Console gamers often miss out on lesser-known indie titles that initially release only on PC, where they allow players to experience the pre-alpha or beta versions of a game. Games like Subauntica, Minecraft, or Slenderman are examples of titles that first found their footing on PC, and then generated enough success to move onto consoles. However, there are still tons of hidden and underrated titles that do not receive enough attention.
Finding one of these hidden gems on PC often opens up worlds that feel like completely uncharted territories — and you are one of the first ones there. It takes some research to come across these lesser known games, but it's well worth the hassle.
10 Coffee Talk
If you enjoy graphic novels, then you'll love Coffee Talk. Its story is about a barista who owns and singlehandedly operates a coffee shop, and comes across interesting patrons like elves and aliens. In fact, the game is set in a fantasy version of Seattle, Washington.
Gameplay is mostly reading, since this title is effectively a visual novel, much like Doki Doki Literature Club. However, you still have to serve patrons and interact with your customers by playing minigames where you prepare various drinks. Based on what you make, you have an influence on the characters, so you are not just reading after all.
9 Cloudpunk
With the growing popularity of the Cyberpunk genre (whose growth is in no small part due to the eponymous title by CD Projket Red) there has been a rise in games focused on this singular aesthetic style. Cloudpunk is a perfect example of this phenomenon. The game released first on PC during the last Spring, and reached consoles only in October.
The protagonist of this game, Rania, works as a delivery driver for Cloudpunk, an illegal company. Her goal is simple: make a living in the city driving your upgradable flying car. This game should be considered by all those who have a soft-spot for settings like Blade Runner's Los Angeles.
8 After You
This is for all the puzzle lovers out there. After You does not hold your hand: no tutorials, it's all up to you to figure how to play and what to do. Your goal is to solve puzzles and learn about the story as it unfolds in three chapters.
You control Aron who awakens in his room completely alone, his family and neighbors are gone. Find out what happened. If you don't like doing some detective work, do not play this title, it's hard in unconventional ways due to its puzzle-solving focus. Notably, this game was developed by only one person.
7 Death Trap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure
Stepping further away from the realm of visual novels and more into the Dungeons & Dragons ambience, this title inspired by Ian Livingstone's bestselling adventure book is a choice-based video adventure.
You listen and watch the story unfold, as told by actor Eddie Marsan (whose previous performances you might have witnessed in Deadpool 2 or Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw), whose narration is nearly mesmerizing. Your goal is to escape Baron Sukumvit's labyrinth full of perils. Your choices matter, so listen attentively if you want to make it out alive.
6 Umurangi Generation
Those simple photo editing features you find in apps like Instagram are often fun things to play with. It's all too easy to spend way too much time finding the right filter or the perfect angle for a selfie. Umurangi Generation lets you have a space to do that in a visually psychedelic game.
The gameplay is all about first person photography and development. Snap some awesome shots and edit them to your heart's content. You unlock more lens and equipment to help you expand your portfolio, as you beat each level and its objectives. Overall, this game expands on the possibilities introduced by titles that feature Photo Mode, which feels rather rudimentary compared to this title.
5 Not For Broadcast
Ever wanted to experience the pressure that comes with working in live radio, within the wonderful videogame realm of no real life consequences? Luckily, you can with this hilarious title that deserves more attention. Not For Broadcast puts you in control of The National Nightly News, letting you decide what you show to the people.
Though this title is still in early access on Steam, it received "overwhelmingly positive" reviews by the community thanks to its innovative gameplay and exhilarating character. Currently, you can experience three full chapters, but the developers are working on reaching ten.
4 Spiritfarer
This artistically captivating game reimagines the concept of ferrying the dead into the afterlife — Charon's job on the Styx, in other words. You play as Stella, who becomes the new Spiritfarer and inherits all the responsibilities that the title entails. The game released this past August across most platforms, including the PS4 and Xbox One.
The story is paced slowly, allowing you to take in the game's beautiful soundtrack and aesthetic. Gameplay is mostly centered on inventory management and resource gathering, which will help you on your journey. The overall theme of the game is especially intriguing, as its bottom line is to help the spirits you find accept death and pass into the afterlife.
3 Moving Out
The best way to experience any game is with a friend who is right there with you, participating in the action. Moving Out is an exuberant, light hearted title whose focal point is moving furniture from one point to another with your friends.
To do this, you will have to get through some obstacles, but fear not, the game features an adjustable difficulty if you could use a hand. Also, if you like the visual style of games like Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, then you'll like Moving Out. Overall, this is the perfect game to have some laughs with your friends, do not miss out on it if you are looking for actual funny gameplay.
2 Hypercharge: Unboxed
Imagine a crossover between Call of Duty's zombies, a tower defense game, and Toy Story. That perfectly describes the Hypercharge: Unboxed. This game is an FPS centered around surviving waves of enemy toys, and is the perfect getaway from the all too serious settings found in other shooters.
You play as a action figure toy trying to defend a zone against various toys, using other toy weapons to help you. Is that enough toys to take you away from the battle screams and gore of Warzone? All jokes aside, this cheery title is brilliant in its execution. Battles require strategy and exploration that accentuate the charm of this game, as you collect golden coins while jumping on what seems to be a Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
1 Visage
This game has been around for a while in early access, but it seriously does not get enough attention now that it has fully released, right before this past Halloween. If you are looking for something like the cancelled Silent Hills game, then you must play Visage. This title was clearly heavily inspired by Hideo Kojima's take on the genre, focusing on psychological horror and survival.
This is not a walking simulator. You will be haunted, and you will have to wander through the halls of your empty house to understand what happened. Manage your inventory, solve puzzles, and be wary of the dark. Visage is a godsend for horror lovers.