The article examines underrated fantasy video games that failed to gain mainstream recognition despite their quality. Arx Fatalis (2002), developed by Arkane Studios, is set in an underground civilisation built after the sun mysteriously vanishes. The game distinguishes itself through a rune-based magic system where players draw symbols to cast spells rather than selecting from menus, and rewards experimentation by allowing multiple approaches to obstacles and optional activities like fishing and bread-baking.

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic (2006), also from Arkane Studios, follows a warrior's quest for a legendary artefact that expands into a larger conflict involving dark forces. The game's primary strength is its combat system, which remains engaging nearly two decades later by encouraging creative problem-solving rather than formulaic combat patterns. Players can specialise as warriors, rogues, or mages, with each build offering fundamentally different approaches to encounters and rewarding experimental gameplay.