Beyond Good & Evil
Released in 2003, Beyond Good & Evil is an action-adventure game that follows the adventures of Jade, a photojournalist who uncovers a conspiracy on the planet of Hillys. The game features a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, as well as a compelling storyline and memorable characters. Despite receiving critical acclaim, Beyond Good & Evil didn't sell as well as expected, and a sequel has been in development for years.Okami
Okami is an action-adventure game inspired by Japanese mythology, released in 2006. The game has a distinctive art style that looks like a painting come to life, and players control Amaterasu, a wolf goddess who must restore life to a world corrupted by evil. Okami's gameplay involves exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, and it received critical acclaim for its visuals, music, and innovative gameplay. Despite its accolades, Okami didn't sell as well as expected, but it has since gained a cult following and has been remastered for modern consoles.Psychonauts
Psychonauts is a platformer released in 2005 that follows Raz, a young psychic who joins a summer camp for gifted youngsters. The game features a mix of platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration, as well as a quirky sense of humor and memorable characters. Psychonauts received critical acclaim for its creativity and humor, but it didn't sell well at launch. However, the game has since gained a following and is set to receive a long-awaited sequel in 2021.Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story is a role-playing game released for the PlayStation in 2000. The game follows Ashley Riot, a member of an elite group called the Riskbreakers, as he investigates a conspiracy in the city of Lea Monde. Vagrant Story features a unique combat system that involves chaining attacks and spells together, as well as a dark and complex storyline. Despite receiving critical acclaim, Vagrant Story was overshadowed by other RPGs on the PlayStation, but it has since gained a cult following and is considered a hidden gem.Viewtiful Joe
Viewtiful Joe is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released for the GameCube in 2003. The game follows Joe, a movie fan who gains the ability to transform into a superhero and must save his girlfriend and the world from a villainous organization. Viewtiful Joe's gameplay is a mix of platforming and combat, and it features a unique art style that emulates old-school action movies. Despite its critical acclaim, Viewtiful Joe was a commercial disappointment, but it has since gained a cult following and has been re-released on modern consoles.
Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game that was originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005. The game follows Wander, a young man who embarks on a quest to defeat 16 colossi in order to revive a girl named Mono. The game is known for its stunning visuals, atmospheric soundtrack, and epic boss battles. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the game did not sell as well as other titles on the PlayStation 2 at the time. However, the game has since gained a cult following and has been remastered for modern consoles.
The Saboteur
The Saboteur is an open-world action-adventure game that was released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in 2009. The game is set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II and follows Sean Devlin, an Irish race car driver who becomes a resistance fighter. The game features a mix of stealth, action, and driving, as well as a unique black-and-white art style that gradually turns to color as the player liberates different areas of the city. Despite receiving positive reviews, The Saboteur did not sell well and the development studio, Pandemic Studios, was shut down shortly after the game's release.
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem is a survival horror game that was released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2002. The game follows Alexandra Roivas, a young woman who investigates the murder of her grandfather and uncovers a sinister plot involving an ancient artifact. The game features a unique "sanity meter" that affects the player's perception of reality, as well as a variety of puzzles and combat. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the game did not sell well and a planned sequel was cancelled.
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is an action-adventure game that was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2010. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world and follows Monkey, a skilled fighter who teams up with a woman named Trip to journey across the ruins of America. The game features a mix of combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving, as well as a strong focus on storytelling and character development. Despite receiving positive reviews, the game did not sell well and a planned sequel was cancelled.
Nier
Nier is an action role-playing game that was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2010. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world and follows a man named Nier as he searches for a cure for his daughter's illness. The game features a unique combat system that involves switching between different weapons and magic abilities, as well as a branching storyline with multiple endings. Despite receiving positive reviews, the game did not sell well and was considered a commercial failure. However, the game has since gained a cult following and a remastered version, Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139.
These are just a few examples of underrated video games that deserve more attention. If you're looking for a gaming experience that's unique, creative, and memorable, consider giving one of these games a try. Who knows, you might just discover a hidden gem that becomes one of your all-time favorites.
