Over the decades, numerous gaming development studios have left an indelible mark on the industry, crafting iconic titles that have defined both the 20th and 21st centuries. Despite evolving through various challenges and changes in personnel, many of these studios continue to push the boundaries of gameplay innovation and storytelling, creating some of the most beloved games in gaming history.
Nonetheless, not every title released reaches commercial success or garners critical acclaim. Games can falter for various reasons, including technical issues, lackluster gameplay, or the overshadowing presence of more prominent titles launching simultaneously. Even so, some of these overlooked gems deserve a second glance for their unique storylines, engaging mechanics, or simply to witness the earlier works of renowned developers.
8 Surf’s Up
A Surprisingly Enjoyable Mario Kart Clone
Today, Ubisoft Quebec is well-known for crafting popular entries in the Assassin’s Creed series, such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, often working collaboratively with Ubisoft Montreal. However, prior to its fame in the open-world genre, it gained recognition for developing versatile adaptations of Tom Clancy games and multimedia projects based on popular animated franchises, including the 2007 release, Surf’s Up.
Unlike the major console versions that emphasized executing tricks for high scores, the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable adaptations transformed Surf’s Up into a charming clone of Mario Kart, presenting power-up races featuring penguins set against the backdrop of Antarctica and Pen-Gu Island. Not only does this twist retain the fun essence of racing games, but it also introduces a rich cast of characters, diverse vehicles, and frenetic tracks. The multiplayer experience rivaled that of Mario Kart DS, elevating competition through quick-time events that enabled players to perform tricks for speed boosts.
7 They
Bungie’s Overlooked 2001 Classic
Renowned for establishing the Xbox with its iconic Halo series and creating the engaging Destiny franchise, Bungie released a remarkably different title in 2001: Oni. This third-person action-adventure game was unfortunately overshadowed by the monumental success of Halo: Combat Evolved.
Oni showcases Konoko, a protagonist from the Technological Crimes Task Force, who embarks on a mission to dismantle the notorious criminal organization, the Syndicate, while uncovering her enigmatic backstory. Although the premise may seem standard, the game distinguishes itself through its appealing anime-style cutscenes and fluid hand-to-hand combat, reminiscent of scenes from The Matrix.
Furthermore, the game boasts a compelling soundtrack by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori. Those familiar with their expansive scores from Halo will appreciate the distinctive musical style present in Oni, which diverges from their usual epic compositions.
6 Bulletstorm
Epic’s Ambitious Yet Unsuccessful FPS Franchise
Epic Games has established itself as one of the leading developers and publishers in the gaming world, credited with creating the Unreal Engine, the Gears of War franchise, and the massively popular Fortnite. However, before venturing into battle royale territory, Epic attempted to launch a new first-person shooter franchise with the release of Bulletstorm in 2011.
Much like Gears of War, Bulletstorm features tough protagonists, intense gunplay, and takes place in an imaginative environment. However, it adopts a more humorous tone, encouraging players to eliminate enemies in creative, explosive, or gruesome ways. Unique kills such as launching foes into the air with the instinct leash and delivering a devastating kick into a cactus yield additional points for weapon upgrades.
This game is a must-try for fans of Gears, Doom, Duke Nukem, and Borderlands, encapsulating the experimental and exhilarating nature of games released during the seventh console generation.
5 Bully
GTA Tailored for Younger Audiences
Renowned for its exploration of life’s darker themes through titles like Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, and Max Payne, Rockstar Games ventured into the complexities of adolescent life with Bully in 2006. This third-person narrative deviates from the usual crime-laden escapades, placing players in the shoes of Jimmy Hopkins, a teen navigating the treacherous social landscape of Bullworth Academy.
Players engage in various activities, from class mini-games to skateboarding, while interacting with a robust array of NPCs. This social system is intricate, often surpassing that of many GTA titles, allowing players to affect relationships positively or negatively through actions like delivering wedgies or capturing yearbook photos.
While Bully may lack the extensive gameplay variety of other Rockstar games, it offers a genuinely captivating coming-of-age story, making it essential for any Rockstar enthusiast.
4 James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game
A Noteworthy Movie Tie-In Game
Like Ubisoft Quebec, Ubisoft Montreal has made a name for itself creating popular franchises, notably Assassin’s Creed. However, in the early 2000s, the studio also produced games tied to major films, including the critically acclaimed Avatar: The Game, released alongside James Cameron’s cinematic masterpiece.
Despite Avatar’s success as a film, the accompanying video game struggled commercially and critically, amassing around three million copies sold and garnering a mixed reception, with some labeling it as a dull third-person shooter. However, many players may overlook the game’s merits, including its engaging mechanics and narrative depth, which serve as a creative prequel that enriches the film’s backstory.
In terms of gameplay, Avatar: The Game allows players to choose between the RDA soldier and Na’Vi avatars, piloting AMP Suits and Gunships while providing an experience that some argue exceeds newer titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
3 Sunset Overdrive
Insomniac Games’ Overlooked Xbox Title
Before becoming synonymous with PlayStation exclusives such as Ratchet & Clank and Marvel’s Spider-Man, Insomniac Games created Sunset Overdrive, a vibrant and inventive open-world game exclusive to Xbox One, released in 2014.
This title expertly combines the high-energy movement of Jet Set Radio with the quirky, zombie-infested environment of Dead Rising, centering around a janitor-turned-hero seeking to escape Sunset City after an energy drink gone awry mutates its citizens into grotesque monsters.
Though Sunset Overdrive received critical praise, its underwhelming sales have limited the likelihood of a sequel. Nonetheless, it remains a fun, chaotic, and uniquely stylish experience that resonates with gamers.
2 Singularity
Raven Software’s Innovative FPS
Raven Software is primarily known today as a support studio for the Call of Duty franchise, yet it previously released one of the most inventive and underappreciated FPS titles of the seventh generation: Singularity, in 2010.
Blending elements of action, survival horror, and time manipulation, Singularity is reminiscent of gaming landmarks like Half Life 2 and BioShock, as well as sharing gameplay mechanics with Titanfall 2. Set on the abandoned Soviet island of Katorga-12, players follow U. S.Recon Marine Nathaniel Renko, who unwittingly alters history while battling mutated foes and unraveling past events.
The game features an intriguing narrative paired with enjoyable gameplay, particularly the Time Manipulation Device gauntlet, allowing players to interact with the game world in dynamic and engaging ways.
1 Jade Empire
BioWare’s Underrated RPG Adventure
Famed for crafting beloved RPG franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, BioWare also developed Jade Empire in 2005, an entirely unique RPG experience that hasn’t received the recognition it truly deserves.
Set in a world richly inspired by Chinese mythology and history, with steampunk elements woven in, Jade Empire allows players to encounter magical constructs alongside traditional warriors. It features a dual morality system similar to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, impacting player choices and dialogue. Unlike KOTOR, however, combat unfolds in real-time with the option to have a companion accompany the player.
This immersive world, filled with engaging narratives and characters, remains a hidden gem of the Xbox generation. If you’re a fan of BioWare or simply RPGs, Jade Empire is a must-play title, offering a gaming experience unlike any other.
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