In the midst of an onslaught of new video game releases it is easy for games that do not have the marketing support or were not critically acclaimed to ship under the radar screen of the casual gamer.
Many of these under hyped titles were released in the wrong season where more notable titles were shipping while in many cases critics emboldened by their own erudition construct a bandwagon atmosphere when a particular subset of a game is picked apart where perhaps other, more meaningful pieces of the title were actually well designed.
Another factor is that many hidden pearls of the gaming world are pushed asunder due to what has become a demo culture. Playable introductory versions of games are more and more becoming available via download pre-launch in which only a part of the first level or scene is even playable.
Though it answers the cries of gamers everywhere to be able to preview before they buy, it sometimes leads to snap judgments about the quality of a title. It is similar to writing a review of a movie just by watching the trailer.
Though subjective to the core, through my meanderings as a gamer addict I have come across titles where there are truly excellent interactive moments to be played. Whenever a "list" is created there is an obvious prejudiced line that is earmarked as the stop gap, mine is 5.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for additional titles that are off the beaten trail as I am always looking to pick up a missed gaming experience. Find me on my MySears profile page: LeagueofOne
Notorious for being one of the first announced games for the Xbox 360 back in 2004, this title was delayed and reworked from its sci-fi roots to a more bio-hazard espionage thriller. Releasing in March of 2008, Dark Sector features outstanding visuals and a whirling blade of death that is in just one word, cool.
The story is a bit convoluted but the voice acting is strong and the gameplay is varied and progressive. Without revealing too much of the plot your character Hayden Tenno (voiced well by Michael Rosenbaum of Smallville) is sent to investigate a rogue agent and chemical outbreak whereby you are subsequently infected and begin to grow a Glave in your left hand that serves as a limb dismemberer of anyone that stands in your way.
As you become more infected you actually become stronger and different abilities begin to become realized which is needed as the enemies continue to evolve and boss battles in particular require special attention.
The controls are a touch on the sluggish side, overall though, Dark Sector represents first rate production values and gruesome combat that definitely gives the player a sense of empowerment.
Layer in a very unique multiplayer twist that pits the super mutant protagonist against a team of ordinary soldiers and you have a recipe for bloody fun.
The Pan's Labyrinth of gaming, Folklore's dark fantasy is both haunting and beautiful. The story primarily features two principal protagonists, Ellen, searching for her deceased mother and Keats, an occult journalist that is looking to discover the truth about paranormal activities. Their travels lead them both to Doolin, an Irish country settlement that is home to the supernatural "Folk."
The vantage point and interactivity of each character allows for a depth of story telling unbeknownst to another form of entertainment. The gameplay follows a very binary approach that leads to intense action during night time elements, while during the day your character is driven by narrative and loot gathering exploits.
Combat also takes an interesting path as your weapons are primarily the essence you steal from the "Folk" of the netherworld. Each type of encounter dictates the use of a particular "Folk" attribute which adds additional layers to the game's depth.
The combination of stunning visuals and imaginative creature creation elevates this title as an experience that should not be passed up.
Too Human is a critically maligned game that was a product of its own hype and exaggerated expectations which, unfortunately, led to this title not fulfilling its own promises as the next great Microsoft exclusive.
Albeit passionately supported by Dennis Dyack (owner of Sylicon Knights and director of Too Human) as a ground breaking Action RPG (Role Playing Game), the end product did not meet Xbox fanboy approval as a new dominating IP.
It was also falsely accused of being in steady development for over 10 years and costing over a hundred million dollars in production costs which only further enhanced the flame bait internet wars as to what would constitute success for this title.
Riding an avalanche of controversy and unrealistic expectations, Too Human released to a tepid audience and less than flattering reviews that castigated it for its unique control style and presentation.
If gamers/critics everywhere would have noticed however, Too Human is an incredibly fun and addicting title that introduces brave new concepts into console RPG's.
The narrative style and level presentation craft an excellent retelling of Norse mythology, which has been drastically under represented in the gaming landscape, while also modernizing the story to our techno-centric realities.
Another strong aspect of Too Human is the gameplay which is Diablo like in loot gathering while also orientating itself well to the action gamer with its focus on the right analog stick as the primary attack trigger. This style allows you to careen off enemies at an ever increasing rate while leaving your face buttons open for special attacks and abilities.
Too Human takes some skill to master and the targeting can be frustrating but coupled with outstanding character customization and fighting types, the potential is there for a ground breaking sequel (additional level variation and expanded co-op from 2 to 4 is needed) that hopefully still has the backing of Microsoft.
2. Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Athena (Xbox 360/PS3)
Though released April 7th of 2009, this title was actually born 5 years ago with critical acclaim (with regrettably slow sales) as Escape from Butcher Bay for the original Xbox. Undercutting the theory that all movie licensed games are substandard in quality, Escape from Butcher Bay almost created a new genre unto itself with a first person shooter that focused more on stealth and hand to hand combat than twitch action.
The graphics at the time were ground breaking and the unique gameplay fostered a loyal, albeit, small fan base. Flash forward to the present and Atari/Starbreeze took it upon themselves to completely re-master the original Escape from Butcher Bay with next generation physics and graphics while also including an entirely new and engaging campaign, Assault on Dark Athena.
This title represents what is possibly the best value of any game shipped this year as it is basically two games in one. Assault on Dark Athena does not carry through the entire character of it's forebear but the design quality and gameplay is retained and with the added benefit of online multiplayer modes the longevity of the title has been extended significantly.
Vin Diesel may not be winning an Oscar anytime soon, but this stealth-action title is definitely worthy of a play through. With less than an estimated 1% console saturation rate a month after launch this title represents such an outstanding quality that it warrants to be brought more into the mainstream of the gaming universe.
1. Valkyria Chronicles (Sony PS3)
Only an estimated 1.8% of PS3 owners own this title. This is perhaps the best RPG in Sony's library for the PS3 and it is a true crime that it is so under realized in the market.
The first emblem of note for this title is its breath taking beauty. Utilizing the Canvas engine designed exclusively for the PS3, the hand-drawn style leaves this game looking like a living painting throughout the entire experience.
The engrossing tale sets Welkin and his troops against neighboring enemies that have ensnared his country in a destructive path when in the midst of the fighting a new hyper-powered threat, the "Valkyria" enters the battle wherein Welkin is forced to lead his band courageously against the unknown foe.
This experience usually garners 25-35 hours of gameplay and it is worth every dime. The gameplay unites the tactical RPG experience with the everyday Third Person Action genre in a unique intertwining of strategy and action adventure. I could not recommend this title more and it should be purchased by any PS3 fan of the genre.
Honorable but not Forgotten Mentions:
Frontlines: Fuel of War, The Darkness, Command and Conquer: Kane's Wrath, Battle Stations: Midway, Overlord, Viking: Battle of Asgard, Alone in the Dark (Post controls update), Rise of the Argonauts
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