In the world of video games, a backlog is a collection of games that players haven’t gotten around to or just got a small taste of before moving on. With thousands of games releasing every year, it’s easy for a backlog to become so massive that it’s overwhelming. Sometimes gamers pick up a title because it’s on sale or get distracted right after they buy a game, but either way, they’re left with games they own but haven’t actually played.
The best way to face this problem is to start playing these games, but tackling a backlog is easier said than done. Trying to decide which titles to prioritize is far from easy, but all of these titles are backlog mainstays that are worth playing as soon as possible.
Outer Wilds Is One of the Most Unique Games Ever Made
Sitting around the camp fire
Image via Annapurna Interactive
Outer Wilds is usually on sale and is frequently recommended, so this classic indie game is sitting in many backlogs. Not only is it one of the best open-world games set in space, but its gameplay mechanics make it incredibly unique. Players are tasked with exploring worlds in 22-minute intervals, and when that time is up, they go back to the start and begin again.
Fans of time loop games like Majora’s Mask will love Outer Wilds’ unique blend of exploration and puzzle-solving. It’s a game that really engages the mind and asks players to think in new ways. The 22-minute time limit also makes it great for playing in short bursts, so it’s an easy game to try.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns Is An Underrated Marvel Game
Blade and Captain America
Image via 2K
Marvel Midnight Suns is the classic example of a great game that had underwhelming sales numbers. That means it’s been heavily featured in sales and is now sitting unplayed in many people’s backlogs. It was developed by Firaxis Games, the makers of XCOM, and it’s good enough to make any superhero fan into a tactical RPG lover.
While the title has brilliant strategic gameplay, Marvel Midnight Suns also has some social sim mechanics, making it perfect for fans of the Persona series. Being able to befriend heroes while not in battle adds a lot of value to the game. How many titles let players befriend Spider-Man? Any Marvel fan who has Midnight Suns in their backlog should get right on it.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Spotlights a Favorite Marvel Group
Meet the Guardians
Image via Eidos-Montréal
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy had an unfair timing after being released a year after Marvel’s Avengers. While critics loved it, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy didn’t meet sales expectations, resulting in the game experiencing frequent sales, with some prices reaching around $10. If anyone thinks this is like Marvel’s Avengers from 2020, then they’re sorely mistaken because Guardians is a fantastic superhero game that features an incredible story about the Guardians, making it stand out from the MCU without alienating movie fans.
The gameplay is unique, with players controlling Peter Quill, who can command the other Guardians in battle. The music is more focused on 80s glam rock and pop, but it’s a great addition. What’s even more impressive is that they actually wrote a whole album of original songs that inspired Peter Quill growing up. It’s a title that any fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy needs to play.
Resident Evil 4 Remake Is the Perfect Game to Play in Fall
Resident Evil 4 remake protagonist Leon S. Kennedy
Image via Capcom
The original Resident Evil 4 changed survival horror forever, and its influence can still be seen in countless games today. It’s a game everyone should experience at least once, and the RE4 Remake is the perfect way to do that. The title beautifully updates the classic game and addresses many of its issues.
Resident Evil 4 Remake has better controls than the original, which makes it feel like a modern game, especially when it comes to combat. Capcom also improved characters like Ashley, which makes the game more enjoyable overall. Anyone who is nostalgic for the original or has yet to dive into this incredible game should play it during the upcoming spooky season.
Disco Elysium Is A Deeply Rich RPG
Disco Elysium is one of those games that’s talked about like it’s a legend, and for good reason. It’s a popular item during sales, especially with the massive Final Cut edition, and if anyone hasn’t played it yet, now would be a great time. The title offers a traditional RPG experience when it comes to skill trees and character advancement, but it’s completely different when it comes to combat.
Instead of RPG battles, everything in Disco Elysium is handled through skill checks and dialogue trees. That might sound boring, but the incredible dialogue and voice make it a truly amazing experience that’s unlike anything else. Once Disco Elysium gets its hooks into players, they’ll find themselves completely lost in its world.
Control Brings The Beautiful and Bizarre
Using telekinesis
Image via Remedy
Control was one of the best games back in 2019, and it still holds up today. The game combines action-adventure elements with a touch of horror and mystery, making it hard for players to put it down once they get started. It’s made by Remedy, who is also known for the Alan Wake games, and it delivers the same sublime atmosphere as those titles.
Combat in Control is excellent, and the gunplay, as well as the various telekinesis powers the player acquires, is tons of fun. Flying up and using crazy guns to take down enemies never gets old. Control is an entertaining game that goes weird in the best way possible, and it’s the perfect introduction to Remedy’s connected universe.
Celeste Is Profound and Has Incredible Platforming
Madeline about to jump to the next platform
Image via Maddy Makes Game
Celeste is a favorite when it comes to indie games being on sale, but it also happens to be one of the best platformers of the last decade. Levels are challenging enough for veterans of the genre, and there are also fantastic customization options for beginners. On top of that, Celeste features a deeply personal story, which is a rarity for platformers.
The game focuses on the anxiety, depression, and fears of its main character, Madelin, making it a story that a lot of gamers can relate to. Celeste may even help players understand what they’re going through, which isn’t something many video games can do. It’s a powerful game that everyone needs to play as soon as possible.
Hollow Knight Is a Must-Play For Any Gamer
Hollow Knight’s combat
Image via Team Cherry
With everyone talking about Hollow Knight: Silksong, it’s a great time to beat the first game. All the hype around it is warranted because Hollow Knight is a phenomenal Metroidvania platformer. Like any good Metroidvania, the way that Hollow Knight expands and peels back its layers to reveal the giant world is spellbinding.
The combat in Hollow Knight may feel simple to some players, but it allows for more platforming and exploration. There are countless secrets hidden throughout Hallownest, so players always have a reason to search every nook and cranny. As players progress, the world expands, making the game even more exciting. It’s a game players should try before they add Silksong to their backlog.
Hades Is One of the Best Roguelikes of All Time
Zagreus
Image via Supermassive Games
Hades II update 1.0 is fast approaching, which makes it all the more important for players to get around to the original game. While the roguelike genre is a popular one, Hades broke the mold and brought new players into the mix. Each run feels satisfying, even as players continually die, and experimenting with different weapons as players start new runs makes the game feel fresh.
As players draw closer to escaping, new layers of the story are revealed, making the game all the more compelling. Hades is remarkable, and its great art style and score composed by Darren Korb (who also voices Zagreus) give it a distinct personality. That said, players should be warned: Hades is addictive, and once they start playing it for their backlog, they might not want to stop.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Is Worth All The Time
Geralt of Rivia
Image via CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a staple in most gamers’ backlog. One of the most acclaimed games of all time is that way for a reason. It’s overwhelming for some, as the world is vast in scope and offers an endless array of side quests. Revisiting The Witcher 3 is worth the investment.
The amount of creativity that went into the side characters is staggering. That and the bounties to fight different monsters will satisfy that itch for players. With two massive expansions, players could practically live in this game, as it’s one of the best open-world games. It’s a massive game to conquer players’ backlog, but it’s worth every second.