8 Most Underrated Video Games Of 2021 (So Far)

Coming out of nowhere earlier this year, hand-drawn horror game Mundaun is one of the most original titles released so far in 2021.

It tells the spooky tale of a man returning to his village in the Swiss Alps after receiving a note informing him that his grandfather has died in a barn fire. Like all notes in a horror game, it tells him that everything is fine, and totally normal, and the he shouldn't bother making the trip for the funeral arrangements.

Of course, the man does, and you pick up as him as you explore the countryside, investigate your grandfather's house and try to figure out why a mysterious man with a cane keeps appearing in waking dreams.

European horror like this is rarely authentically captured in the gaming space, but everything in Mundaun, from its Swiss-German speaking cast to the haunting (and sometimes hilarious) hand-drawn visuals is steeped engrossing folkloric horror.

It's a truly unique aesthetic that's bolstered by surprisingly engaging gameplay, as you explore the village and shield yourself from figures that patrol the area once night falls.

Sadly, it's not the most polished game you'll play all year. Combat can be extremely frustrating, with inputs not registering that result in your death, while some of the puzzles can take a while to get your head around. Likewise, there are a few performance issues that stop it being a smooth experience.

Still, you have to remember: most of this was created by only one developer, and those issues certainly don't take away from the charm, appeal and genuine excitement to be found.