Every console has games that tend to be overlooked and underrated, as well as those whose quality is perhaps a bit overexaggerated. This is largely the case for the Xbox One - a console full of heavy-hitting AAA titles that tend to overshadow more obscure and lesser-known entries.
The RPG genre certainly succumbs to this divide, with big guns like Borderlands hogging the limelight over indies or JRPGs, which may not garner a huge audience on Microsoft's console.
With that said, here are 5 of the best examples of underrated RPGs on the Xbox One, along with 5 that tend to get overrated.
10 Overrated: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
The clout of Bethesda's epic Elder Scrolls series has soared to an all-time high with its sleekest, most robust game yet, Skyrim. This already majestic adventure has been dialed up and refined even further with this enhanced version for the Xbox One.
And while this writer is by no means implying this is a poor experience - far from it - there's certainly a feeling of "been there, done that" prominent among certain players. What once was a groundbreaking, awe-inspiring journey now feels a bit dated and plain, especially given the fairly steep price of this glorified port.
9 Underrated: Operencia: The Stolen Sun
Take the sensibilities of a retro RPG, mix in tactical elements, and decorate the scenes with sleek, majestic settings, and the result is Operencia. On the one hand, it's easy to see why this niche title might not draw huge crowds, given its restricted grid-based movement, linear gameplay, and turn-based battles.
Yet, it's this oldschool charm that allows this stolen sun to shine - with its blend of strategy gameplay, grind-it-out fights, and clever puzzles. In a decade rife with WRPG epics and colorful JRPG romps, Operencia is a refreshing take on a modern RPG that distinguishes itself.
8 Overrated: Final Fantasy XV
It's perhaps telling that FFVII, the remake of a decades-old game, tends to garner more hype than this major series' most current entry. To its credit, Square Enix certainly ventures outside the boundaries of more typical FF tropes, with its modern themes, unique narrative, and even car travel.
Though there's still plenty of that thrilling, imaginative gameplay, FFXV tends to lose itself in cinematic bombast and off-kilter twists. On top of its tepid story, fans and critics have noted the game's emphasis on action over traditional RPG elements and depth.
7 Underrated: Black Desert Online
MMOs for home consoles can be dicey, given the relative limitations and controller restrictions that usually come with them. Yet, this lesser-known IP from Pearl Abyss has quietly become one of the more enjoyable and interesting MMORPGs of the generation.
Black Desert immerses players in organic-feeling open worlds and exciting combat, decorated with lush fantasy settings. Both the exploration and progression elements are well-crafted and deep. The versatility in the gameplay itself is also quite impressive. Players can take on activities ranging from farming and fishing to trading and engaging in epic battles.
6 Overrated: Fallout 4
While this more direct followup to Fallout 3 is certainly more memorable than the online spinoff, Fallout 76, many still regard this as a tepid effort. This entry manages to hinge too heavily on Fallout tropes - with yet another vast, post-apocalyptic setting that feels less interesting this time around.
The game has been criticized for watering down or even excluding various elements that made past iterations so appealing. Meanwhile, the additions Fallout 4 does contain - such crafting and settlement construction, tend to feel convoluted and tedious.
5 Underrated: Code Vein
It's perhaps easy to shrug off a game whose art style looks so familiarly "anime," complete with gameplay that closely resembles the various Soulslike titles following in the wake of Dark Souls. Regardless, Bandai Namco manages to utilize both of these traits interestingly. This is thanks to its intense, dark narrative and its cast of awesome characters, along with a thrilling battle system that offers a neat twist.
Code Vein's unique Blood Code magic system really injects life into this one, adding depth to the enjoyable combat. The blend of melee strikes and swappable abilities helps mix up the action and keeps it exciting during this 30-hour epic.
4 Overrated: Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3 tends to succumb to "Fallout 4 syndrome" of attempting to fix what isn't broken. Though the endless bounties of loot and crazy weaponry is amusing, it verges on being overwhelming at times.
Along with this loot overload is some repetitious grinding as well as rougher, more convoluted interface with tough-to-digest skill trees. The charming characters, funny dialogue, and interesting plot featured in BL2 is largely absent here too. This former wittiness and intrigue is replaced by cheesy lines and an uninspired premise.
And unlike its past BL games, these shortcomings tend to make the typical array of bugs stand out more. Though it has its moments, BL3 feels like a bloated - and fairly lukewarm - follow-up.
3 Underrated: Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Speaking of spotty performances - Warhorse Studio's Kingdom Come: Deliverance is no stranger to this either. These factors, coupled with a pretty steep learning curve, might turn some gamers off to this WRPG. Those willing to power through, however, will find perhaps one of the richest and most memorable adventures of the current generation.
The game can partly be described as "Skyrim without the dragons," though this wouldn't quite be doing the game justice.
At its core, Kingdom Come taps into a bygone era of nuanced PC RPGs of the 80s with its complex, versatile gameplay. At the same time, it offers a sleek modern aesthetic, with gorgeous, vibrant open-worlds to explore. Warhorse adheres to Medieval historical traits and events on a deep level, setting the stage for an authentic and organic experience.
2 Overrated: Diablo III
Even after the slew of refinements and additions, Blizzard's Diablo III tends to fall a bit flat when compared to the sky-high bar set by its predecessors.
And considering even the superior PC version has seen a rather mixed reception, one shouldn't expect much from this lesser port for Xbox One. Though it certainly looks nice and offers plenty of content, the restrictions of the controller tend to dampen this average experience.
1 Underrated: Tales of Vesperia - Definitive Edition
It's not surprising that this Tales game for Xbox 360 managed to fall under radar, given its JRPG flair that didn't quite connect to a mostly Western audience. Naturally, this was also the case for the largely-unchanged remaster for Xbox One released a decade later. It's a shame, as this may just be one of the best JRPG experiences on the console.
Many Tales fans regard Vesperia as one of the strongest entries in this ARPG series to date. This is thanks to its memorable story, vibrant worlds, and thrilling real-time combat.
Though the core game is chock-full of delightful content, this enhanced version further fleshes things out. It refines its already appealing battle system, along with adding online leaderboards, upscaled graphics, and additional content.