Top 10 Recent Video Games That Were WAY Better Than Expected

#10: "Returnal" (2021)

Housemarque's "Returnal" crash-landed onto the PlayStation 5, bringing an addictive roguelike loop combined with stunning visuals. What started as a niche sci-fi shooter quickly became a flagship title for Sony. Its haunting atmosphere and intense bullet-hell combat kept players glued to their DualSense controllers, or in some cases, sent them flying across the room in frustration. Selene’s tragic journey through Atropos is both captivating and brutal, blending procedural level design with a deep, emotional narrative. Not to mention, its use of the PS5’s haptic feedback was an absolute game-changer. Housemarque went from indie darling to AAA powerhouse, proving that sometimes, getting stuck in a time loop pays off.

#9: "Hi-Fi Rush" (2023)

This rhythm-action game from Tango Gameworks dropped with zero marketing and all the vibes. "Hi-Fi Rush" had no right to be as polished and charming as it was, but it hit all the right notes. Mixing rock-solid combat with a soundtrack that could make even the most rhythmically challenged gamer feel like a rock star, it’s a testament to why shadow drops can work. Protagonist Chai’s quippy personality and the vibrant, comic-book aesthetic made this one a sleeper hit. For a studio known for horror titles like "The Evil Within," this lighthearted beat-based game was the last thing anyone expected. Who knew fighting robots with a guitar could feel this good?

#8: "Hades" (2020)

Supergiant Games’ “Hades” gave roguelikes a fresh twist and became a standout indie hit. Set in the world of Greek mythology, it combined sharp gameplay with a story that unfolded naturally as you made your way through countless attempts to escape the Underworld. Zagreus’ mission to escape the Underworld was as much about the relationships he built with gods and allies as it was about the journey itself. The dialogue stayed dynamic, the art style was breathtaking, and the voice acting kept players deeply engaged. Somehow, Hades made dying over and over feel both satisfying and meaningful.

#7: "Grounded" (2020)

What if "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" was a survival game? Obsidian Entertainment answered that question with "Grounded," a title that shrank expectations and then blew them up. Set in a backyard filled with oversized bugs and hidden dangers, this co-op survival game proved that small-scale innovation can make a big impact. The crafting system, exploration, and sheer terror of facing a spider twice your size turned what could have been a gimmick into a genuine contender. Whether you’re building a base out of grass or screaming as a ladybug charges at you, "Grounded" is proof that sometimes, the best ideas are right under your nose… literally.

#6: "Resident Evil 4 Remake" (2023)

Capcom faced a monumental challenge: remaking one of gaming's most beloved titles without alienating its devoted fanbase. With the Resident Evil 4 Remake, they achieved more than just a faithful recreation. They delivered a revitalized experience. Leon’s enhanced moveset, paired with stunning visuals and an intensified atmosphere, preserved the essence of the original while keeping it exciting and modern. Ashley, previously seen as a simple escort mission, was transformed into a well-rounded and engaging character. Whether you were revisiting a classic or experiencing it for the first time, this remake reminded players why Resident Evil 4 remains a cornerstone of gaming… chainsaw-wielding maniacs included.

#5: "Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty" (2023)

"Cyberpunk 2077" had one of the rockiest launches in gaming history, but "Phantom Liberty" marked a massive redemption arc. CD Projekt Red doubled down on its strengths, delivering a gripping spy-thriller expansion that fixed many of the base game’s issues. Idris Elba’s performance as Solomon Reed added star power, and the new Dogtown district gave Night City even more depth. The gameplay overhaul made the experience smoother and more immersive, turning skeptics into believers. "Phantom Liberty" was the phoenix rising from the ashes of overhyped marketing, a reminder that sometimes, second chances are worth taking. If only it came with a refund for all those early bugs.

#4: "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" (2023)

How do you follow up a masterpiece like "Breath of the Wild"? By defying gravity… literally. "Tears of the Kingdom" expanded on its predecessor with new abilities, a massive sky realm, and deeper lore. Link’s journey through Hyrule felt both familiar and brand-new, proving Nintendo’s unmatched ability to innovate within a beloved formula. The Ultrahand mechanic turned every player into a part-time engineer, and the sheer creativity it encouraged was a marvel. Who knew you could build a flying death machine out of Zonai parts? Nintendo didn’t just give us a sequel; they gave us a playground of endless possibilities. Sorry, Ganondorf, but Link’s got a sky base now.

#3: "Black Myth: Wukong" (2024)

Chinese developer Game Science set a bold new standard with Black Myth: Wukong. Drawing inspiration from the classic tale “Journey to the West”, this action RPG showcased a seamless blend of breathtaking visuals and demanding combat. Each gameplay reveal left fans in awe, questioning if what they were seeing could truly be achieved… and it certainly could. The game’s rich connection to Chinese mythology offered a fresh perspective in a market often dominated by Western narratives. With fluid animations, stunning environments, and a protagonist embodying the legendary Monkey King, Black Myth: Wukong demonstrated that innovation and ambition can rival even the largest AAA productions.

#2: "Baldur’s Gate 3" (2023)

Larian Studios delivered the ultimate Dungeons & Dragons experience with "Baldur’s Gate 3," creating a CRPG that felt limitless. The level of freedom and player choice was absolutely staggering. You could befriend a bear, romance a vampire, or accidentally set an entire village on fire. The characters, story, and turn-based combat were a chef’s kiss, making this a must-play for RPG fans. With its intricate design and jaw-dropping attention to detail, "Baldur’s Gate 3" blurred the line between tabletop and video game. Pro tip: Save often, because your party members’ questionable decisions might lead to hilariously tragic consequences. Or was that just my playthrough?

#1: "Elden Ring" (2022)

Elden Ring, a game born from the collaboration between FromSoftware and George R.R. Martin, delivered an unforgettable open-world experience. Stepping into The Lands Between, players found themselves in a hauntingly beautiful realm teeming with secrets, rich lore, and formidable challenges. The game offered unparalleled freedom to explore and discover at every turn. Its combat system, a finely-tuned masterpiece, elevated the experience, from conquering towering bosses to uncovering hidden dungeons. With a captivating blend of wonder and dread, "Elden Ring" kept players engaged for countless hours. And, unlike Martin’s literary epics, this journey had a definitive and satisfying conclusion.


Were there any games on this list that went above and beyond your expectations? Let us know in the comments!