Top 10 Hidden Gem Video Games of 2021

Roguelike games with deck-building mechanics have become a well-received, albeit niche corner of the genre over the last few years. But what sets “Inscryption” apart is its incredibly spooky atmosphere and its unique structure. Players face off against an evil figure surrounded by shadow, moving across a procedurally generated board game-like map and battling with woodland creatures. But that’s just the first phase as you’ll also be able to explore the cabin and solve puzzles similar to those in escape rooms. We don’t want to spoil too much about the engaging meta narrative at its core. But trust us when we say that there’s more to “Inscryption” than meets the eye.

We’re suckers for hand drawn art styles that make it look like we’re playing through a picture book. But “Tails of Iron” has more going for it than just a charming presentation. The action RPG puts you in the shoes of Redgi, heir to the Rat Kingdom, which is beset by war from the Frog Clan. While that sounds pretty cute, “Tails of Iron” is dark, dour, and filled with tough but satisfying combat. There’s a lot to customize and a lot to unlock, which made us get lost in its world for hours at a time. The cherry on top? It’s narrated by Geralt of Rivia himself, Doug Cockle.

This isn’t the first mod to become a full game, but it just may be the best. Beginning as a mod for “Skyrim,” “The Forgotten City” tasks players with exploring ancient ruins that transport them back in time to that of the Roman Empire. In this hidden city, if one person sins, everyone is turned to gold. You’ll have to uncover the mystery and save the city by restarting the time loop. The story is one of the most engaging of 2021 with incredibly deep characters, moral quandaries, and multiple endings depending on how you play. For those who want weight behind their decisions, “The Forgotten City” should not be missed.

Our first three games can be a bit stressful, so let’s switch it up. “TOEM” is a hand-drawn, black and white adventure game based around taking photographs. Along your journey, you’ll help characters by snapping photos of certain items or features hidden around each landscape. While it isn’t very difficult, it isn’t meant to be. Its perspective-shifting puzzles are still rewarding, its characters are charmingly quirky, and every level is more delightful than the last. As you continue, you’ll be filled with warmth as you chuckle along with “TOEM’s” simple but pure-hearted dialogue. Everything about it is designed to put you at ease, and it does so spectacularly well.

Some management games can be surprisingly frantic, offering quick-paced gameplay and forcing you to multitask. “Cosmo’s Quickstop” is such a game, and a fantastic one at that. As the new employee of a gas station in space, you’ll play through a variety of time-based minigames to keep the alien customers happy. As you progress, you’ll be able to upgrade your business’ services, which just increases the already terrific gameplay. It’s also got a cartoonishly silly sense of humor that had us grinning from ear to ear as we played. And it includes two-player couch co-op so you and a friend can experience the high-stakes environment together.

Have you ever wondered what “Undertale” would be like with “Guitar Hero” style boss fights? Probably not, but put those together and you get “Everhood.” This RPG follows a wooden doll whose arm is stolen by a blue gnome and who sets out to reclaim it. Along the adventure, you’ll explore dungeons, chat with kooky characters, and face off in tremendous, fast-paced, music-infused battles. The characters will have you cracking up and the combat will leave you craving more. And as you probably could’ve guessed, the soundtrack consists of catchy chiptunes that will burrow into your mind, where they’ll stay for days.

You’ve heard of a murder of crows, now get ready for a crow that’s all about murder! With a design reminiscent of 2D “Zelda” games and just a touch of “Dark Souls” difficulty, “Death’s Door” can please just about any action RPG fan. Players control a Crow who works for a bureaucratic-like organization in charge of ferrying souls to the afterlife. But after stumbling upon a conspiracy, you’ll have to conquer three monster-filled dungeons to see what’s on the other side of Death’s door. Combat is exceptionally well-balanced with awesome weapons, magic attacks, and plenty of nifty stats and abilities, though exploring its world and solving puzzles is also incredibly gratifying.

In the near future, many live in underground communities out of fear of the outside world, which has been ravaged by a deadly toxin. Players control John and Sam, two citizens who leave their lives behind to explore what dangers lie above ground. “Eastward’s” art style and graphics are pristine and we never wanted to stop discovering new areas. It isn’t just the game’s look that made us want to explore. Both characters have different abilities that are used to solve environmental puzzles and fight enemies, with the heart-warming storytelling and humorous characters adding life to a vibrant yet diseased world.

We hope you haven’t grown tired of action-heavy, roguelike dungeon crawlers because “Curse of the Dead Gods” is an extraordinary entry into the genre. There isn’t much in terms of story, but it’s so incredibly fun to play that it doesn’t really matter. You’re an explorer in search of riches and eternal life, though the intimidating beasts that populate the labyrinthine dungeon will make you work hard for it. 10 weapon classes, a variety of permanent upgrades, and double-edged curses give you courage as you venture into the dark. But be careful: there’s no telling what traps or monsters you’ll find in the shadows. If you enjoyed “Hades,” definitely check this one out.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a couple of honorable mentions.

A Roguelike That Lets You Pick Its Terrain

A Point & Click Adventure With A Cosmic Twist

This post-apocalyptic action RPG puts you on the side of the Automatons, sentient robots who once warred with humans. However, the resource that gives them sentience is running out, and it’s up to you to decide who remains and who turns into a killing machine. Clearly, how you spend your time is vitally important. But “Unsighted” is equal parts dungeon crawler and Metroidvania with multiple paths and secrets aplenty. The combat is honestly phenomenal, offering a variety of unlockable weapons, upgrades, and attachments. But its mechanics demand great reflexes as parrying and dodging is key to gaining the upper hand. You’ll have some tough choices to make, but “Unsighted” is more than worthwhile.