Unlike movie franchises, where quality often varies regardless of the number of installments, video game series frequently demonstrate a direct correlation between the number of games released and the quality of the content. However, several games within renowned franchises tend to be overlooked, often because they diverge from traditional expectations or take unconventional approaches. This article shines a light on some underrated titles from beloved gaming series that deserve recognition.
A number of video game franchises needed ample time to establish their identity and connect with global audiences. For instance, the Final Fantasy series required seven main games to become a staple in the gaming landscape. This meant that players outside Japan encountered a range of unique yet sometimes inconsistent earlier entries, starkly contrasting with the polished narratives like that of Cloud Strife’s adventures.
Despite existing biases, even the most hardened video game aficionados can appreciate the underdogs of their favorite franchises. While the majority may overlook these games, fan appreciation remains, and so they justly deserve their moment in the spotlight.
10 Dark Souls II
Shadows Die Twice
Often dismissed as the low point of the franchise, Dark Souls II surprisingly outshines its predecessor and many lesser Soulslike games. The game introduced an effective fast travel system that significantly reduced the tedious backtracking that plagued previous titles.
Who approved the idea of scattering smiths throughout the game world, forcing players to dash through familiar grounds repeatedly?
9 Metal Gear Acid
Dropping Acid
Despite Konami remastering many 3D entries in the Metal Gear Solid series, two titles—Metal Gear Acid and its sequel—remain neglected. This unique blend of stealth mechanics and turn-based card strategy provided a fresh gameplay experience, where mission strategies hinged on the player’s card selections.
Furthermore, having control over two characters opened up exciting dual gameplay dynamics that were absent in traditional Metal Gear Solid titles. Although the narratives are peculiar, so are many within the franchise, including wild plot points in games like Sons of Liberty.
8 Batman: Arkham Origins
Batman Begins Again
While the Batman: Arkham trilogy is celebrated for its stellar action-stealth gameplay, Batman: Arkham Origins deserves more attention. This entry delves into Batman’s formative encounters with the Joker and features a cast of lesser-known villains who pursue the Dark Knight throughout Gotham.
With the absence of prominent voice talents like Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, the game has a distinct tone compared to its series peers. Still, Arkham Origins stands as a worthy installment deserving exploration, particularly for those disappointed by recent titles like Gotham Knights and the upcoming Suicide Squad game.
7 Donkey Kong Country 3
Kidding Around
Much to the surprise of many, Donkey Kong Country 3 frequently receives disdain from fans who overlook its improvements on established mechanics. This entry boasts expansive worlds filled with hidden secrets, diverse animal companions, and the same precise platforming speed that defined its predecessors.
The primary source of discontent seems to stem from the change in playable characters; absent are Donkey and Diddy Kong, replaced instead by Dixie and Kiddy Kong. Many fans argue the game’s direction was misguided, suggesting a narrative where Donkey and Dixie embark on a quest to rescue Diddy might have resonated better.
Regardless of the character choices, Donkey Kong Country 3 is a stellar platformer that stands shoulder to shoulder with its iconic siblings, meriting recognition instead of derision.
6 Doom 64
Still Waiting for Doom 4-63
It’s quite unusual that Doom 3, which deviates significantly from the franchise, enjoys more acclaim than Doom 64, a direct follow-up to Doom II. One reason for this oversight could be its exclusivity to the Nintendo 64 for many years, making it less accessible.
Doom 64 is an exceptional first-person shooter that expands upon its predecessors content-wise while retaining the mechanics that fans love. Recently, newer ports have rekindled interest in this title, allowing a new generation of players to experience this classic gem.
5 Final Fantasy Mystic Quest
Breaking Benjamin
Let’s be candid: Mystic Quest does not compare to the iconic Final Fantasy titles launched on the SNES. However, it serves as a welcoming introduction to the RPG genre, blending recognizable elements from Zelda-style dungeon exploration with turn-based combat.
This entry includes impressive visuals for its time, and its soundtrack holds its own alongside the series’ beloved compositions.The game’s battle theme, featured in popular titles like Theatrhythm, showcases the enduring appeal of its music.
4 The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Weak Link in the Chain
Multiplayer titles in The Legend of Zelda series often fail to gain the attention they merit, as is the case with Tri Force Heroes. Designed for cooperative play on the Nintendo 3DS, this game invited three players to embody different Links as they tackled diverse puzzles and completed objectives together.
The game adopts a more whimsical tone, which may have detracted from its appeal given its premise that revolves around saving a fashion-challenged princess. Regrettably, Tri Force Heroes didn’t make its way to the Nintendo Switch, a platform that could have enhanced its online capabilities and broadened its audience.
3 Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu & Let’s Go Eevee
Going Back to Kanto
The initial Pokémon titles released for the Nintendo Switch faced criticism primarily due to their integration of mechanics from Pokémon Go. These remakes of Pokémon Yellow had the potential to captivate audiences but were met with resistance from established fans overwhelmed by the new catching mechanics.
Nevertheless, the Let’s Go games have achieved sales exceeding 15 million copies, although they don’t rank among the Switch’s top ten best-sellers. Despite the lukewarm reception, the Let’s Go titles provide an unmatched Pokémon experience on modern consoles, surpassing the less well-received entries from Generations 8 and 9.Returning to the Kanto region in these games can be a nostalgic delight for fans seeking classic experiences.
2 Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
A Masked Odyssey
Fans of the Persona series may overlook Persona Q due to its similarities with the Etrian Odyssey series rather than the distinct Shin Megami Tensei style. Although it lacks the calendar mechanics and character relationships typical in mainline games, this title successfully combines dungeon-crawling excitement with classic Persona gameplay elements.
Perhaps its most intriguing aspect is the crossover of various characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4 (and even Persona 5 in the sequel), offering moments of interaction that players never experienced in canonical storylines.
1 Super Mario Bros.2
Dreaming of a New Mario
It’s widely known that Super Mario Bros.2 was not originally conceived as a true Mario game, but rather adapted from a different platformer. This fact sometimes leads to its rejection among fans, who dismiss it as “too strange”for the traditional franchise.
While it certainly deviates from the typical Mario formula, Super Mario Bros.2 stands strong as an innovative platformer with numerous secrets and diverse playable characters, each catering to different playstyles.
Given that only two prior Mario games existed at the time, labeling Super Mario Bros.2 as “too weird” seems unfair. After all, Mario’s universe has always thrived on creative absurdity, and this sequel offered delightful experiences amid a limited lore backdrop.
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