Occasionally in life, even when you exert great effort and possess exceptional skills, if fortune doesn’t favor you, you might stumble or fail. This is an experience that game developers often encounter frequently.
Many remarkable games, often overlooked or miscategorized as poor games, provide extremely enjoyable and fulfilling experiences.
Here are some overlooked gems within the widely appreciated Role-Playing Game (RPG) genre that didn’t receive the recognition they deserved. Each game on this list offers something distinctive and intriguing to potential enthusiasts. We guarantee that if you disregard the review scores and give these games a chance, you won’t be disappointed. Instead, you’ll likely find yourself pleasantly surprised.
To put it simply, we’ll focus on games listed on OpenCritic that garnered a collective score of 75% or lower. Our primary interest lies in those titles that, in our opinion, were undeservingly criticized and could have received much higher marks.
10. Darksiders 3
Buggy But Better Now
Initially, many people gave Darksiders 3 scores that were less than ideal, but I believe this game truly earned every mediocre rating it received upon release. The primary reason for its lackluster reception was a multitude of bugs and technical glitches that hindered the gaming experience.
Despite initial setbacks, the developers stayed dedicated to resurrecting the game. Now, it maintains all its appealing aspects while addressing and rectifying issues that deterred players upon its launch.
The game provides finely tuned fighting, numerous challenging boss fights, a captivating narrative, and a compelling main character. Moreover, its world creation is exceptional.
It’s reasonable to assume that not every fan of the Darksiders series might take kindly to the Souls-like style of game development. However, if one is open to experiencing it, they might find themselves delightfully impressed with Darksiders 3.
9. Kitaria Fables
Rune Factory With Cats
Since I’m a big fan of snuggly gaming genres, when a cooperative farming simulator emerges that also offers dungeon exploration in the style of Japanese RPGs, I simply can’t resist sinking plenty of time into it.
In the case of Kitaria Fables, its narrative was one that was presented, however, it appeared that not everyone found a connection with the game, even the critics.
This could be due to the farming elements appearing somewhat incomplete, however, the dungeon-exploring aspects more than compensate for this shortcoming. Essentially, this game blends the ‘fight a bit, farm a bit’ rhythm of Rune Factory with Cat Quest’s straightforward and user-friendly combat and RPG mechanics.
Although it might not match up to the sophistication and excitement of Stardew Valley, it offers a relaxed, cooperative experience that is more enjoyable than many people give it credit for. Invite a friend to join you on this adventure and see for yourself if it’s worth playing!
8. Outward
Souls-Like Elder Scrolls
Discussing cooperative adventures that haven’t received their deserved recognition, Outward might just be one of the best fantasy cooperative role-playing games out there. However, the average review scores don’t necessarily reflect this.
Outward is a game that provides a role-playing experience similar to ’90s classics, often challenging players to solve problems on their own, strategize for battles, or endure the tough outcomes that result from winging it.
In a manner reminiscent of soul-like battles, immersed in a mystical realm brimming with mystery and inviting exploration, and featuring a vibe similar to The Elder Scrolls series in terms of world structure and atmosphere, Outward has much to captivate players. However, surprisingly, this game received generally lackluster reviews from critics everywhere.
If you’re undecided, let me assure you that contrary to initial opinions, this is definitely worth playing right away.
7. Forspoken
Fun Gameplay, Insufferable Characters
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve found myself appreciating several aspects of Forspoken that often stir debate. Admittedly, some may find my sentiments unsettling, but here’s why I find charm in this game.
Although I can see the reasons for its lack of popularity as a ‘system-seller’, it’s worth noting that some critics were quite harsh towards this game, and at times, their reviews seemed somewhat unjustified or unfair.
Despite its poor narrative, subpar dialogue and voice performances, and typical open-world excesses, this game boasts an exceptional combat system and rewarding movement mechanics that are hard to beat in open-world games. Additionally, it’s generally quite beautiful to look at.
With a more appealing ensemble of actors and a stronger writing crew, this production might have become an enormous triumph. Regardless, the cast we ended up with doesn’t diminish the fact that it’s a game worth experiencing, especially if you fast-forward through the cutscenes. The gameplay remains engaging for potential players.
6. The Age of Decadence
A CRPG Gem
The creators of the role-playing game, The Age of Decadence – often described as ‘love it or hate it’ – acknowledge that this game may not appeal to everyone. In fact, they strongly advise prospective players to try the demo version before making a purchase.
This item caters to a specific market, but if it appeals to your preferences, it offers an exceptional, profound, and fulfilling journey unlike any other.
It’s clear that the game wasn’t well-received by critics because of its challenging and unyielding mechanics, which some might find harsh. However, it’s these very elements that could attract many gamers to this particular title.
In simpler terms, you’re not an all-powerful deity or super-soldier who can easily overcome challenges. Instead, you’re a regular person with basic abilities, and you’ll have to strategically use those skills to succeed.
The story revolves around using intelligence, choosing when to act, and deciphering hidden messages to unravel the main puzzle about the three residences and the deteriorating realm. It progresses gradually, demanding patience and dedication, but your investment will certainly be rewarded in due time.
5. Moonglow Bay
Voxel Block Fishing
Moving forward, we come across an adorable voxel-based game title that garnered more negative reviews than expected. However, it’s important to note that despite not being a groundbreaking masterpiece, this game sparkles with charm that surpasses its rating might suggest.
Moonglow Bay bears a calmer, less horror-infused atmosphere compared to Dredge. The game centers around a peaceful fishing village, where, following your husband’s mysterious disappearance at sea, you and your daughter embark on a gradual journey to rekindle your affection for the ocean.
As you navigate through the journey, you engage in activities like sailing, fishing, preparing meals, and marketing your handmade goods – all to support this endless cycle. It’s an engaging game with charming mechanics and an emotionally resonant narrative that invites players into a warm, therapeutic gaming experience for those ready to immerse themselves within its world.
There’s a bit of repetition, but let’s face it, isn’t that typical of a comforting game? Go ahead and try it; after all, what’s the most that can go wrong?
4. Godfall
An Unlucky Launch Title
If your game is going to be launched for public consumption, it can be quite challenging if it’s scheduled as a launch title for a console. To put it simply, most console launches feature a lot of ordinary games rather than exceptional ones.
In my opinion, while Godfall certainly belonged to that genre, I’d contend that the hype surrounding it might have been excessive rather than the game itself providing an unsatisfactory experience.
Godfall is an action role-playing game that has a traditional ARPG vibe, emphasizing farming for unique items and collecting all loot in the vicinity to progress. The fighting system is robust, the environment looks authentic, and its mechanics cater particularly to those who have a knack for accumulating loot.
Furthermore, enhancements made post-release have significantly improved the game’s originally mediocre narrative, added numerous customization features, and expanded its content, thereby enhancing the gaming experience overall.
Initially deemed just average at its release, you might want to revisit this game and give it another try. In my view, it stands among the top-tier modern launch games.
3. SteelRising
A Robot Revolution
It often puzzles me as to why a game such as Lies of P garnered rave reviews, whereas SteelRising, another Souls-Like game, received mixed to negative responses, even though they both appear to be equally skilled in their respective genres.
SteelRising showcases stunning graphics and intricate world-building reminiscent of the Souls series, while offering a distinctive perspective on the French Revolution. Combat is familiar to fans of the Souls franchise, yet engaging as skills are honed over time. The platforming isn’t frustrating or disappointing, and there’s a good selection of building options available.
I’ll acknowledge that the game is on the shorter side, its storyline feels fragmented, and the boss fights are easier than I prefer.
However, it’s important to note that none of these problems detract from the game being an excellent Souls-Like title. Despite its ease level, it remains a worthy challenge that you should persevere in playing.
2. Vampyr
It’s The Skin Of A Killer, Bella
I’m really fond of role-playing games with a vampire theme, such as Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen or Vampire Masquerade. Among these, I’d boldly claim that despite its flaws, my preferred choice might just be Vampyr, regardless of any negative or mediocre reviews it may have received.
Among all aspects, what stands out most is that this game has the audacity to instill a moral system where choosing the right path leads to penalties, thereby forcing the virtuous character to play on a challenging mode.
Additionally, the game successfully establishes a captivating gothic ambiance, immersive setting, and diverse gameplay experiences. While I acknowledge that the emphasis on ‘choices having consequences’ might seem shallow at times, and the combat could use some refinement, overall, it offers a compelling vampire saga that is hard to resist.
1. Kingdom Come Deliverance
Son Of A Blacksmith
Reflecting on the impressive successor, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, it’s worth noting that even the initial journey of Henry from Skalitz was equally remarkable.
Admittedly, the original version had a raw, unpolished feel compared to its successor. It was denser with intricacies, the mechanics felt deliberately complex and challenging, and the universe it depicted was significantly smaller in scope.
However, the game delivered a genuinely immersive experience, complete with intricate role-playing mechanics, satisfying advancement, numerous engaging tasks, and an engaging narrative that forms the solid basis for the next installment’s cinematic grandeur.
If you’re currently immersed in King’s Crown II and pondering if the original is worth revisiting, let me assure you, it definitely is. While it may not reach the same level of brilliance, it surpasses the critical acclaim suggested by its reviews.
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2025-02-18 16:11