite offering streamlined combat systems and expansive world-building comparable to 'Skyrim', Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning didn't get the mainstream recognition it deserved. Debt issues led to developer 38 Studios' bankruptcy shortly after the game's release, which hindered its success. However, for fans of action RPGs who enjoy deep lore accompanied by an engaging combat system, Kingdoms of Amalur offers rewarding experiences.

3. Beyond Good & Evil (Ubisoft Paris)

Beyond Good & Evil, developed by Ubisoft Paris, despite critical acclaim upon its release in 2003, didn’t achieve commercial success due to poor advertising efforts. The game blends genres effortlessly and offers a richly created world with memorable characters while addressing themes of dystopia, propaganda, and rebellion through its narrative.

4. Vampyr (Dontnod Entertainment)

From Dontnod Entertainment comes Vampyr, an action RPG with complex narrative choices set against the backdrop of 1918 London during the Spanish Flu crisis. As Dr. Jonathan Reid - also a recently transformed vampire - players must wrestle with their newfound predatory nature while still trying to save lives during this health crisis. Prejudiced against due to its perceived flaws at launch time, Vampyr deserves another look for sure.

5. Alpha Protocol (Obsidian Entertainment)

Another entry from Obsidian Entertainment finds itself in this list - Alpha Protocol, a super-spy RPG that poses difficult moral choices and maintains sophisticated dialogue sequences reminiscent of TV shows like '24'. Bugs marred its release, but patched updates have improved gameplay significantly, making this underrated gem worth your attention.

6. Mad Max (Avalanche Studios)

Avalanche Studio's Mad Max, despite using repetitive gameplay elements, shines in atmosphere creation within its post-apocalyptic setting. Gamers praised its vehicular combat while exploring massive desert landscapes makes for a rewarding experience, especially when considering it can often be found at bargain prices nowadays.

7. Enslaved: Odyssey To The West (Ninja Theory)

Ninja Theory's 'Enslaved: Odyssey To The West', was overshadowed by bigger title releases in 2010. Based on the ancient Chinese novel ‘Journey To The West’, this third-person action-adventure game offers engaging storytelling and visually arresting aesthetics that didn't reach as wide an audience as they should have back then.

8. Disco Elysium (ZA/UM)

'Disco Elysium', developed by ZA/UM studio with unique detective-themed RPG gameplay, rolled out with limited fanfare at launch, irrespective of having groundbreaking mechanics. It encourages intellectual engagement using various dialogue paths instead of focus being combat. Well-worth discovery unnumbered standard conventions genre gaming fans looking for out-of-box experience.

9. Spec Ops: The Line(Yager Development)

The Yager Development's narration-based third-person shooter game, 'Spec Ops: The Line', explores mature themes depicting horrors of war overshadowed by a crass marketing campaign focussed on traditional shooting mechanics. Ahead time tackling taboo subjects game made a profound impact on those bothered play wish revisit compelling narrative design reluctant to acknowledge we're soldiering towards goal again,

10.Call Of Juarez: Gunslinger(Techland)

Last, this list,' Call Of Juarez: Gunslinger', Techland is perhaps one of the most hands-down fun experiences. Fast-paced skill-based shooting coupled with clever level design and strong replayability. The fixed portrayal of a wild west era steeped wading legendary gunslingers dueling down dusty streets continues charm doesn't fail pack, punch especially fans genre, These hidden gems prove most celebrated games viable competition. It is the right time to dive treasure trove and expand your library games-less traveled set embark adventure unlike any other. Games may be underrated, but thing's certain quality isn't up for debate!