9 Games That Had No Business Being That Good

Some video games come out of nowhere and blow you away. They might have odd premises, small budgets, or little hype, but they end up being unforgettable experiences that hook players.

I’ve picked nine games that had no business being as incredible as they are. From quirky concepts to underdog developers, these titles delivered far beyond what anyone could have predicted, earning their place as hidden gems or cult classics.

9, ‘Plants vs. Zombies’

‘Plants vs. Zombies’, released in 2009 by PopCap Games, pits your garden of quirky plants against waves of goofy zombies. A tower defense game with a silly premise, it seemed like a lighthearted gimmick, but its tight mechanics and charm made it a standout. 

The game’s mix of strategy and humor, like using peashooters or explosive cherries, kept me glued to the screen. Its surprising depth, with varied modes and clever level design, turned a casual title into a timeless hit that spawned sequels and spin-offs.

8. ‘Crash Team Racing’

‘Crash Team Racing’, launched in 1999 by Naughty Dog, entered a kart racing scene dominated by ‘Mario Kart’. A spin-off of the Crash Bandicoot series, it had no reason to rival Nintendo’s giant, yet its polished tracks and tight controls made it a PlayStation classic.

I loved the zippy races and clever power-ups, like Wumpa Fruit boosts, that felt just right. The 2019 remake, ‘Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled’, proved its lasting appeal, bringing vibrant visuals and the same addictive racing to new players.

7. ‘Hollow Knight’

‘Hollow Knight’, released in 2017 by Team Cherry, is a Metroidvania from a tiny Australian studio. Its dark, bug-themed world and hand-drawn art seemed niche, but the game’s vast map and precise platforming made it a masterpiece.

Exploring Hallownest’s eerie depths kept me hooked with its challenging bosses and hidden secrets. The game’s haunting atmosphere and tight controls proved a small team could outshine big-budget titles.

6. ‘Nier: Automata’

‘Nier: Automata’, a 2017 action RPG by PlatinumGames, followed an obscure cult hit, ‘Nier’ (2010). Its story of androids fighting in a dystopian future sounded odd, but its blend of hack-and-slash combat and philosophical storytelling was gripping.

The seamless shifts between gameplay styles, like 2D shoot-em-up segments, kept battles fresh. I was drawn in by its emotional narrative and haunting music, making it a standout that deserved far more attention than it initially got.

5. ‘Disco Elysium’

‘Disco Elysium’, a 2019 RPG by ZA/UM, is a detective game with no combat, focusing on dialogue and choices. A small Estonian team made it, and its heavy focus on text seemed risky, but its rich world and deep role-playing blew me away.

Playing as a flawed detective in Revachol, I loved how every choice shaped the story, from solving crimes to exploring my character’s psyche. Its sharp writing and unique art made it a must-play for story-driven gamers.

4. ‘To The Moon’

‘To The Moon’, a 2011 indie by Freebird Games, is a pixel-art adventure about altering memories. With no real combat or flashy mechanics, its simple premise could’ve flopped, but its emotional storytelling hit like a truck.

Following two scientists rewriting a dying man’s memories, I was moved by its heartfelt narrative and beautiful music. The game’s focus on love and regret proved small-scale stories could leave a massive impact.

3. ‘Among Us’

‘Among Us’, released in 2018 by Innersloth, is a multiplayer game of deception set on a spaceship. Its basic graphics and small dev team gave it little hype, but its social deduction gameplay became a global sensation by 2020.

Figuring out who the impostor was while doing tasks was thrilling, especially with friends. Its simple yet addictive setup, paired with cross-platform play, turned a quiet release into a cultural juggernaut.

2. ‘Stardew Valley’

‘Stardew Valley’, a 2016 farming simulator by solo developer Eric Barone, seemed like a niche ‘Harvest Moon’ clone. Its pixel-art style and quiet premise didn’t scream blockbuster, but its cozy gameplay and depth made it a phenomenon.

Farming, fishing, and building relationships in Pelican Town felt endlessly rewarding. I was shocked by how one person crafted a game with so much heart, rivaling big-budget titles in replayability.

1. ‘No Man’s Sky’

‘No Man’s Sky’, launched in 2016 by Hello Games, promised a vast universe to explore, but its early hype led to a rocky debut with missing features. Still, its ambitious scope and later updates transformed it into a stellar adventure.

Years of free updates added base-building, multiplayer, and richer planets, making exploration a joy. I was amazed by how a small team turned a rough launch into a beloved space epic that keeps evolving.

Which game surprised you the most, or is there another underdog that deserves a shoutout? Share your thoughts in the comments!