We all know the heavy hitters—Red Dead Redemption 2, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the games that define entire generations. But what about the 9/10s? The ones that are almost flawless yet rarely get a mention? In an era where only a perfect score seems to satisfy, these near-perfect titles have been unfairly forgotten. Here are nine video games that are practically masterpieces but still don't get the love they deserve.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (2024)
Yes, it's a Zelda game, but don't let the franchise's fame fool you—this 2D adventure is surprisingly underrated. After a decade without a new top-down Zelda, Nintendo delivered a charming, inventive title where Princess Zelda finally takes the lead. Using a clever echo mechanic, she solves puzzles and battles foes in a whimsical world. It's a creative, near-perfect experience that deserves more attention than it gets.
2. Inside (2016)
This indie gem from Playdead is a masterclass in atmosphere. You control a nameless boy fleeing through a dystopian facility, with no dialogue and only the game's haunting visuals and sound to guide you. Inside is a cult classic, but its short runtime means it often fades from memory. Yet its tense pacing, gorgeous animation, and eerie storytelling make it one of the best thrillers in gaming.
3. Psychonauts 2 (2021)
Xbox's answer to Nintendo's platformers, Psychonauts 2 is a wildly creative sequel that lets you dive into people's minds. Each level is a unique, brain-themed world full of clever design and emotional depth. Despite critical acclaim, it didn't make the splash it deserved. If you love imaginative platformers, this is a must-play.
4. The Battle of Polytopia (2016)
In a sea of strategy games, Polytopia stands out for its simplicity and depth. You lead a clan on a randomly generated map, expanding your civilization and conquering rivals. It's endlessly replayable, with a skill tree that lets you specialize in different paths. Yet it remains a hidden gem, overshadowed by bigger names in the genre.
5. Mad Max (2015)
Released alongside Fury Road, this open-world game lets you build the ultimate car and roam a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Its vehicle combat is some of the best in gaming, and the world is vast and satisfying to explore. But it was overshadowed by other blockbusters that year. If you haven't played it, you're missing a near-perfect action experience.
6. Oxenfree (2016)
This supernatural thriller follows a group of teens who accidentally open a time rift on an abandoned island. The dialogue system is revolutionary—characters talk over each other, and your choices shape the story. Oxenfree is beloved in indie circles but hasn't reached a mainstream audience. It's a narrative masterpiece that deserves more recognition.
7. Immortals Fenyx Rising (2020)
Ubisoft's take on Greek mythology is a vibrant, open-world adventure that blends Breath of the Wild-style exploration with witty storytelling. It's polished, fun, and full of content, yet it was largely ignored at launch. If you missed this one, it's a near-perfect action RPG that deserves a second look.
8. New Pokémon Snap (2021)
A long-awaited sequel to the N64 classic, New Pokémon Snap is a relaxing, beautiful photography game. You ride through levels snapping pics of Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's a near-perfect experience for fans, but it didn't get the buzz it deserved. For a chill, creative game, this is a hidden gem.
9. Prey (2017)
Arkane's immersive sim is a sci-fi masterpiece set on a space station overrun by aliens. With deep exploration, clever puzzles, and multiple ways to approach every situation, Prey is a near-perfect game. Yet it was overshadowed by other releases and never got the recognition it deserved. If you love Bioshock or Dishonored, this is for you.
These games prove that perfection isn't always about a 10/10 score. Sometimes, the near-perfect experiences are the ones that stay with you longest. So next time you're looking for something new, give one of these hidden gems a try.
