Entiendo (I get it) – you have grown tired of playing the same FPS shooter over and over again. I was in the same situation as you are right now, and then I went on the hunt to find new and underappreciated titles.
Well, did I find them? Yes, I did.
I am not gonna lie, there is a weird charm in finding hidden gems and then playing them. The mechanics, the visuals, and the maps are fresh to keep you on your toes the whole time, only if you have a stable internet connection from a reliable provider like Optimum.
I have been using it for the last six months, and I can’t be more satisfied with its fiber-powered connectivity, Optimum en español customer support tailored for Spanish speakers like myself, and affordable plans. Y lo sé (and I know), as gamers, you and I adore all of that. Don’t we?!
Also, when you have nothing to worry about your internet, you get to explore more, and it is good that you explore the hidden gems because it helps game developers to be more creative and work on stuff that is not run-of-the-mill. In this way, we get more games that are interesting.
Anyway, let us talk in detail.
Why are these games underappreciated?
The first reason might just be a lack of marketing or mainstream appeal: Game development houses like Rockstar, Tencent, and EA Sports have mighty budgets tailored towards marketing their products. On the flip side, it is not that the lesser-known titles are bad; it is just that they don’t have the money to spend on marketing. So, they sometimes fly under the radar, but I am here to save them (winks).
Then there are their unique mechanics or design choices. It is just different, and sometimes people don’t find them satisfying. But if you have been playing the same game for the last three years, you will be able to appreciate the differences.
Anyway, es hora de que los apreciemos (it is time we appreciate them).
The Hidden Gems:
Game 1: Painkiller
Oh my, although each option in my list is great, this is my favorite of the bunch.
Painkiller is a fast-paced, arena-style first-person shooter known for its over-the-top action, heavy metal soundtrack, and unique weapons. What I like the most is its music. It is a Slayer concert in itself (if you are into that, because I am).
Apart from the music, players battle hordes of demons and other monstrous enemies in gothic environments, often facing intense combat scenarios. I have found it unique in the way that the game emphasizes more on movement and skillful play, with players encouraged to bunny hop and utilize weapon combos to survive. That is exactly why I think it deserves more attention.
If you haven’t tried it before, you should give it a shot. It will be good.
Game 2: F.E.A.R
Let me start with the story first: the story revolves around Alma Wade. She is a powerful psychic girl, and her connection to a series of paranormal events and a psychic paramilitary commander named Paxton Fettel. Players, which means you, unravel the mystery surrounding Alma and her influence on the Armacham Technology Corporation (ATC).
As for the gameplay and the game’s mechanics, players actually control the Point Man, a silent protagonist with enhanced reflexes, as he battles supernaturally fueled enemies, according to Indie Hive.
In FEAR, a key gameplay mechanic is “reflex time,” a slow-motion ability that allows players to gain an advantage in combat. The game’s artificial intelligence was praised upon release for its tactical and aggressive nature, with enemies capable of flanking maneuvers, suppressing fire, and retreating when under heavy fire.
Melee combat is another cool aspect of the game, allowing players to engage in close-quarters combat with their weapon butts or even utilize jumping kicks and sliding tackles for instant kills.
Why does it deserve more attention? Its mastery of atmosphere, along with psychological dread and engaging combat encounters, makes it a great FPS game yet underappreciated.
Game 3: Cruelty Squad
Último pero no menos importante (last but not least), we have Cruelty Squad, and it won’t be an anomaly if you have already played it.
Cruelty Squad is a tactical first-person shooter (FPS) and immersive sim that stands out with its deliberately unsettling aesthetic and darkly satirical narrative. It was released in 2021 by Finnish indie studio Consumer SoftProducts, and I might be the first person in my circle to play it. Later on, Cruelty Squad garnered a “generally favorable” reception, according to Metacritic.
But it still deserves much more attention for its bizarre humor, experimental gameplay mechanics, and distinctive artistic style.
All in all, these are the games that I think you should play if you are too bored with your run-of-the-mill shooter games. They all, especially Painkiller, will offer you a unique gaming experience. So, go, install them, and have a fun gaming session.
