Let’s be honest, online gaming is a pretty vast landscape and, no matter how dedicated a gamer you are, it would be impossible to discover all that it has to offer. While mainstream titles capture the spotlight and dominate online discourse, there are still plenty of niche digital games out there that offer unique gaming experiences. In this article, we’ve gone exploring and found six hidden gems that you can play from your mobile, console, PC or even Mac browser. You never know, you might just discover a new favourite!
The Growth of Digital Gaming
The digital gaming industry has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, accelerating to dizzying heights thanks to a combination of tech advancements and the democratisation of game development as a whole. Take the indie gaming genre, for instance, as well as the popularity of free to play models and alternative platforms like GOG.com and Itch.io.
Along with Steam, these platforms have, in turn, led to the rise of massively multiplayer online RPGs (MMORGPs) and the expansion of the PC gaming market (for years it played second fiddle to the console platform). Now, the online gaming segment offers a diverse array of experiences for players to engage with, regardless of their interests.
Hidden Gems to Check Out
Although 2024 has only just gotten started, there aren’t that many major gaming releases lined up here in the spring season. If you’re on the lookout for an interesting new game to play online, or simply need a break from whatever epic you’re currently invested in, here are six hidden gems that you probably haven’t discovered yet.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Building upon the success of its predecessor, Hollow Knight, Silksong promises an exciting journey through a beautifully crafted, hand-drawn world populated by mysterious creatures and challenging beasties. With tight platforming mechanics and deep exploration elements, Silksong will be a good choice for players seeking a game with atmospheric storytelling and rewarding gameplay.
Zoom Poker
A game for adult gamers only and exclusively available on the PokerStars site, Zoom Poker delivers a groundbreaking take on the classic online card gaming experience. It's a favourite among both seasoned poker pros and casual enthusiasts alike for its innovative format that sees players added to a new table each time they fold. In all other aspects, the game runs exactly like a standard online game on the site, but gamers can play more hands per hour than a standard game and develop their strategy in the process.
Slay the Spire
Melding roguelike elements with some pretty cool deck-building mechanics, Slay the Spire offers a unique twist on the digital collectible card gaming genre. Players embark on a journey up the eponymous spire, facing random encounters and strategically building their decks to overcome increasingly difficult challenges. With a variety of character classes and endless replayability, Slay the Spire will keep you hooked for hours on end.
Stardew Valley
As a spiritual successor to the classic simulation games of the early noughties, Stardew Valley invites players to escape to the idyllic countryside and cultivate their own farmstead.
Endlessly charming, with its gorgeous visuals and myriad relaxing activities to partake in, including farming, fishing, and forging relationships with villagers, Stardew Valley is the game for you if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Celeste
A platformer with a twist, Celeste features an impactful narrative as it follows the journey of a young heroine, Madeline, as she climbs the eponymous mountain. Rather than having to go to battle with outward challenges, Madeline needs to confront her inner demons to scale the mountain face. While it delivers a poignant meditation on personal growth and the importance of mental health, it’s no slouch on the gameplay front either, with cleverly designed levels and tight controls.
Hades
We can’t get enough of rogue-like games at the moment, and Hades is the second title in the RPG sub-genre that we recommend checking out ASAP. As the immortal prince of the underworld, players need to battle their way through hordes of mythical foes, all the while unravelling the mysteries of their divine lineage. One of the most stylish games in the free to play segment, Hades is also available to play on macOS as well as Windows and the Nintendo Switch.
