The two words I always use are ostensibly and esoteric. They're quite handy and apply to a lot of situations.
Ostensibly
Function: adverb
1 : in an ostensible manner
2 : to all outward appearances
This is a great substitution to "sorta" or sometimes "essentially" as a reply to a question. I usually think of it as meaning "appears to be but may not necessarily be so", in order to essentially tell people that what they're asking me is true for the most part but may be false if you actually want to delve deep and argue sementics and stuff like that.
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esoteric
adj.
1) Intended for or understood by only a particular group: an esoteric cult. See synonyms at mysterious.
Of or relating to that which is known by a restricted number of people.
2) Confined to a small group: esoteric interests.
Not publicly disclosed; confidential.
That link seems to imply that esoteric has the additional meaning of "confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle" but you don't need to use it as such. Descent as a game is quite esoteric. Pretty much anything that falls into a niche is. Unfortunately I mostly use it as filler conversation in pointing out that so-and-so is esoteric, so I've been trying to cut back.
. (★■◆● maybe we should be making up new words). anyway...
