Big AAA releases take the spotlight, but what about the lesser-known titles that deserve equal recognition? Let’s see which hidden action gems of the last decade managed to slip under the radar!
Underrated action games that failed to become absolute blockbusters in their early days are often considered defective.
And while a few of them are, many others on this list offer a unique and solid experience compared to the biggest high-budget releases. Moreover, they are often available for less and are by no means less fun!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition | 2014-10-08 | Adventure | United Front Games |
 | Titanfall 2 | 2016-10-28 | Action & Shooter | Respawn Entertainment |
 | The Evil Within 2 | 2017-10-13 | Adventure | Tango Gameworks |
 | Ruiner | 2017-09-26 | Indie | Reikon Games |
 | Sunset Overdrive | 2014-10-28 | Action & Shooter | Insomniac Games |
 | The Thaumaturge | 2024-03-04 | RPG | Fool's Theory |
 | Aliens Dark Descent | 2023-06-20 | Action | Tindalos Interactive |
 | Fist Forged In Shadow Torch | 2021-10-03 | Action | TiGames |
 | Spec Ops The Line | 2012-06-28 | Action & Shooter | Yager Development |
 | Enslaved Odyssey To The West Premium Edition | 2013-10-24 | Adventure | Ninja Theory |
 | Okami Hd | 2017-12-12 | Adventure | Clover Studio |
 | Quantum Break | 2016-09-29 | Adventure | Remedy Entertainment |
 | A Plague Tale Innocence | 2019-05-14 | Adventure | Asobo Studio |
 | Shadow Warrior 2 | 2016-10-13 | Fighting | Flying Wild Hog |
 | Vanquish | 2017-05-25 | Action & Shooter | PlatinumGames |
Vanquish
| Release date: | 2017-05-25 |
| Genre: | Action & Shooter |
| Developer: | PlatinumGames |
Developed by the creators of the phenomenal Bayonetta, Vanquish combines futuristic shooter features with spectacular action to deliver an adrenaline-fueled experience involving a powerful Augmented Reaction Suit.
If single-player third-person shooters are your thing, Vanquish may be the best answer to your gaming needs. Play as a United States Marine Corps member and enjoy a vast arsenal of weapons and gadgets to repel enemy attacks. It’s one of those forgotten games that perfectly combine cheesy humor and sci-fi action!
Mad Max
| Release date: | 2015-09-01 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Avalanche Studios |
While the plot of Mad Max doesn’t directly follow the legendary movies, you’re guaranteed to experience similarly fiery vehicular-combat gameplay in a world ruled by the fight for survival.
Travel the Wasteland to assemble the most reliable vehicle and reach the desired peace. But is that even possible in a world where desperation drives people to the worst? While this recommendation may be lacking in the cohesive story department, the high-octane action guarantees the most intense adventure!
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
| Release date: | 2013-10-24 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Ninja Theory |
It’s a great Black Myth: Wukong alternative, following the story of Monkey and his companion, Trip. We highly recommend it to any action enthusiast seeking a focus on a rich narrative.
Enslaved combines immersive character development with intense combat sequences, unraveling the story of two protagonists who seem to hate each other on their path to ultimate freedom. However, wars have already destroyed human civilization, and nature claims the world – only the will to survive can lead them to their desired goal.
The Evil Within 2
| Release date: | 2017-10-13 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Tango Gameworks |
Fancy an open-world survival horror brimming with tension and a sense of uncertainty? The Evil Within 2 has that plus stealth elements, a great story, and combat sequences that will surely appeal to any fan of action games.
Play as Sebastian Castellanos searching for his missing daughter in an alternative reality of STEM. The place is overrun by terrifying horrors and twisted nightmares, so only maximum focus and proper use of available weapons can help him endure this trial.
Shadow Warrior 2
| Release date: | 2016-10-13 |
| Genre: | Fighting |
| Developer: | Flying Wild Hog |
This sequel to the sensational 2013 first-person shooter follows Lo Wang, a lone mercenary entangling himself in an intrigue involving a mysterious drug and demonic forces. It’s high time to wield his 70 lethal blades!
Like the Borderlands series, Shadow Warrior 2 combines looter-shooter gameplay, humor, and RPG features. Prepare for epic guns, massive power-ups, no dash limits, no stamina meter, and chaotic battles against endless hordes of enemies. Is there anything action enthusiasts love more?
A Plague Tale: Innocence
| Release date: | 2019-05-14 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Asobo Studio |
Imagine 14th-century France ruled by the wildly deadly black plague. Young Amicia and Hugo must survive these grave circumstances and discover the origins of the boy’s mysterious condition.
Although this game does not feature the protagonists in direct combat, Amicia can use an arsenal of crafted tools like a sling and projectiles. But hordes of rats lurk in the shadows, so the kids must try hard to stay in the light. It’s a brutal but highly immersive title for fans of a gloomier atmosphere.
Quantum Break
| Release date: | 2016-09-29 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Remedy Entertainment |
From the creators of the fantastic Alan Wake, Control, and Max Payne, Quantum Break maintains the mysterious spirit of its sister titles while offering a unique story. With Easter eggs included!
As a result of a failed experiment, Jack Joyce and Paul Serene gain the ability to manipulate time. However, the event awakens contrasting motives, so the two must do everything to execute their plans and stop the opponent. In this game, branching narrative points and your choices really matter!
Conclusion
Action games already evolved beyond just combat and mindless level-clearing. By playing our recommendations of the most underrated titles of the last decade, you can immerse yourself in a vast selection of worlds and stories involving choice-making, puzzle-solving, stealth, and even the black plague.
Sure, they may lack in some categories. But they make up for it by presenting unique designs, guaranteeing many hours of sheer fun.