Back at the end of last month, a little-known RPG launched on Xbox in the form of Queen's Domain, which we highlighted in our October 30th new releases roundup alongside 14 other titles that arrived that day.

Ever since then, we've been hearing various bits of praise for the game across multiple platforms, and it's gotten to the point where it's definitely a Game of the Year contender - albeit a very low-key one.

Officially, what you're getting here is a "retro-fantasy action RPG with brutal combat and traversal-focused exploration", and Queen's Domain is being compared to loads of legendary franchises including King's Field, Zelda and Dark Souls.

Here's what just a few people are saying about it on Steam, for example:

cautious asparagus on Steam: "It's the kind of game that keeps surprising you with the sheer scope and creativity. You know the first time in Elden Ring where you find the elevator that brings you down to Siofra River, and you're just in awe of how much more there is to the game? There are multiple times in Queen's Domain where you feel that same way. This is the best RPG I have played this year, and it might even be my game of the year."

Huell Babineaux: "Everyone says this is one of the best kings field successors out there and it probably is, but ive never played those games, so to me this game feels more like a dark and gritty first person legend of zelda, and it pulls this off exceptionally well. Combat is brutal and unforgiving, but also learnable. Exploration can be daunting and overwhelming, but always rewarding.

Powersteve on Steam: My game of the year. Not just the best King's Field imitator but a genuine improvement on the formula. Better combat, better variety of combat options and a massive world with some of the best level and secret design I have ever seen. Also remains engaging and balanced for the whole duration and doesn't turn into Doom with lightning bolts half way through like Lunacid. So good that I can't wait to get all the endings just so I can use those secrets to do a fresh run with sequence breaks which is something that I almost never do.

So, why haven't we mentioned this before? Well, the Xbox version of Queen's Domain was actually getting a bit of flack at launch, as people were pointing out a stuttering issue that seemed to be plaguing the Series X and S versions.

Looking at the reviews on the Xbox Store now though, the issue seems to have been addressed in a recent patch, and Queen's Domain is currently rocking a 4.7/5 rating on the US version of the Xbox Store as things stand.

In other words, this might well be worth picking up for your Xbox console! It's £16.74 / $19.99 if you fancy taking a punt in the near future, and we'll leave you with more details and screenshots for it down below.

Queen’s Domain is a retro-fantasy action RPG. Washed up on the shores of the Isle of Neasied, you set out to find your father and uncover the dark heart of this mysterious isle. Wield the Legendary Holy Sword Endu to take flight from platform to platform, and discover an interconnected, labyrinthine world where secrets and dangers lurk around every corner.

Fight action-oriented battles with a classic stamina meter, powerful charge attacks, weapon specific special attacks, and secondary throwing weapons. Level up, accessorize, and choose from a huge catalogue of melee weapons on your quest to fight your way through the hordes of monsters and powerful bosses awaiting you in the darkest depths of the isle.

Have you played Queen's Domain? Interested in picking it up? Tell us in the comments section.