5 sleeper-hit video games that you must try out

When new video games are introduced, it's easy to overlook the hidden gems that are often overshadowed by big releases. These titles present some of the best story and gameplay experiences that are unrecognized most time. However, those who get their hands on these video games become the lucky players to experience hidden gems.

Over the years, the gaming industry has seen many sleeper hits that gamers have slept on and later realized that they were masterpieces. To that end, this article looks at five sleeper-hit games that you should try out.

NOTE: This article is subjective, solely reflects the writer's opinions, and is not ranked in any particular order.

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These sleeper-hit video games are a must-play

1) What Remains of Edith Finch

What Remains of Edith Finch features a great art style (Image via Annapurna Interactive)

What Remains of Edith Finch involves walking from one room to another inside your ancestral home, as you explore your deceased family member's tales of how they died in mysterious ways. Being the only family member left, you are alone in the house, although you won't feel that way.

This narrative-focused game tells the story of every family member's passing in a creative manner by making you play as them through small gameplay segments. What Remains of Edith Finch is a psychological first-person horror game where your character narrates in the background as you explore the past. Although the game is under three hours long, the story will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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2) Shadow of Mordor

Shadow of Mordor is an Action RPG (Image via Warner Bros. Games)

Shadow of Mordor is a video game from the PlayStation 3 generation of consoles which was released in 2014. The game puts you in the fictional world of Mordor, where you uncover the secrets behind the Rings of Power. In this Action RPG, you not only explore the open world of Mordor but also prepare yourself to come face-to-face with Sauron.

Shadow of Mordor is an action-adventure title, where you spend your time learning about the lore of the lands and using the hack-and-slash combat system. The game's best feature is the introduction of the nemesis system which generates new enemies with distinct personalities that react to your character's actions accordingly during gameplay.

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3) Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium is an underrated video game (Image via ZA/UM)

Disco Elysium is a single-player RPG where you play as a detective trying to solve mysteries across the city. You will cross paths with characters with the weirdest yet most unique personalities, as you accept bribes and look for murderers. The game sports an isometric view where you can view a large portion of the map to locate important landmarks and NPCs nearby.

Disco Elysium does its best to give the player the freedom of choice. Your decisions alter the story and your resolution matters, whether politically or criminally-related. This indie title encourages exploration, allowing you to meet new characters and get familiar with the atmosphere of the streets and back alleyways, as you solve cases and purchase drugs.

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4) Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a video game that features pixelated graphics (Image via ConcernedApe)

Stardew Valley is a video game that might not appeal to some players initially due to the pixelated graphics. However, this art style helps in giving the game a retro feel. The story is simple: it revolves around your late grandfather passing down his farm to you, which is filled with farming tools and coins to start a new phase of your life.

With your new life in Stardew Valley, you have to prove that you have the skills to utilize the land. This indie title is a single-player farming simulator wherein you use hand-me-down tools to take care of the land and make a living. The game is perfect for those looking to play alone or with a friend in multiplayer to pass the time.

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5) Hades

Hades is a hack-and-slash video game (Image via Supergiant Games)

Hades is an underrated indie title that deserves recognition for its hand-drawn art style and atmosphere. Inspired by Greek mythology, you are stuck in the underworld trying to escape Hades. This game is an action roguelike at heart where you will die over and over again if you are not careful, forcing you to start it from the very beginning.

Thus, you need to strategize properly before entering a battle, as you take on enemies with the game's satisfying hack-and-slash combat. As you explore dungeons in the underworld and engage in combat, you are accompanied by a great soundtrack. There was also a sequel called Hades 2, which is as good as the first title.