**The Selection Box: A Personal Take on 2023’s Underrated Games**

While it may seem trivial, the annual Advent Calendar voting at Rock Paper Shotgun proved to be a test of patience for the new head honcho. With a staff that seemed to overlook the gems of the year, particularly the quirky *Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainoids*, it became clear that a more personal selection was necessary. Thus, the Selection Box was born—a showcase of titles that may have flown under the radar but deserve recognition.

### Skin Deep

**Developer:** Blendo Games
**Publisher:** Annapurna Interactive
**Platform:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/301280/Skin_Deep/)

*Skin Deep* was a late discovery that left a mark. In this bite-sized immersive sim, players assume the role of an insurance commando, awakened from cryogenic sleep on a spaceship filled with cats. As marauding pirates storm the ship, players employ creative tactics to fend off danger—whether it’s using soda cans to break windows or igniting a cloud of flammable gas. This humorous and welcoming entry in the genre is a remarkable addition, especially with its feline-centric theme and a playful homage to classic spy films.

### Strange Antiquities

**Developer:** Bad Viking
**Publisher:** Iceberg Interactive
**Platform:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2885870/Strange_Antiquities/)

Taking the reins at an antiquities shop offers a unique experience in *Strange Antiquities*. Players assist customers in finding magical items based on vague descriptions. The challenge lies in identifying these items from a cluttered inventory, relying on sensory cues—like the coolness of a box potentially containing an Oshadic Spirit. This engaging setup provides a satisfying avenue for problem-solving, making it a memorable experience for those who crave a touch of fantastical retail therapy.

### Herdling

**Developer:** Okomotive
**Publisher:** Panic
**Platform:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3047750/Herdling/)

In *Herdling*, you embark on a cozy journey with calicorns—adorable, horned creatures exploring the wild. The game can be completed in a single evening, leading players from a city setting to serene mountains while navigating various obstacles. Despite lacking depth in its narrative or theme exploration, *Herdling* provides a refreshing escape into nature, punctuated by its beautiful orchestral score.

### Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainoids

**Developer:** Snapshot Games
**Publisher:** Arc Games
**Platform:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1332430/Chip_n_Clawz_vs_The_Brainioids/)

*Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainoids* is a nostalgic nod to early 2000s strategy games, combining real-time strategy and tower defense elements to save Earth from alien brain invaders. With a simple rock-paper-scissors mechanics for unit counters, it offers accessible yet challenging gameplay, particularly for solo players. The game’s charm lies in its cartoonish aesthetic and engaging strategy, harkening back to genre-blending classics that captivated many gamers years ago.

### The Count of Monte Clicker

**Developer:** Adam Travers
**Platform:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3641940/The_Count_of_Monte_Clicker/)

The absurdity of translating *The Count of Monte Cristo* into an idle clicker game is fully realized in *The Count of Monte Clicker*. Players upgrade tools and abilities as they dig tunnels and swim to freedom, presenting a humorous twist on the classic tale. This inventive approach to the idle genre distinguishes it from more conventional titles, revitalizing familiar mechanics with a playful narrative.

As a new year approaches, there is hope that the next Advent Calendar will align with the tastes of its editorial leadership, reflecting personal choices yet also including titles and experiences that may be different from the mainstream. The Selection Box serves as an enjoyable reminder that gaming can surprise, amuse, and captivate, regardless of mainstream recognition.