15 Best Hidden Gem Video Games Of The Decade

14. Nier

nier 1
Square Enix

Nier: Automata released to rave reviews in 2017 and became a strange overnight success that surprised even the developers and publisher who made it. It was embraced for daring to be different, including some contemplative philosophical musings, and having one of the most subversive set of mechanics of the whole generation.

However, most of the unique elements that game was praised for were also present in the original Nier, which resulted in the five people who played and enjoyed that first effort looking on with smug resentment.

Nier isn't as technically accomplished as its follow up, but it still has the same charm in spades. It also tells an arguably more original story, with a far more tragic, melodramatic heart at the middle of it.

It's a genuine cult classic, and if you liked Automata, it's more than worth seeing the title that made that possible.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked full time as a content producer at WhatCulture for nine years. In that time he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple channels, specialising in subjects such as gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 most listened to gaming podcast in the UK that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, covered breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.