Top 5 Overlooked Games of the Year

If you’re a fan of unique and quirky games, you’ll love Blippo+. This game, originally released on the Playdate console in May, is now available on PC and Switch. It’s a game that simulates channel surfing, with each channel featuring strange, retro, live-action broadcasts that piece together a sci-fi story. The retro feel is enhanced by an ’80s inspired soundtrack by Jona Bechtolt of Yacht. Blippo+ is one of the year’s most original games, best experienced by diving right in without knowing too much.

For puzzle enthusiasts, Blue Prince by Dogubomb is a must-play game. In this puzzle game, players explore a constantly changing mansion in search of Room 46. With a limited number of steps per day and a new path drawn every cycle, players must balance exploration with knowledge to solve puzzles and mysteries about the house. Keeping a notebook handy is highly recommended for tracking clues and mapping your journey.

Consume Me by Hexecutable offers a unique and personal take on the issues of dieting and disordered eating. Players join Jenny Jiao Hsia in her semi-autobiographical journey through her teen years, completing tasks like cleaning the bathroom and creating meals through mini-games. The game offers a poignant commentary on modern life and the pressures to constantly improve ourselves.

If you’re a fan of superhero stories and workplace dramas, give Dispatch a try. In this episodic game, players take on the role of Robert, a hero turned dispatcher who assigns heroes to respond to emergency calls. Dialogue choices and strategic decisions impact the outcome of the missions, making for an engaging and immersive experience. The game’s strong writing and character chemistry make it a standout title in the genre.

Lastly, if you’re in the mood for a fast-paced twin-stick shooter, Sektori is the game for you. Developed by former Housemarque developer Kimmo Lahtinen, Sektori offers randomized playthroughs with fast-paced action and relentless waves of enemies. Pilot and upgrade your ship to survive, and enjoy the constant explosion of activity and beat-heavy mixes that make this game a thrilling experience.