Video games are a popular form of entertainment all around the world, and have been for decades. With new games being released regularly, it’s easy for some titles to be overlooked or underrated, despite their potential. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most underrated video games of all time.
1. Beyond Good & Evil – Released in 2003, Beyond Good & Evil remains a critically acclaimed game, but it struggled at the box office. This action-adventure game had gamers taking control of Jade, a photojournalist, as she investigates an alien invasion. With unique gameplay mechanics and an intriguing storyline, Beyond Good & Evil should have been a huge success, but it was largely overlooked in favor of bigger titles.
2. Psychonauts – Another critically acclaimed game that failed commercially, Psychonauts is a platformer that takes place inside the minds of various characters. As Raz, a young psychic, players explored the minds of others and battled inner demons. With a distinct art style, engaging characters, and clever puzzles, Psychonauts is one of the best platformers of all time, but it just couldn’t find an audience.
3. Vagrant Story – Released in 2000 by Square Enix, Vagrant Story was a unique action RPG that put players in the shoes of Ashley Riot, a risk-taking agent working for the Valendia Knights of the Peace. Mixing action, RPG elements, and puzzle-solving, Vagrant Story was a deep and engaging game that didn’t get the attention it deserved.
4. The Darkness – A first-person shooter released in 2007, The Darkness was based on a popular comic book series. Players took on the role of Jackie Estacado, a hitman with demonic powers. With a compelling story, visceral action, and innovative gameplay mechanics, The Darkness had all the makings of a classic shooter, but it was overshadowed by bigger titles like Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4.
5. Okami – Released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2, Okami was an action-adventure game that drew inspiration from traditional Japanese art and folklore. As Amaterasu, the sun goddess, players used ink to create objects and solve puzzles. With a gorgeous art style, unique gameplay mechanics, and a captivating story, Okami remains one of the most underrated games of all time.
6. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem – A psychological horror game released in 2002, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem was a unique and unsettling game that messed with players’ heads. As Alexandra Roivas, players explored a mansion and uncovered its dark secrets. With a unique sanity meter that caused hallucinations and glitches, Eternal Darkness was a game ahead of its time, but it was largely overlooked.
7. The Saboteur – A third-person action game released in 2009, The Saboteur had players taking on the role of Sean Devlin, an Irish racecar driver turned resistance fighter in Nazi-occupied France. With an open-world setting, parkour mechanics, and a distinct visual style, The Saboteur was a fun and engaging game that deserved more attention than it received.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the most underrated video games of all time. Each of these titles had something unique and engaging to offer players, but for one reason or another, they failed to connect with a wider audience. Despite their commercial failures, these games remain beloved by those who played them, and serve as a reminder that sometimes the best games can be the ones that don’t get the attention they deserve.
