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  3. You missed these hidden gems. Most people did. 10 PC games with fewer than 100 Steam reviews.

You missed these hidden gems. Most people did. 10 PC games with fewer than 100 Steam reviews.

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  • A atomicpoet@lemmy.world

    So I was asked, “Can you recommend to me some hidden gems?”

    To be honest with you, most good PC games are hidden gems.

    Look at the numbers: over 1,000 PC games drop on Steam every month. That’s an entire NES library’s worth – every 30 days. Almost all of it sinks without a trace.

    And of the games that are popular, too many get forgotten because – like it or not – PC gaming doesn’t have the same kind of retro ecosystem that console gaming has. Go to any retro game con – you’ll see NES carts, PS2 displays, Genesis boxes. But hardly any PC games. And when PC gaming is spoken about at all, it’s almost always about hardware. Not the games that made us chase better graphics cards in the first place.

    So let’s change that.

    I’ll keep this simple. Every game below has under 100 reviews on Steam. That’s my benchmark for “hidden gem.” Some are old. Some are modern. All are worth your time.

    1. ORB: Off-World Resource Base

    This is a lot like Homeworld but with more of an emphasis on resource extraction. Basically, it’s a true 3D RTS. Because this is space, you have to interact in an environment with width, length, and depth. Navigating the maps takes time to get used to, but once you figure it out, the gameplay becomes addictive. The story is also quite compelling too.

    1. Ookibloks

    One of the best puzzle games I’ve ever played. If Nintendo published this, it would be deemed a classic. The goal is simple: you’re a monkey collecting bananas that are embedded in blocks. In order to get them, you must smash the blocks. In your way are a bunch of enemies, and if you touch them, you die. And you got to pass each level quick or else Devil Cat will come after you.

    1. Paper Monsters Recut

    A cute and cozy 2.5D platformer with cute paper-like visuals. If you’re looking for something family-friendly that’s easy enough for kids to control, then Paper Monsters Recut is a must. The characters are adorable, the environments are stunning, and it’s so fun to explore. The soundtrack is also incredibly memorable.

    1. Curse of the Crescent Isle DX

    You know how Super Mario Bros. 2 was vastly different from the first Super Mario Bros. – and then Nintendo never implemented that gameplay mechanic ever again with a Mario game? Well, Curse of the Crescent Isle is a spiritual successor to Super Mario Bros. 2, with similar NES-style visuals, but even more complexity.

    1. Space Moth DX

    This is an above average vertical bullet hell shoot-'em-up. But what takes this over the top is the stunning visuals. No, this is not breaking any new ground – you can run this on a potato. But all those insects paired with the psychedelic colours is a feast for the eye. And I got to say, shooting up some butterflies while gliding past some sakura never gets old.

    1. Z.A.R.

    Released in 1998, this Russian-made FPS was ambitious for its time time – notable for supporting VR. However, Z.A.R. is nothing like Quake or really any FPS. Each level is about navigating an open map, finding enemies, eliminating them – then reaching the extraction point. Another neat aspect is the destructible environments. Nightdive Studios re-released this for a good reason.

    1. Demon’s Crystals

    A fast-paced twin-stick shooter with a Halloween theme and Pentium-era low poly visuals. Easy to start, incredibly difficult to master. The guns are excellent, the challenges are fun, and it’s a genuine thrill to collect those crystals. If you like arcade-style gaming, this is wonderful.

    1. Hyper Sentinel

    If you’re familiar with the C64 classic shoot-'em-up Uridium, Hyper Sentinel is pretty much its spiritual sequel. But also, it’s so much better. Not only does it have better visuals, it has exceptional controls too. What’s more, the power-ups and boss fights are truly epic. Truly one of the best neo-retro games I’ve played.

    1. Katana Soul

    Another C64-inspired game with an impressive CRT filter. You are a samurai taking on demons. Of course, you’re slicing them up with your katana. The difficulty isn’t for everyone, but if you love old school 2D platformers, this will be a must-play. And I got to say that SEEP, the developer, makes some truly memorably neo-retro games.

    1. Timberman: The Big Adventure

    You may be familiar with Timberman, a simple-but-addictive arcade game where the goal is to chop as much wood as you can without being mangled by branches. What not a whole lot of people know is that, two years ago, a spin-off 2D platformer was released – and it is absolutely fantastic. Controls are precise, the visuals are beautiful, and it’s got a lot of charm. Unfortunately, few people have played it. This is a definitive hidden gem.

    These aren’t just hidden gems. They’re the bones of a forgotten culture. And they’re still gleaming.

    O This user is from outside of this forum
    O This user is from outside of this forum
    overload@sopuli.xyz
    wrote on last edited by
    #17

    Great write up. You should do more.

    I just wanted to mention that the game paper monsters recut didn’t have a buy link on the steam page 😞 maybe an Australia thing.

    Everyone be careful when looking for Z.A.R. because there is a game called ZAR with very poor Steam reviews that is released more recently.

    Demon’s crystals looked awesome!

    1 Reply Last reply
    2
    • A atomicpoet@lemmy.world

      So I was asked, “Can you recommend to me some hidden gems?”

      To be honest with you, most good PC games are hidden gems.

      Look at the numbers: over 1,000 PC games drop on Steam every month. That’s an entire NES library’s worth – every 30 days. Almost all of it sinks without a trace.

      And of the games that are popular, too many get forgotten because – like it or not – PC gaming doesn’t have the same kind of retro ecosystem that console gaming has. Go to any retro game con – you’ll see NES carts, PS2 displays, Genesis boxes. But hardly any PC games. And when PC gaming is spoken about at all, it’s almost always about hardware. Not the games that made us chase better graphics cards in the first place.

      So let’s change that.

      I’ll keep this simple. Every game below has under 100 reviews on Steam. That’s my benchmark for “hidden gem.” Some are old. Some are modern. All are worth your time.

      1. ORB: Off-World Resource Base

      This is a lot like Homeworld but with more of an emphasis on resource extraction. Basically, it’s a true 3D RTS. Because this is space, you have to interact in an environment with width, length, and depth. Navigating the maps takes time to get used to, but once you figure it out, the gameplay becomes addictive. The story is also quite compelling too.

      1. Ookibloks

      One of the best puzzle games I’ve ever played. If Nintendo published this, it would be deemed a classic. The goal is simple: you’re a monkey collecting bananas that are embedded in blocks. In order to get them, you must smash the blocks. In your way are a bunch of enemies, and if you touch them, you die. And you got to pass each level quick or else Devil Cat will come after you.

      1. Paper Monsters Recut

      A cute and cozy 2.5D platformer with cute paper-like visuals. If you’re looking for something family-friendly that’s easy enough for kids to control, then Paper Monsters Recut is a must. The characters are adorable, the environments are stunning, and it’s so fun to explore. The soundtrack is also incredibly memorable.

      1. Curse of the Crescent Isle DX

      You know how Super Mario Bros. 2 was vastly different from the first Super Mario Bros. – and then Nintendo never implemented that gameplay mechanic ever again with a Mario game? Well, Curse of the Crescent Isle is a spiritual successor to Super Mario Bros. 2, with similar NES-style visuals, but even more complexity.

      1. Space Moth DX

      This is an above average vertical bullet hell shoot-'em-up. But what takes this over the top is the stunning visuals. No, this is not breaking any new ground – you can run this on a potato. But all those insects paired with the psychedelic colours is a feast for the eye. And I got to say, shooting up some butterflies while gliding past some sakura never gets old.

      1. Z.A.R.

      Released in 1998, this Russian-made FPS was ambitious for its time time – notable for supporting VR. However, Z.A.R. is nothing like Quake or really any FPS. Each level is about navigating an open map, finding enemies, eliminating them – then reaching the extraction point. Another neat aspect is the destructible environments. Nightdive Studios re-released this for a good reason.

      1. Demon’s Crystals

      A fast-paced twin-stick shooter with a Halloween theme and Pentium-era low poly visuals. Easy to start, incredibly difficult to master. The guns are excellent, the challenges are fun, and it’s a genuine thrill to collect those crystals. If you like arcade-style gaming, this is wonderful.

      1. Hyper Sentinel

      If you’re familiar with the C64 classic shoot-'em-up Uridium, Hyper Sentinel is pretty much its spiritual sequel. But also, it’s so much better. Not only does it have better visuals, it has exceptional controls too. What’s more, the power-ups and boss fights are truly epic. Truly one of the best neo-retro games I’ve played.

      1. Katana Soul

      Another C64-inspired game with an impressive CRT filter. You are a samurai taking on demons. Of course, you’re slicing them up with your katana. The difficulty isn’t for everyone, but if you love old school 2D platformers, this will be a must-play. And I got to say that SEEP, the developer, makes some truly memorably neo-retro games.

      1. Timberman: The Big Adventure

      You may be familiar with Timberman, a simple-but-addictive arcade game where the goal is to chop as much wood as you can without being mangled by branches. What not a whole lot of people know is that, two years ago, a spin-off 2D platformer was released – and it is absolutely fantastic. Controls are precise, the visuals are beautiful, and it’s got a lot of charm. Unfortunately, few people have played it. This is a definitive hidden gem.

      These aren’t just hidden gems. They’re the bones of a forgotten culture. And they’re still gleaming.

      K This user is from outside of this forum
      K This user is from outside of this forum
      kryptoniancodemonkey@lemmy.world
      wrote on last edited by kryptoniancodemonkey@lemmy.world
      #18

      Thanks for the recommendations

      1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • ddash@lemmy.dbzer0.comD ddash@lemmy.dbzer0.com

        Thanks! I think it would be great if you could include links for each. The first was impossible to find for me in the Steam Android app. Turns out the name is really just ORB. Link here https://store.steampowered.com/app/281390/ORB/

        sturgist@lemmy.caS This user is from outside of this forum
        sturgist@lemmy.caS This user is from outside of this forum
        sturgist@lemmy.ca
        wrote on last edited by
        #19

        Link Preview Image
        O.R.B.: Off-World Resource Base

        The Malus are a product of their planet’s harsh environment. Scarce water, extremely hi

        favicon

        GOG.com (www.gog.com)

        The gog link, on sale right now for £0.99

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • A atomicpoet@lemmy.world

          So I was asked, “Can you recommend to me some hidden gems?”

          To be honest with you, most good PC games are hidden gems.

          Look at the numbers: over 1,000 PC games drop on Steam every month. That’s an entire NES library’s worth – every 30 days. Almost all of it sinks without a trace.

          And of the games that are popular, too many get forgotten because – like it or not – PC gaming doesn’t have the same kind of retro ecosystem that console gaming has. Go to any retro game con – you’ll see NES carts, PS2 displays, Genesis boxes. But hardly any PC games. And when PC gaming is spoken about at all, it’s almost always about hardware. Not the games that made us chase better graphics cards in the first place.

          So let’s change that.

          I’ll keep this simple. Every game below has under 100 reviews on Steam. That’s my benchmark for “hidden gem.” Some are old. Some are modern. All are worth your time.

          1. ORB: Off-World Resource Base

          This is a lot like Homeworld but with more of an emphasis on resource extraction. Basically, it’s a true 3D RTS. Because this is space, you have to interact in an environment with width, length, and depth. Navigating the maps takes time to get used to, but once you figure it out, the gameplay becomes addictive. The story is also quite compelling too.

          1. Ookibloks

          One of the best puzzle games I’ve ever played. If Nintendo published this, it would be deemed a classic. The goal is simple: you’re a monkey collecting bananas that are embedded in blocks. In order to get them, you must smash the blocks. In your way are a bunch of enemies, and if you touch them, you die. And you got to pass each level quick or else Devil Cat will come after you.

          1. Paper Monsters Recut

          A cute and cozy 2.5D platformer with cute paper-like visuals. If you’re looking for something family-friendly that’s easy enough for kids to control, then Paper Monsters Recut is a must. The characters are adorable, the environments are stunning, and it’s so fun to explore. The soundtrack is also incredibly memorable.

          1. Curse of the Crescent Isle DX

          You know how Super Mario Bros. 2 was vastly different from the first Super Mario Bros. – and then Nintendo never implemented that gameplay mechanic ever again with a Mario game? Well, Curse of the Crescent Isle is a spiritual successor to Super Mario Bros. 2, with similar NES-style visuals, but even more complexity.

          1. Space Moth DX

          This is an above average vertical bullet hell shoot-'em-up. But what takes this over the top is the stunning visuals. No, this is not breaking any new ground – you can run this on a potato. But all those insects paired with the psychedelic colours is a feast for the eye. And I got to say, shooting up some butterflies while gliding past some sakura never gets old.

          1. Z.A.R.

          Released in 1998, this Russian-made FPS was ambitious for its time time – notable for supporting VR. However, Z.A.R. is nothing like Quake or really any FPS. Each level is about navigating an open map, finding enemies, eliminating them – then reaching the extraction point. Another neat aspect is the destructible environments. Nightdive Studios re-released this for a good reason.

          1. Demon’s Crystals

          A fast-paced twin-stick shooter with a Halloween theme and Pentium-era low poly visuals. Easy to start, incredibly difficult to master. The guns are excellent, the challenges are fun, and it’s a genuine thrill to collect those crystals. If you like arcade-style gaming, this is wonderful.

          1. Hyper Sentinel

          If you’re familiar with the C64 classic shoot-'em-up Uridium, Hyper Sentinel is pretty much its spiritual sequel. But also, it’s so much better. Not only does it have better visuals, it has exceptional controls too. What’s more, the power-ups and boss fights are truly epic. Truly one of the best neo-retro games I’ve played.

          1. Katana Soul

          Another C64-inspired game with an impressive CRT filter. You are a samurai taking on demons. Of course, you’re slicing them up with your katana. The difficulty isn’t for everyone, but if you love old school 2D platformers, this will be a must-play. And I got to say that SEEP, the developer, makes some truly memorably neo-retro games.

          1. Timberman: The Big Adventure

          You may be familiar with Timberman, a simple-but-addictive arcade game where the goal is to chop as much wood as you can without being mangled by branches. What not a whole lot of people know is that, two years ago, a spin-off 2D platformer was released – and it is absolutely fantastic. Controls are precise, the visuals are beautiful, and it’s got a lot of charm. Unfortunately, few people have played it. This is a definitive hidden gem.

          These aren’t just hidden gems. They’re the bones of a forgotten culture. And they’re still gleaming.

          blackmist@feddit.ukB This user is from outside of this forum
          blackmist@feddit.ukB This user is from outside of this forum
          blackmist@feddit.uk
          wrote on last edited by
          #20

          Yoku’s Island Express has more than that but I don’t see it mentioned much so I’ll recommend it anyway.

          J 1 Reply Last reply
          1
          • A atomicpoet@lemmy.world

            So I was asked, “Can you recommend to me some hidden gems?”

            To be honest with you, most good PC games are hidden gems.

            Look at the numbers: over 1,000 PC games drop on Steam every month. That’s an entire NES library’s worth – every 30 days. Almost all of it sinks without a trace.

            And of the games that are popular, too many get forgotten because – like it or not – PC gaming doesn’t have the same kind of retro ecosystem that console gaming has. Go to any retro game con – you’ll see NES carts, PS2 displays, Genesis boxes. But hardly any PC games. And when PC gaming is spoken about at all, it’s almost always about hardware. Not the games that made us chase better graphics cards in the first place.

            So let’s change that.

            I’ll keep this simple. Every game below has under 100 reviews on Steam. That’s my benchmark for “hidden gem.” Some are old. Some are modern. All are worth your time.

            1. ORB: Off-World Resource Base

            This is a lot like Homeworld but with more of an emphasis on resource extraction. Basically, it’s a true 3D RTS. Because this is space, you have to interact in an environment with width, length, and depth. Navigating the maps takes time to get used to, but once you figure it out, the gameplay becomes addictive. The story is also quite compelling too.

            1. Ookibloks

            One of the best puzzle games I’ve ever played. If Nintendo published this, it would be deemed a classic. The goal is simple: you’re a monkey collecting bananas that are embedded in blocks. In order to get them, you must smash the blocks. In your way are a bunch of enemies, and if you touch them, you die. And you got to pass each level quick or else Devil Cat will come after you.

            1. Paper Monsters Recut

            A cute and cozy 2.5D platformer with cute paper-like visuals. If you’re looking for something family-friendly that’s easy enough for kids to control, then Paper Monsters Recut is a must. The characters are adorable, the environments are stunning, and it’s so fun to explore. The soundtrack is also incredibly memorable.

            1. Curse of the Crescent Isle DX

            You know how Super Mario Bros. 2 was vastly different from the first Super Mario Bros. – and then Nintendo never implemented that gameplay mechanic ever again with a Mario game? Well, Curse of the Crescent Isle is a spiritual successor to Super Mario Bros. 2, with similar NES-style visuals, but even more complexity.

            1. Space Moth DX

            This is an above average vertical bullet hell shoot-'em-up. But what takes this over the top is the stunning visuals. No, this is not breaking any new ground – you can run this on a potato. But all those insects paired with the psychedelic colours is a feast for the eye. And I got to say, shooting up some butterflies while gliding past some sakura never gets old.

            1. Z.A.R.

            Released in 1998, this Russian-made FPS was ambitious for its time time – notable for supporting VR. However, Z.A.R. is nothing like Quake or really any FPS. Each level is about navigating an open map, finding enemies, eliminating them – then reaching the extraction point. Another neat aspect is the destructible environments. Nightdive Studios re-released this for a good reason.

            1. Demon’s Crystals

            A fast-paced twin-stick shooter with a Halloween theme and Pentium-era low poly visuals. Easy to start, incredibly difficult to master. The guns are excellent, the challenges are fun, and it’s a genuine thrill to collect those crystals. If you like arcade-style gaming, this is wonderful.

            1. Hyper Sentinel

            If you’re familiar with the C64 classic shoot-'em-up Uridium, Hyper Sentinel is pretty much its spiritual sequel. But also, it’s so much better. Not only does it have better visuals, it has exceptional controls too. What’s more, the power-ups and boss fights are truly epic. Truly one of the best neo-retro games I’ve played.

            1. Katana Soul

            Another C64-inspired game with an impressive CRT filter. You are a samurai taking on demons. Of course, you’re slicing them up with your katana. The difficulty isn’t for everyone, but if you love old school 2D platformers, this will be a must-play. And I got to say that SEEP, the developer, makes some truly memorably neo-retro games.

            1. Timberman: The Big Adventure

            You may be familiar with Timberman, a simple-but-addictive arcade game where the goal is to chop as much wood as you can without being mangled by branches. What not a whole lot of people know is that, two years ago, a spin-off 2D platformer was released – and it is absolutely fantastic. Controls are precise, the visuals are beautiful, and it’s got a lot of charm. Unfortunately, few people have played it. This is a definitive hidden gem.

            These aren’t just hidden gems. They’re the bones of a forgotten culture. And they’re still gleaming.

            M This user is from outside of this forum
            M This user is from outside of this forum
            magikmw@lemm.ee
            wrote on last edited by
            #21

            Remember you can sometimes buy those games on GOG or itch.io too, and more money goes to the devs.

            ORB: Off-World Resource Base is currently deeply discounted on GOG.

            O K 2 Replies Last reply
            0
            • M magikmw@lemm.ee

              Remember you can sometimes buy those games on GOG or itch.io too, and more money goes to the devs.

              ORB: Off-World Resource Base is currently deeply discounted on GOG.

              O This user is from outside of this forum
              O This user is from outside of this forum
              outlierblue@lemmy.ca
              wrote on last edited by outlierblue@lemmy.ca
              #22

              I can’t even find ORB listed on Steam or steamdb.

              Nevermind, I see below it’s just called “ORB” on Steam

              1 Reply Last reply
              1
              • A atomicpoet@lemmy.world

                So I was asked, “Can you recommend to me some hidden gems?”

                To be honest with you, most good PC games are hidden gems.

                Look at the numbers: over 1,000 PC games drop on Steam every month. That’s an entire NES library’s worth – every 30 days. Almost all of it sinks without a trace.

                And of the games that are popular, too many get forgotten because – like it or not – PC gaming doesn’t have the same kind of retro ecosystem that console gaming has. Go to any retro game con – you’ll see NES carts, PS2 displays, Genesis boxes. But hardly any PC games. And when PC gaming is spoken about at all, it’s almost always about hardware. Not the games that made us chase better graphics cards in the first place.

                So let’s change that.

                I’ll keep this simple. Every game below has under 100 reviews on Steam. That’s my benchmark for “hidden gem.” Some are old. Some are modern. All are worth your time.

                1. ORB: Off-World Resource Base

                This is a lot like Homeworld but with more of an emphasis on resource extraction. Basically, it’s a true 3D RTS. Because this is space, you have to interact in an environment with width, length, and depth. Navigating the maps takes time to get used to, but once you figure it out, the gameplay becomes addictive. The story is also quite compelling too.

                1. Ookibloks

                One of the best puzzle games I’ve ever played. If Nintendo published this, it would be deemed a classic. The goal is simple: you’re a monkey collecting bananas that are embedded in blocks. In order to get them, you must smash the blocks. In your way are a bunch of enemies, and if you touch them, you die. And you got to pass each level quick or else Devil Cat will come after you.

                1. Paper Monsters Recut

                A cute and cozy 2.5D platformer with cute paper-like visuals. If you’re looking for something family-friendly that’s easy enough for kids to control, then Paper Monsters Recut is a must. The characters are adorable, the environments are stunning, and it’s so fun to explore. The soundtrack is also incredibly memorable.

                1. Curse of the Crescent Isle DX

                You know how Super Mario Bros. 2 was vastly different from the first Super Mario Bros. – and then Nintendo never implemented that gameplay mechanic ever again with a Mario game? Well, Curse of the Crescent Isle is a spiritual successor to Super Mario Bros. 2, with similar NES-style visuals, but even more complexity.

                1. Space Moth DX

                This is an above average vertical bullet hell shoot-'em-up. But what takes this over the top is the stunning visuals. No, this is not breaking any new ground – you can run this on a potato. But all those insects paired with the psychedelic colours is a feast for the eye. And I got to say, shooting up some butterflies while gliding past some sakura never gets old.

                1. Z.A.R.

                Released in 1998, this Russian-made FPS was ambitious for its time time – notable for supporting VR. However, Z.A.R. is nothing like Quake or really any FPS. Each level is about navigating an open map, finding enemies, eliminating them – then reaching the extraction point. Another neat aspect is the destructible environments. Nightdive Studios re-released this for a good reason.

                1. Demon’s Crystals

                A fast-paced twin-stick shooter with a Halloween theme and Pentium-era low poly visuals. Easy to start, incredibly difficult to master. The guns are excellent, the challenges are fun, and it’s a genuine thrill to collect those crystals. If you like arcade-style gaming, this is wonderful.

                1. Hyper Sentinel

                If you’re familiar with the C64 classic shoot-'em-up Uridium, Hyper Sentinel is pretty much its spiritual sequel. But also, it’s so much better. Not only does it have better visuals, it has exceptional controls too. What’s more, the power-ups and boss fights are truly epic. Truly one of the best neo-retro games I’ve played.

                1. Katana Soul

                Another C64-inspired game with an impressive CRT filter. You are a samurai taking on demons. Of course, you’re slicing them up with your katana. The difficulty isn’t for everyone, but if you love old school 2D platformers, this will be a must-play. And I got to say that SEEP, the developer, makes some truly memorably neo-retro games.

                1. Timberman: The Big Adventure

                You may be familiar with Timberman, a simple-but-addictive arcade game where the goal is to chop as much wood as you can without being mangled by branches. What not a whole lot of people know is that, two years ago, a spin-off 2D platformer was released – and it is absolutely fantastic. Controls are precise, the visuals are beautiful, and it’s got a lot of charm. Unfortunately, few people have played it. This is a definitive hidden gem.

                These aren’t just hidden gems. They’re the bones of a forgotten culture. And they’re still gleaming.

                L This user is from outside of this forum
                L This user is from outside of this forum
                lb_o@lemmy.world
                wrote on last edited by lb_o@lemmy.world
                #23

                I would like to add my game to the list, it has 90% positive, but only 43 reviews

                Drone Perspective on Steam

                It’s a unique squad based tactics about modern war. It glows the same way.

                1 Reply Last reply
                1
                • A atomicpoet@lemmy.world

                  So I was asked, “Can you recommend to me some hidden gems?”

                  To be honest with you, most good PC games are hidden gems.

                  Look at the numbers: over 1,000 PC games drop on Steam every month. That’s an entire NES library’s worth – every 30 days. Almost all of it sinks without a trace.

                  And of the games that are popular, too many get forgotten because – like it or not – PC gaming doesn’t have the same kind of retro ecosystem that console gaming has. Go to any retro game con – you’ll see NES carts, PS2 displays, Genesis boxes. But hardly any PC games. And when PC gaming is spoken about at all, it’s almost always about hardware. Not the games that made us chase better graphics cards in the first place.

                  So let’s change that.

                  I’ll keep this simple. Every game below has under 100 reviews on Steam. That’s my benchmark for “hidden gem.” Some are old. Some are modern. All are worth your time.

                  1. ORB: Off-World Resource Base

                  This is a lot like Homeworld but with more of an emphasis on resource extraction. Basically, it’s a true 3D RTS. Because this is space, you have to interact in an environment with width, length, and depth. Navigating the maps takes time to get used to, but once you figure it out, the gameplay becomes addictive. The story is also quite compelling too.

                  1. Ookibloks

                  One of the best puzzle games I’ve ever played. If Nintendo published this, it would be deemed a classic. The goal is simple: you’re a monkey collecting bananas that are embedded in blocks. In order to get them, you must smash the blocks. In your way are a bunch of enemies, and if you touch them, you die. And you got to pass each level quick or else Devil Cat will come after you.

                  1. Paper Monsters Recut

                  A cute and cozy 2.5D platformer with cute paper-like visuals. If you’re looking for something family-friendly that’s easy enough for kids to control, then Paper Monsters Recut is a must. The characters are adorable, the environments are stunning, and it’s so fun to explore. The soundtrack is also incredibly memorable.

                  1. Curse of the Crescent Isle DX

                  You know how Super Mario Bros. 2 was vastly different from the first Super Mario Bros. – and then Nintendo never implemented that gameplay mechanic ever again with a Mario game? Well, Curse of the Crescent Isle is a spiritual successor to Super Mario Bros. 2, with similar NES-style visuals, but even more complexity.

                  1. Space Moth DX

                  This is an above average vertical bullet hell shoot-'em-up. But what takes this over the top is the stunning visuals. No, this is not breaking any new ground – you can run this on a potato. But all those insects paired with the psychedelic colours is a feast for the eye. And I got to say, shooting up some butterflies while gliding past some sakura never gets old.

                  1. Z.A.R.

                  Released in 1998, this Russian-made FPS was ambitious for its time time – notable for supporting VR. However, Z.A.R. is nothing like Quake or really any FPS. Each level is about navigating an open map, finding enemies, eliminating them – then reaching the extraction point. Another neat aspect is the destructible environments. Nightdive Studios re-released this for a good reason.

                  1. Demon’s Crystals

                  A fast-paced twin-stick shooter with a Halloween theme and Pentium-era low poly visuals. Easy to start, incredibly difficult to master. The guns are excellent, the challenges are fun, and it’s a genuine thrill to collect those crystals. If you like arcade-style gaming, this is wonderful.

                  1. Hyper Sentinel

                  If you’re familiar with the C64 classic shoot-'em-up Uridium, Hyper Sentinel is pretty much its spiritual sequel. But also, it’s so much better. Not only does it have better visuals, it has exceptional controls too. What’s more, the power-ups and boss fights are truly epic. Truly one of the best neo-retro games I’ve played.

                  1. Katana Soul

                  Another C64-inspired game with an impressive CRT filter. You are a samurai taking on demons. Of course, you’re slicing them up with your katana. The difficulty isn’t for everyone, but if you love old school 2D platformers, this will be a must-play. And I got to say that SEEP, the developer, makes some truly memorably neo-retro games.

                  1. Timberman: The Big Adventure

                  You may be familiar with Timberman, a simple-but-addictive arcade game where the goal is to chop as much wood as you can without being mangled by branches. What not a whole lot of people know is that, two years ago, a spin-off 2D platformer was released – and it is absolutely fantastic. Controls are precise, the visuals are beautiful, and it’s got a lot of charm. Unfortunately, few people have played it. This is a definitive hidden gem.

                  These aren’t just hidden gems. They’re the bones of a forgotten culture. And they’re still gleaming.

                  K This user is from outside of this forum
                  K This user is from outside of this forum
                  kazumara@discuss.tchncs.de
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #24

                  I assembled the links for OPs entries:

                  ORB: Off-World Resource Base https://store.steampowered.com/app/281390/ORB/
                  Ookibloks https://store.steampowered.com/app/399910/Ookibloks/
                  Paper Monsters Recut https://store.steampowered.com/app/314540/Paper_Monsters_Recut/
                  Curse of the Crescent Isle DX https://store.steampowered.com/app/365120/Curse_of_the_Crescent_Isle_DX/
                  Space Moth DX https://store.steampowered.com/app/425340/Space_Moth_DX/
                  Z.A.R. https://store.steampowered.com/app/351820/ZAR/
                  Demon’s Crystals https://store.steampowered.com/app/454610/Demons_Crystals/
                  Hyper Sentinel https://store.steampowered.com/app/640880/Hyper_Sentinel/
                  Katana Soul https://store.steampowered.com/app/1028300/Katana_Soul/
                  Timberman: The Big Adventure https://store.steampowered.com/app/2589910/Timberman_The_Big_Adventure/

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                  • M magikmw@lemm.ee

                    Remember you can sometimes buy those games on GOG or itch.io too, and more money goes to the devs.

                    ORB: Off-World Resource Base is currently deeply discounted on GOG.

                    K This user is from outside of this forum
                    K This user is from outside of this forum
                    kazumara@discuss.tchncs.de
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #25

                    ORB: Off-World Resource Base https://www.gog.com/en/game/orb_offworld_resource_base

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                    • blackmist@feddit.ukB blackmist@feddit.uk

                      Yoku’s Island Express has more than that but I don’t see it mentioned much so I’ll recommend it anyway.

                      J This user is from outside of this forum
                      J This user is from outside of this forum
                      jackhammer_joe@lemmy.world
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #26

                      That game is amazing!

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                      1

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