Reviewing games can be extremely tricky. Occasionally, a game comes out that is a bit of a mess and needs to have points deducted despite some of its more unique elements. Other games are released at the wrong time and can end up getting dragged as a direct result. Some were even largely rejected on release, only to withstand the test of time and prove that they had more going on than they were initially given credit for.
Ultimately, this stuff is all very subjective, but there are definitely some pretty damn cool games that weren't exactly critical darlings. We here at TheGamer aren't proponents of the Ricky Bobby belief that "if you ain't first you're last". We are here to point you in the direction of some genuinely awesome games that didn't exactly receive the most praise on release.
Updated June 12th, 2023 by James Kennedy: It is the moment we have all been waiting for: it is time to dig around and talk about another couple of great games that didn't get a ton of love on release. One of them because it was so incredibly niche, and the other because of severe technical issues. While we suspect there would be a number of people who would play these games today and not love them, this isn't a list about the most accessible games, this is a list focusing on great games. Despite their limited appeal, or their technical issues, we think both of these titles are, in fact, great.
22 Armored Core For Answer, 64
It is funny to think about now, but FromSoftware's biggest series used to be Armored Core. They made a ton of these games, and most of them were extremely well received... by their fanbase. You see, Armored Core was always unapologetically niche. It did its own thing and had no interest in appealing to a broader audience. It was the game that was for the people who really wanted to delve into the minutia of customizing their mecha. None of these games ever did well with reviewers. Sure, a few of them "got" it. But most would furrow their brows, shrug their shoulders, and move on.
Armored Core For Answer is one of the more loved titles by the Armored Core fanbase. It is most known for how fast and fluid the combat is. The size and scale of the levels here is also truly awe-inspiring. Even to this day, For Answer also looks pretty damn good. It is easily among the best mech games out there. These days reviewers are much more willing to meet a game half-way and judge it based on its own merit. We suspect when Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon launches, it will be received far more favorably. We also suspect that quite a bit of what it does will have been lifted directly from For Answer. Despite the ho-hum reception it received at the time, For Answer is an absolute classic.
21 Alpha Protocol, 63
Alpha Protocol is an Obsidian-made RPG that, uniquely, places you in the role of a spy. There is a very real chance that you have heard about this one as it has developed a dedicated fanbase. This is another one of those games where you will instantly understand why it wasn't necessarily well received when it released a decade ago or so. It is buggy. Very buggy. However, if you can get past this element, what you will find is that there is literally nothing like Alpha Protocol out there. This is a game that allows a tremendous amount of freedom.
But we aren't just talking about sandbox stuff. What you do, and how you do it, will impact the story meaningfully. It really feels like your ability to interact with the world meaningfully is beyond what nearly every other game has been able to accomplish. Dialogue plays out in a way that would be familiar to Mass Effect fans, but your choices have a much larger impact. The combat can feel clunky, but that is largely because your skill with weapons greatly effects how accurate they are in combat. Yes, your proficiency in combat manifests in ways other than just how much damage you do. So, while Alpha Protocols combat may feel worse than some of its contemporaries, it helps the RPG-based systems to feel less superficial. Alpha Protocol is far from perfect, but there are few games out there even half as ambitious as it is.
20 Strangers Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, 68
We've all seen the Stranger Of Paradise memes. We know all about Chaos, how we need to punch Chaos, and how Chaos is a real jerk who borrowed our lawn mower and never gave it back... CHAOS! And yeah, that is all in the game. Is it stupid? Absolutely. But you know what? It is also super campy and fun! And hey, the combat engine is really slick! It implements the Final Fantasy job system brilliantly. It is basically Nioh by way of Final Fantasy, and in what world is that not awesome?
Look, the script is clumsy and awkward, but it was written by the same game that writes the Kingdom Hearts games and is responsible for all the Final Fantasy 7 Anthology stuff. So of course it is cringe. That is all he knows! But this script is at least a good time! The gameplay is fantastically engaging, and the story will have you smiling in between grimaces. It is the Army of Darkness of video games. We think Stranger of Paradise is going to get a devoted cult following. And despite how goofy the story is, even that element has high points. And we assure you, that isn't bullshit.
*plays knockoff Limp Bizkit music and walks away*
19 Scorn, 64
While some of the games on this list are, in our opinion, absolute gems, we can see where some of the critics fell out of love with Scorn. The combat is really only okay, and the setting can be repetitive. So what makes it great then? Well, everything else! The combat is really only an ancillary element.
Scorn is focused on two elements: atmosphere and puzzle solving. And guess what it nails? Yup, the atmosphere and the puzzle-solving. And on top of that, if you love Giger's aesthetic, not since Dark Seed have we had a game more dedicated to delivering it. So basically, it nails all the stuff it is focused on? We aren't saying Scorn is an immaculate jewel, but it feels like a completely unique experience that is, on the whole, praiseworthy. Scorn is going to be someone's favorite game and with good reason!
18 Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol.2, 64
Okay, hold up. What? Why? Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol.2 doesn't have any technical problems, and it contains some amazing deep cuts! It has Baseball Stars Color, which is, by itself, worth the price of admission. Beyond that, you get SNK Vs. Capcom Card Battle, which is another amazing time. And while card battlers may not be everyone's jam, it is an absolute gem for those down with the odd shuffle and deal.
Puzzle Link2? That's a fun arcadey puzzler that has some of that Puzzle Bobble energy. Pocket Tennis? Another great arcadey sports title from the era that produced the best arcadey sports games. Biomotor Unitron? This is a mecha Pokemon-like. These are great games! We get it, this collection doesn't have the usual suspects. You aren't getting the fighting games, nor are you getting any Metal Slug titles. Those were all in the first collection. Was the first volume a better collection of games? Sure. But that doesn't make this collection bad. In fact, we would argue that this varied package is an absolute killer deal!
17
Castlevania Chronicles, 69
If you are looking to get into the old-school style of Castlevania game, and are looking for recommendations, Castlevania Chronicles is an excellent place to start. This is a port of the X68000 title, which is, essentially, an enhanced remake of the Nintendo original. But there is also an arranged mode, that changes the game in a number of fun and interesting ways (including updating Simon's sprite).
So why, then, was this absolutely classic Castlevania title received so poorly? Well, this is a story as old as time. These Castlevania games have always had a very tight style of control. They force you to commit to attacks, and a poorly thought-out jump could easily lead to your demise. These types of experiences will always receive a certain amount of pushback from people who feel like they are "stiff" and "antiquated". It is unfortunate, as Castlevania Chronicles truly is a fantastic game. One that deserves to be celebrated!
16 Snake Pass, 69
If we had to decide on a single word to describe Snake Pass, we would land on delightful. Everything from its colorful aesthetic, to its extremely cheery soundtrack, is a delight. Snake Pass is a throwback to that 3D-Platformer collectathon-style of game that was popularized on the Nintendo 64. However, there is a twist; this game's control scheme does its best to emulate how it feels to be a snake.
It is a fascinating decision, as it takes something that is typically pretty intuitive—moving around a platforming stage—and it forces your brain to think a little differently. To think like a snake! Instead of finding platforms to jump from, you have to coil your body around bamboo structures. And while the concept is easy enough to understand, it does take you a while before you can synchronize your brain with your fingers.
But, of course, games like this one may not be for everyone. And criticism around the camera is well warranted. However, we still think that anyone who loves the collectathon style of game should slither on over to Snake Pass and give it a go. It is far better than that Metacritic score would have you believe.
15 Nier, 69
How far can quality writing, world-building, and captivating characters carry you? Is a great narrative able to carry a game? Those are questions that Nier answered. While those elements alone can't get your game a score in the 70s, they can make it a legendary title that has a diehard fanbase to this day. Yes, the combat engine may be clunky, and the graphics were dated on day one, but Nier has so much more going for it.
Despite bombing critically, Nier was able to sell well enough, and acquire a dedicated enough fanbase, that it spawned a sequel and a remake. The Nier franchise is now one of Square's most popular IPs. Not too bad for a game that pulled in a meager 69 on Metacritic! And if you're curious, the original title is backward compatible with the modern Xbox ecosystem. So you can pick up a copy and play through it on modern consoles!
14 Kirby Air Ride, 61
Kirby Air Ride is such a weird case. A lot of the most negative reviews of this Kirby spinoff title focus on the streamlined controls that the game uses for the titular Air Ride game mode. However, while it is fine if you don't mesh with Air Ride's control scheme, there are two other excellent games tethered to this package! The Super-Off Road-esque Top Ride is a completely different style of racing game that is a ton of fun (especially for quick sessions with friends), and the legendary City Trial mode is focused on building your perfect ride in preparation for a randomized event.
When people talk about this game now, they tend to focus on City Trial. While Air Ride itself is a well-made, misunderstood, racing game, the City Trial mode is so incredibly unique and distinct that there has never been a mode that feels like it could replace it. Sure, Smash Run was an attempt to recapture the magic in the 3DS version of Smash 4, and is neat in its own right, but it still doesn't truly capture the pure variety and spectacle that was Air Ride's City Trial mode. If you ever have a chance, give Kirby's Air Ride a chance. It is an excellent time!
13
Deadly Premonition, 68
We have to sympathize with the reviewers here. How the hell do you review Deadly Premonition when it is dropped on your desk? Your first impression is probably something along the lines of "Wow, this game is a mess.” But it is so delightfully weird, incredibly strange, and absolutely unique. Nothing else feels like Deadly Premonition. There is a reason why people still rave about this game over a decade after its initial release.
Of course, Twin Peaks fans are likely to get a kick out of this one; Deadly Premonition really captures the spirit of the Lynchian classic. If you haven't played this game, you may think that it is something akin to Goat Simulator: jank that is funny. But there is way more going on here than that. It has a genuinely captivating cast of characters, and the story is sincerely compelling. It can also be authentically creepy.
12 MediEvil, 67
The MediEvil remake is a charming classic title with a new coat of paint. Most of the changes here feel pretty subtle, but they do improve the game overall and all the good stuff from the original still holds up. It is a title bursting with character and has a silly, yet effective, sense of humor.
Unfortunately, there were some pretty substantial performance issues on release. Some of these were smoothed over afterwards and the game runs very well on the PS5, but that doesn't change the fact that it was a bit bumpy initially. Still, this is absolutely a game worth your time now.
11 Ghosts 'N Goblins Resurrection, 69
When Ghosts 'N Goblins Resurrection was first shown off, it felt like the art style was instantly not well received. Which is fair. At first glance, it has a bit of that paper doll-like limb hinging that many find a little unpleasant. However, once seen natively, it is actually a pretty attractive little game. Moreover, it is a game that is VERY faithful to the original, while giving players dozens of ways to mitigate the immense difficulty.
Ghosts 'N Goblins Resurrection can be just as brutal as the original was if you want it to be. However, there is a fantastic upgrade system in place as well. Not to mention a variety of difficulty levels as well as a generous checkpoint system. If you want a more casual experience, the game is happy to accommodate you. Basically, it feels like a pretty perfect approach to updating a classic game. Unfortunately, some reviewers didn’t seem to see it that way.
10 The Evil Within, 68
While slightly better received on the PS4, the PC version of The Evil Within was definitely not treated kindly (despite being the best running version of the game). With The Evil Within, Shinji Mikami set out to make a spiritual successor to Resident Evil 4’s style of gameplay, while also delivering a trippy, psychologically driven horror experience. The game has a unique way of undermining your expectations at every turn. Which, gloriously, allows for an experience that can switch spooky locales dramatically at the drop of a hat.
It is also a horror game that delivers some delightful bits of gore. Grindhouse fans will have a great time with this one. It isn’t a perfect game, but it is ambitious and succeeds more often than it fails. It also features some extremely memorable antagonists. If you love Resident Evil 4, and you are okay with something that is a little more eccentric, The Evil Within is legitimately a great choice.
9 Wolfenstein: Youngblood, 63
Youngblood quickly became the whipping boy of the series. Between the RPG elements, the backtracking, and the story (which feels thin in the middle), Youngblood certainly has problems. Jess and Soph are also extremely divisive characters; some appreciate their dorkiness, while others find them infuriating.
However, while there are issues, there are also a number of really enjoyable elements. Arkane helped out on the level design, and it shows as it is excellent. The combat is still visceral and fast-paced. Played as a co-op game, Youngblood is genuinely a very good time. For fans of the series who decided to avoid it, and who have a friend interested in playing with them, Youngblood may surprise you.
8 Star Fox Zero, 69
It is easy to see why so many long-time Star Fox fans were a little disappointed with this one. The new control scheme feels awkward and the missions where you are piloting anything other than the Arwing feel notably less enjoyable. There are even some dreadful stealth missions.
However, as unnecessary as they are, once you get the hang of the new controls they work well. Also, the Arwing missions are all really enjoyable. Oh, and as a co-op game, the asymmetrical gameplay can make for a gratifying experience. It isn't perfect, but Star Fox Zero has a lot to offer people who give it a chance.
7 Mad Max, 69
Mad Max seemed to be received with a wave of indifference. However, not long after its release, people started to discover that it was actually a pretty cool game. It doesn't overextend itself. It perfectly threads the needle between providing an engaging open world and having an enjoyable sense of progression. It also nails the Mad Max world and translates it into a videogame impressively well.
Ultimately, Mad Max may have been brought down by being an open-world game released in a year that was filled with high-profile games in the genre. Genre fatigue can be very real. If you are a Mad Max fan then this is an absolute must-play.
6 Deception 4, 69
Does Deception 4 feature some of the thirstiest character designs in a video game ever? Quite possibly. However, if you can get past that, you'll find a fascinating game that plays like nothing else. The Deception series has you defending your castle from invaders. You don't fight back directly, though. Instead, you set up traps around your castle. You can combo traps together, creating a twisted Rube Goldberg Machine of sorts.
These traps aren't purely sadistic, either. You can also have your enemies walk into a rake, stagger back into a trap that drops a pumpkin on their head, which causes them to stumble into a cannon that then launches them into the air. Deception often feels more like Home Alone than Saw. Don't be deceived, there is definitely something of value here.
5 Friday The 13th, 61
This is a title that received some pretty abysmal scores. And, for the most part, it deserved them. It is a clunky, ugly, and buggy game. However, despite falling short on so many levels, there is magic to Friday The 13th: The Game. This is one of those situations where the end game is far greater than the sum of its parts.
As a homage to the film series, it is already a winner. It is also a uniquely terrifying game. Holding your breath, while hiding under a bed, as Jason stomps around, is going to raise the hairs on the back of your neck. The proximity chat is also an incredible flourish (as long as you aren't playing with random people who are likely to grief).
4 Way Of The Samurai 4, 58
Sometimes you have to look below the surface to see something's value. Sure, The Way Of The Samurai games have never been good-looking games. The PS3 titles all look like PS2 games that were crudely ported to the system, the combat is okay but nothing excellent, and the story is extremely goofy.
However, the way these games deal with temporality is truly magnificent. They place you in a Groundhog Day scenario (but as a samurai, of course). By the time you get the best ending, you will find common ground between enemies and unite others in unexpected ways. The feeling you get when an ending you have seen a dozen times suddenly changes dramatically, due to your actions, is exhilarating. There is nothing else like these games.
3 The Silver Case, 64
The visual novel genre is naturally going to be a hard one to review as these games tend to be reviewed by connoisseurs. However, The Silver Case is a Suda51 game, which instantly makes it a much higher profile release. That may have hurt it here, as it possibly drew in a few people in who would have otherwise not bothered with it.
The Silver Case is a very interesting game. It doesn't move at a blistering pace, and the protagonists aren't exactly heroes you would look up to (more likely, you will end up looking down on them), but there is a fascinating, deeply cynical, story being told. If you are the type of person who enjoys visual novels, and who loves some great noir, The Silver Case is definitely worth your time.