The landscape of AAA gaming faces considerable scrutiny today, with many titles being labeled as uninspired or derivative. Though these games often achieve impressive sales figures among mainstream players, they can sometimes escape the notice of more dedicated gaming enthusiasts. This phenomenon may lead to many underappreciated but genuinely exceptional AAA games going unnoticed.
This article sheds light on several AAA titles that, due to factors like unfavorable reviews or unfortunate release timings, didn’t receive the recognition they deserve. Whether you missed them upon their initial launch or were unaware of their existence, these games warrant another look.
10 Ryse: Son of Rome
The Epic Journey Through Ancient Rome
Initially hailed as a potential flagship title for the Xbox One, Ryse: Son of Rome faced significant criticism for its brevity. While the detractors were not entirely wrong, this action-packed experience is now available at budget-friendly prices on both PC and Xbox One.
In this visually striking title, players embody Marius, a Roman general on a riveting journey filled with revenge and ancient battles. The storytelling unfolds in a compelling manner, as memories of intense battles lead Marius back to a tense encounter at the game’s outset.
The combat mechanics are reminiscent of the Arkham series, emphasizing precise timing for executing combos, parries, and brutal takedowns. The game’s stunning visuals remain impressive even years after its release, making it a worthy choice for a weekend gaming binge.
9 Horizon Forbidden West
Competing Against Giants
Horizon Forbidden West is another breathtaking title that was overshadowed by the monumental success of Elden Ring, which launched just a week later. Many gamers were hesitant to invest in two high-priced games in close succession, inadvertently sidelining this exceptional sequel.
Visually, Forbidden West pushes the boundaries of graphical fidelity, while its narrative depth surpasses that of its predecessor. The dynamic combat system engages players with a wide range of strategies necessary to defeat a diverse array of robotic adversaries, some of which rival the epic scale of Monster Hunter battles.
In a different year, this game could have dominated Game of the Year discussions, but the shadow cast by Elden Ring left it largely unrecognized.
8 The Order: 1886
A Cinematic Masterpiece
In the realm of short games, The Order: 1886 stands out as one of the best narrative experiences over the past decade. This title is a unique blend of captivating storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and innovative mechanics, immersing players in a steampunk reimagining of Arthurian legend, where you take on the role of Sir Galahad.
The narrative is rife with intrigue—werewolves, betrayal, and political machinations weave together in a captivating manner. Although the game’s 10-hour runtime may feel brief, it serves the story well, leaving players yearning for a sequel that may never come. Nevertheless, it offers remarkable gameplay that engages and entertains.
7 Sleeping Dogs
A Hidden Gem in Open-World Gaming
Sleeping Dogs is a critically acclaimed title that many gamers overlooked upon its release. Launched just prior to the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto V, it struggled to gain traction in the crowded open-world space.
Players step into the shoes of Wei Shen, an undercover cop immersed in a gripping narrative filled with twists and drama. The combat system is particularly noteworthy, surpassing even the mechanics found in the Arkham series with its fluidity and depth. Environmental interactions heighten the stakes, making each encounter feel intense and realistic.
Despite its remarkable story and engaging gameplay, the game did not achieve the recognition or sales it deserved, leaving fans hopeful for a potential sequel that, unfortunately, seems unlikely.
6 Mad Max
An Underrated Open-World Experience
Mad Max is often forgotten, not due to its quality but rather its poor marketing and unfortunate release timing. Coming out after Mad Max: Fury Road, yet on the same day as Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, it faced a near-impossible task to capture attention.
Set in a rich, chaotic world, this title excels in both on-foot and vehicular combat. Players control Max as he traverses landscapes filled with ruthless enemies, crafting upgrades for his vehicle to enhance combat capabilities.
With visceral melee combat and explosive vehicular interactions, the game’s mechanics resonate strongly with fans of the open-world genre. Priced affordably now, it might be the right time to discover this lost treasure.
5 Deathloop
Innovative Yet Misunderstood
Deathloop faced skepticism upon its announcement, as many fans of the Dishonored series were anticipating a direct sequel. Instead, Arkane Austin offered a unique experience that blends roguelike elements with immersive gameplay, focusing on a time-loop mechanic that forms the foundation of the narrative.
Despite receiving positive reviews, its unconventional format led to a lukewarm public reception. The game allows for extensive player freedom in combat, featuring a variety of weapons and supernatural abilities to traverse the challenges of a creatively designed island.
Engaging with the antagonist, Julianna, adds layers of excitement, culminating in a thrilling conclusion that challenges players to think critically about their progress. Although the gameplay may not break new ground, the overall experience remains engaging and definitely worth trying.
4 Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
A Long-Awaited Follow-Up
After much anticipation, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 has arrived, though the lengthy wait may have dampened expectations. Despite its stunning graphics and strong combat mechanics, the brief gameplay duration left many players underwhelmed.
Players navigate diverse environments, facing challenges that feel like a cinematic experience. The combat is markedly improved, allowing for a more dynamic variety of moves and tactics. However, the game’s shortened length has made some gamers reluctant to invest at full price.
3 Watch Dogs: Legion
A Bold Experiment in Open-World Gameplay
Released in a frenzied gaming year filled with heavyweights like Ghost of Tsushima and The Last of Us: Part II, Watch Dogs: Legion struggled to find its footing. While it may not surpass the original, it does introduce intriguing mechanics, including a unique character recruitment system.
This system allows players to include any NPC in their operation, highlighting individual specialties and loyalty missions. Although the game sacrifices a singular protagonist narrative, the complexity of team dynamics creates engaging gameplay that varies based on your chosen characters.
The exciting blend of stealth, hacking, and combative action presents a fun array of options. Furthermore, the inclusion of Aiden from the first game in DLC enriches the experience, making it a must-try title.
2 Assassin’s Creed Rogue
The Overlooked Entry in the Franchise
Assassin’s Creed: Rogue is a title that fell into the shadows at its launch, overshadowed by the more popular Assassin’s Creed Unity. Exclusive to last-generation consoles, this game introduced players to a Templar protagonist, Shay Patrick Cormac, who embarks on a quest against the Assassins.
With similar gameplay to Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Rogue stands out with its compelling narrative that delves into the Templar perspective, offering intriguing story implications yet to be fully explored in subsequent titles.
This game may be brief, but it provides a unique and entertaining experience worth revisiting for any fan of the franchise.
1 Titanfall 2
An Unforgettable First-Person Shooter
Titanfall 2 is a title that often gets excessive praise, yet many players still haven’t experienced its brilliance. This game boasts one of the finest first-person shooter campaigns, featuring exhilarating missions and the innovative use of time-bending gameplay elements.
The shooting mechanics are top-notch, seamlessly integrating Titan interactions that elevate the gameplay experience. The ability to fluidly transition between ground combat and piloting massive mechs makes for an incredible gameplay experience.
Although the multiplayer mode was well received, the single-player campaign remains the star of the show, showcasing the awe-inspiring quality typical of a high-budget AAA title.
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