As part of the thriving video game industry, there are several extraordinary games that have fallen victim to the crowdedness of high profile releases. Nestled within these mainstream successes lie unique gems boasting remarkable features such as cutting-edge mechanics, engaging storylines, and breathtaking graphics, yet are overshadowed by their chart-topping competitors.
Now, join us as we travel down memory lane to revisit the lost classics of yonder years. Within this expedition, we aim to highlight the deserving status of these previously neglected pieces of work and identify any reasons for their lesser appreciation. Join our mission to ignite fresh interest in these exceptional creations, emphasizing their worth and reminding fellow gamers of their existence. Let us now delve deep into the annals of gaming history together, reliving the adventures of some of the most cherished but ignored gems ever made.
15- Sunset Overdrive: The Insomniac Games’ Underappreciated Marvel
Our journey begins with Insomniac Games and their rather bittersweet engagement with Microsoft. Together, they gave birth to a quality game, Sunset Overdrive, whose essence thrives on exhilarating combat and dynamic movement. Many gamers still harbor nostalgic memories of their adventures through the vibrant landscape of Sunset City. This game also set the foundation for the mobility system of the iconic Spider-Man on PS4. So, why do we refer to Sunset Overdrive as an underrated game?
Well, the game was released during the nascent stage of the Xbox One era, a period marked by a series of setbacks for Microsoft (think back to the troubled tenure of Don Mattrick), which tarnished the reputation of their console sales as well as exclusive games. Consequently, Sunset Overdrive, despite its fantastic features, largely slipped under the radar.
Its lukewarm demand wasn’t strong enough to warrant a sequel. If the tides of fortune had favored the game with stronger sales, perhaps Insomniac Games would be operating under the banner of Microsoft rather than Sony today. It’s one of those mysteries we may never unravel.
14- Concrete Genie: Sony’s Underrated Gem
Transitioning from Microsoft, let’s cast our eyes on Sony, who also has a few underrated games to flaunt. One that stands out prominently is Concrete Genie. The brainchild of PixelOpus, a studio under Sony’s banner, Concrete Genie is a relatively condensed action-adventure game that nonetheless upholds the quality standards of the prestigious Japanese company.
The game’s allure lies in its mesmerizing visuals, captivating and emotive storytelling, and an assortment of unique gameplay mechanics. While it may not compete directly with behemoths like The Last of Us, it unquestionably offers a delightful gaming experience that seldom grows tedious. Regrettably, due to the lack of ample promotional efforts, Concrete Genie fell into obscurity, which is a real shame considering its captivating design and execution.
13- Tales From the Borderlands: An Unappreciated Narrative Triumph
In the aftermath of their meteoric rise to fame, propelled by the blockbuster hit The Walking Dead, Telltale Games embarked on creating several projects rooted in popular franchises such as Game of Thrones and Minecraft. Even though these endeavors didn’t replicate their prior commercial success, they remained committed to delivering compelling narratives.
A prime example is Tales From the Borderlands, which indeed stands out as a narrative triumph. Contrary to the criticism that Telltale’s games often face for their perceived lack of player influence, Tales From the Borderlands bestows upon players significant decision-making power, allowing them to shape the destinies of various characters.
The game, set within an existing universe, boasts an original storyline and fresh cast of characters, appealing to both seasoned Borderlands enthusiasts and newcomers. The character of Handsome Jack, a fan-favorite from earlier installments, makes a triumphant return. Unlike The Walking Dead, which spins a gut-wrenching tale about family, Tales From the Borderlands beautifully blends similar themes with humor and joy. Telltale’s knack for crafting complex and entertaining narratives propels Tales’ story a notch above other titles within the Borderlands franchise.
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12- Bulletstorm: A Unique Blend That Fell Short on Success
The first game on our list is Bulletstorm, a refreshingly original offering that unfortunately, didn’t get its due recognition. Unlike Sunset Overdrive, which struggled due to the turbulent atmosphere surrounding Xbox, Bulletstorm had the backing of prominent industry names – Electronic Arts and Epic Games. Yet, despite this support and positive press, the game’s sales figures were disappointingly low. The repercussions of this underperformance were so significant that the developer, People Can Fly, decided to shift their focus to the Gears of War franchise for their next project.
The reason behind Bulletstorm’s lackluster sales could be attributed to various factors, including ineffective marketing strategies. The game demo released prior to the full version focused on an additional mode which gave the false impression that the entire game was similarly designed. Perhaps, the game’s gameplay was a touch too innovative for its own good. Regardless of the reasons, Bulletstorm is an exceptional yet underestimated game, arguably the most undervalued in the history of the Polish video game industry.
11- Titanfall: The Overlooked Masterpiece with a Sequel
Is it possible for a game to be underrated despite having a sequel that many players adore and an ongoing presence in the form of Apex Legends? In the case of Titanfall, the answer is yes. As an Xbox One exclusive released at the beginning of the console’s generation, Titanfall suffered due to the negative press surrounding the console at the time. This happened despite the game boasting a fantastic gameplay experience. Personally, as someone who is not too fond of multiplayer gaming, reaching the maximum level in Titanfall was a significant achievement for me.
In my opinion, the multiplayer experience in Titanfall surpasses that of its sequel, which garnered more attention due to its availability on PS4. I’d even go so far as to rank Titanfall as one of the finest first-person shooters of recent years. Unfortunately, its memory seems to be fading in the gaming community. One wonders if the game would have enjoyed greater success had it been a multi-platform release.
10- Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning: The Underrated Underdog
There’s an adage that there’s no such thing as bad publicity, but when a game garners fame primarily due to a turbulent development cycle, it’s a cause for concern. Such is the case with Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, a game that went over budget and had to abandon its initial plan to become an MMO. Despite this rocky start, which included a former baseball pitcher with no previous game development experience at the helm, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning deserves commendation for its numerous achievements.
In particular, the game outshines Skyrim in delivering an engaging medieval RPG combat experience. Its single-player narrative is richly woven with intricate lore. Tragically, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning was so overlooked that Electronic Arts had to drastically reduce its price, even offering it for free barely two years after its launch. The game definitely merited a far better fate.
9- Sleeping Dogs: An Underappreciated Gem from Yesteryears
Let’s take a moment to reminisce about the time when the legendary Grand Theft Auto series faced competition from other games. One such competitor was Sleeping Dogs, which, while lacking the budget and momentum of its grand competitor, offered an intriguing atmosphere and a gripping narrative revolving around an undercover agent infiltrating the Asian mafia. The intriguing storyline greatly contributed to the game’s artistic triumph. Despite this success and receiving favorable reviews from critics and players alike, the game’s commercial performance was disappointing.
Originally intended to be another installment in the True Crime series, Activision decided to drop the project, which was then picked up by Square Enix. However, the game’s financial failure likely caused the top brass at the Japanese publisher to question their decision. The failure also resulted in the demise of United Front Games, the developer. What remains now are fond memories of a superb game and a void in the market waiting to be filled by an equally gripping game.
8- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare: A Forgotten Diamond
Among the array of titles in the Call of Duty franchise, Advanced Warfare seems to have been overshadowed by bigger titles like Black Ops 4 and Modern Warfare. This was the first game that Sledgehammer Games took the reins of, and despite this, the game doesn’t exhibit the teething problems one might expect.
The game delivers a riveting campaign that warns about the dangers of private military companies, and introduces a dynamic multiplayer experience with the use of exo-suits. The game also boasts some of the best weapon handling and progression mechanics in the series, making it a remarkable shooter. However, its futuristic setting might have been its downfall, reducing the chances of a sequel. Yet, it remains a shining example of what a Call of Duty game should be.
7- Tearaway: A Masterpiece Overshadowed by its Platform
Tearaway is a captivating game teeming with innovative ideas. If you’re a fan of its genre, it’s unquestionably a must-have. For me, it’s one of the best games of its type. So, why isn’t there more discussion around Tearaway, and why isn’t Media Molecule expanding the series? The answer lies in the game’s initial release platform – the PS Vita, which unfortunately didn’t achieve much market success.
The release of the Unfolded version on PS4 could have improved the game’s popularity, but despite receiving excellent reviews, it failed to generate much buzz among players. It’s a shame, given the game’s quality. Therefore, I highly recommend exploring Tearaway whenever the opportunity arises, particularly since it’s available in the PlayStation Plus Extra database.
6- Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales: An Underappreciated Diamond in the Rough
Is it conceivable for a creation from a developer as esteemed as CD Projekt RED to go unnoticed? Strangely enough, yes. Sadly, Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales fell prey to a couple of unfortunate circumstances. Firstly, CD Projekt RED’s promotion of the game was unusually low-key. For a studio so adept at marketing its projects, it was somewhat bewildering to observe their reticence to advocate for this new venture.
Secondly, Thronebreaker’s basis on the card game Gwent, which despite a promising introduction in The Witcher 3, failed to gather widespread acclaim in its standalone form. Consequently, many players, daunted by the game’s mechanics, might have opted out. This is indeed regrettable, as I can vouch that Thronebreaker skillfully elucidates the rules of Gwent, making the campaign engaging and enjoyable. It’s a brilliant production that certainly warrants more recognition.
5- Ryse: Son of Rome: An Undervalued Masterpiece in Graphics and Story
Our list continues with Ryse: Son of Rome, another unfortunate casualty of the turbulent era under Don Mattrick’s management. Initially envisioned as a Kinect-only production, Ryse underwent a transformation to become a launch title for Xbox One. As expected from the reputable developers at Crytek, the game boasted stunning graphics. Its storyline, too, was captivating, offering a truly immersive experience.
However, Ryse: Son of Rome was launched during a time when Xbox’s image was tarnished. It seemed that every exclusive game was doomed to receive lower ratings simply because of its platform, and Ryse, unfortunately, was no exception. The game was particularly criticized for its linear gameplay, which seems unjustified given its genre. It’s my belief that Crytek’s remarkable production deserved far more accolades and recognition than it ultimately received.
4- Max Payne 3: The Unexpected Downfall
Next, we turn to one of the most surprising financial failures in recent gaming history – Max Payne 3. Rockstar Games, a name synonymous with high-quality offerings and commercial successes, decided to breathe new life into the iconic Max Payne series. Despite initial apprehensions about deviating from the frosty New York ambiance, the game turned out to be a remarkable and emotional journey. The development team ensured that every aspect of the game, from graphics to effects and animations, met the highest standards, resulting in a game that still holds up exceptionally well today.
However, for some unknown reason, this fantastic game didn’t perform well commercially. Rockstar Games reported sales figures that were even lower than those of L.A. Noire, another title that fell short of expectations. Consequently, the Vancouver-based studio responsible for the project was shuttered, and the Max Payne brand was put on hiatus for a number of years. One can only hope that the forthcoming remake by Remedy will rekindle the game’s original spark.
3- Titanfall 2: A Revolutionary Game Overlooked
After their impressive run with Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the creative minds at Infinity Ward branched out to form Respawn Entertainment. They subsequently released Titanfall and its sequel, Titanfall 2. While the original game was undoubtedly superb, Titanfall 2 took things to another level. The game introduced a variety of innovative features that players had long been yearning for in the Call of Duty series, but unfortunately, without the powerful marketing machinery of the Call of Duty brand, many gamers overlooked Titanfall 2.
The game truly revolutionized movement in first-person shooters, introducing dynamic mechanics such as grappling hooks, wall jumping, wall-running, and a host of powerful battle mechs. To top it all, it featured a brilliant campaign storyline. The game’s player count saw a significant increase with the unexpected success of Apex Legends – a game that owes much of its triumph to the groundwork laid by Titanfall 2. While it’s heartening to see Titanfall 2 finally receiving some of the recognition it deserves, it’s still far from the acclaim it truly merits.
2- The Order: 1886: Sony’s Misunderstood Masterpiece
Our next stop is another entry from Sony’s stable, The Order: 1886, a game that fell victim to a juxtaposition of inflated expectations and the final product’s singular flaw. Let’s wind back a bit, though. The Order: 1886 captivated players with its rich Victorian atmosphere and visually stunning graphics for its time. The game was a competent shooter that brought fresh ideas to the table. However, it was criticized for linear gameplay, drawing parallels with Ryse: Son of Rome.
Truth be told, while playing The Order: 1886, I was taken aback by how much emphasis critics placed on this level design aspect. Was it truly egregious enough to eclipse the game’s numerous merits? I think not. Nevertheless, the game couldn’t escape negative press, leading to lukewarm sales. Consequently, the developer pivoted toward VR instead of plotting a sequel.
1- Pathologic 2: A Dense Experience Often Misunderstood
Understanding why Pathologic 2 isn’t on most gamers’ radars isn’t particularly challenging. The game offers such a layered experience that even its title might seem intimidating. Despite bearing “2” in its name, Pathologic 2 is not a sequel but a remake of the original Pathologic. How many players would invest in a game that appears to be the second installment of a title they never encountered? Pathologic 2 takes significant strides in enhancing its predecessor’s narrative. It unveils the tale of a doctor charged with the daunting task of rescuing a fictional town from a sinister plague.
This survival horror game doesn’t pit players against the typical undead foes but immerses them in a grim struggle against natural adversities intrinsic to a town succumbing to despair and disease. Pathologic 2 tests your mettle with its challenging gameplay, where resources are scarce and every element poses a lethal threat. It’s all too easy to perish from the plague or starvation. Despite garnering positive reviews, it’s not hard to see why Pathologic 2 had a difficult journey in winning the hearts of players.
