Among the abundance of games available, there often lie hidden treasures, or undervalued masterpieces, that can be overlooked and forgotten over time.
Luckily, we’re living in an age where rebooted sequels are popular, and regardless of whether a game is a decade or two decades old, there’s always a possibility of a new installment if the fanbase actively advocates for it strongly.
In this article, you’ll find some underappreciated role-playing games that truly warrant a second chance. If you’re particularly interested in Japanese role-playing games, give it a read!
8. Forspoken
Good Ideas Lost In the Sauce
Let me share my perspective with you, even though it might seem counterintuitive given the widespread criticism of Forspoken. I won’t argue against its negative reception, but rather, I aim to present an alternative viewpoint.
Contrarily, hidden within that sphere of malice lay a great deal of kindness. The fighting, in truth, became quite enjoyable after gaining access to your array of abilities, and the freedom to roam this vast world is almost as thrilling as any open-world adventure.
The visuals were equally stunning, boasting breathtaking magical spells, intimidating boss battles that resembled the wild, and all the high-quality features one would find in a high-end game production.
Absolutely, the narrative had significant issues, including some atrocious dialogue and an unsympathetic protagonist for much of the playthrough, yet the plot twists were captivating, and the conclusion was genuinely unexpected – a rarity in storytelling.
The conclusion also opens up an opportunity for a follow-up story featuring a completely different primary character, providing a chance for those who didn’t favor Frey to start anew.
The quality of this battle is so impressive that it’s hard to walk away after playing only one game. In fact, multiple sequels have been produced, often even when the initial game in the series fell short.
In the past, not many were acquainted with or showed interest in a small series titled “The Witcher”, however, that changed when the subsequent installments arrived, offering food for contemplation.
7. Jade Empire
Bioware’s Best?
Jade Empire was published slightly before Bioware gained immense popularity with Mass Effect, and it was launched near the tail-end of the Xbox console’s life cycle.
The significant change in tone from the company’s flagship product, KOTOR, caught some individuals by surprise, and this, along with the other factors listed, ultimately prevented it from becoming the next major franchise for the company.
It’s unfortunate that such an incident occurred since this is arguably the finest Kung Fu Role-Playing Game ever produced. Not to mention, it may be the sole one of its kind, but regardless, it’s simply outstanding.
This narrative presents a timeless tale of vengeance, yet it stands out due to exceptional writing, captivating voice performances, and shocking plot twists that match the brilliance of Bioware’s finest work.
In this game, the fights occur in real-time, allowing you to select various martial arts techniques at your disposal. Additionally, it includes magical aspects for added excitement.
As you progress on your adventure, you gather a diverse team, featuring characters not commonly found in typical role-playing games.
It would be amazing to witness either a reboot or a continuation for this series, which was discontinued prematurely and could have benefited from more time in the spotlight.
6. X Men: Destiny
Choose Your Mutant
2011 saw the launch of X-Men: Destiny, but it wasn’t met with favorable reviews. Critics slammed it for its lack of depth in decision-making and repetitive combat, which stood out starkly against the backdrop of RPGs that were heavily promoting the idea that “your choices mattered.
Reflecting on it now, it was indeed a robust fighter, packed with numerous innovative concepts that provided an enjoyable gaming experience, albeit with some imperfections.
In this game, you get to pick a unique character with special abilities that are yours to control. Your decision on whether they align with the X-Men or the Brotherhood will impact the storyline’s conclusion. The choices you make during gameplay shape your ultimate fate.
In this game, you have the freedom to select your preferred abilities, and as you progress, they become more powerful and visually impressive. However, the fighting aspect can get a bit monotonous, but it offers a nostalgic fun similar to classic beat-em-up games.
In addition to the main goals, various tasks such as civilians’ rescue or bomb disposal were integrated into the missions. The specific role you assumed would determine whether you were involved in executing those tasks or preventing them based on your chosen side.
If this system were integrated into a cutting-edge X-Men role-playing game, it would offer contemporary visuals and gaming mechanics, along with an engaging blend of gameplay. Given the caliber of the writing team involved, such a game might become an unprecedented success.
5. The Last Story
An Awesome Game Left Behind
Despite the Wii not typically being recognized for outstanding Role-Playing Games (RPGs), Mistwalker made an effort to change that perspective by releasing several titles on the system, among them was “The Last Story”.
This distinctive video game combined real-time action, engaging multiplayer features, and narrative structures reminiscent of the iconic Final Fantasy series, thereby establishing a template for numerous modern role-playing games in the Japanese style.
This game boasts a sophisticated narrative, demanding battles that require strategic skill usage and precise placement, and outstanding music that packs a punch comparable to any other game in its category.
Despite not achieving the success that Mistwalker anticipated and the series ultimately waning, there was an abundance of quality content that begs for a follow-up. Admittedly, the concept of The Last Story 2 might seem far-fetched, yet isn’t Final Fantasy 17 just as improbable? Yet, we eagerly anticipate its arrival, don’t we?
4. Alpha Protocol
The Espionage RPG
Alpha Protocol” offers an engaging role-playing game experience, packed with intriguing concepts, though it’s not without its imperfections in implementation.
Obsidian always brings it with the writing and gameplay systems; that was still the case here.
As a seasoned gamer, I’ve embarked on countless adventures, but none quite like this gripping espionage tale. Every decision I make seems to weave an intricate web that influences not just my own destiny, but the lives and fates of numerous characters as well. It’s a thrilling experience that puts me right in the heart of the action, shaping events as they unfold.
The gameplay disappointingly falls short, featuring somewhat crude firearm handling mechanics which seemed outdated upon its 2010 release. Despite the overall fun the game offers, there are certain shooting sequences that demand a fair amount of patience.
As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but envision a captivating experience that combines the narrative depth and character development of Mass Effect, with the tactical stealth and immersive gameplay found in games like Splinter Cell or Metal Gear Solid. If you dare to bring this idea to life, you’ll uncover the framework for something truly exceptional!
This proposal is for a follow-up to this game. If Avowed turns out to be successful, Obsidian might have the chance to unearth an old, overlooked gem and really shine its full potential in a sequel.
3. Lost Dimension
Who Do You Trust?
| Release Date: | August 7th, 2014 |
| Developer: | FurYu |
| Platform: | PS3, PC, PS Vita |
Hidden Gem Alert: On the PlayStation 3, you’ll find an overlooked masterpiece titled “Lost Dimension.” Regrettably, it seems that numerous JRPGs met their end here, but the innovative concepts this game offers are truly noteworthy.
After every mission, it would be necessary to make a difficult decision: identify the traitor within your group, and as a consequence, part ways with one of your comrades. The most effective idea among all suggested ones.
This would be randomly generated each playthrough, so you’d never get the same people back to back.
The trip back to headquarters following every mission was filled with tension and anguish. Engaging in conversations with my team members about their personal reasons for being there provided a captivating and distinctive diversion, as I found myself growing increasingly invested in my squad’s well-being the more I played.
Additionally, the battles featured an exclusive style akin to the Valkyria Chronicles games, which fits perfectly in this context. Real-time movement is combined with turn-based combat, and a variety of skills and magical attacks ensure that the gameplay stays engaging.
It would be fantastic to witness a follow-up game produced by Atlus, particularly given our current time when survival-themed content like Squid Game and Call of Duty: Warzone are popular, with their “everyone for themselves” concept prevalent across various platforms.
It might be beneficial to revamp the trust mechanisms. By embracing real-time action for combat, you could craft an extraordinary experience reminiscent of today’s standards, making it more accessible to discover such a distinctive game.
2. Two Worlds II
A Fantasy of a Different Kind
| Release Date: | May 9th, 2007 |
| Developer: | Reality Pump Studios |
| Platforms: | PS3, Xbox 360 and PC |
The Two Worlds series has typically occupied the budget section in the role-playing game genre, yet neither installment left a significant impact. However, the second game displayed promising potential for a more substantial experience.
Initially, it boasts superior combat compared to any game by Bethesda, and its magical system is uniquely impressive within its genre.
In the game, you had the ability to conjure up spells of any kind your imagination could conceive, resulting in some extraordinarily dynamic combinations such as explosive rock shields triggered by touch, unique methods for levitation, and fireballs that erupted like a shotgun blast.
The personalization was outstanding, and the setting was distinctively unusual, evoking a certain atmosphere reminiscent of “The Lord of the Rings” series, with a fair amount of gloominess in its ambiance.
1. Which company was granted exclusive rights for fantasy RPGs between Bethesda and Bioware?
2. What became of those smaller games that once aspired for greatness in the realm of fantasy RPGs?
It’s our wish that, someday, we might see a follow-up to this game, one that realizes the immense promise that the franchise has consistently shown throughout its history.
1. Vampyr
Just What The Doctor Ordered
Vampyr is the only game of its kind. It’s rare to say that, and it was a very good game as well.
You find yourself in the role of a physician transformed into a vampire. This unique scenario, with its blend of medicine and the supernatural, is one that hasn’t been explored extensively or replicated since.
In this game, you find yourself engaged in combat with not just other vampires, but also the increasingly unstable citizens of London, as they struggle under the influence of the widespread Spanish flu.
One captivating aspect lies in choosing between saving lives or using resources for sustenance, a choice that carries the weight of life and death. Revealing hidden story elements is also possible if you opt to consume resources from specific individuals.
In addition to the main narrative, there are numerous smaller stories that offer opportunities for exploration, helping you uncover details about your patients’ histories.
Making decisions throughout the narrative significantly influences its outcome, determining whether London escapes the clutches of the plague or succumbs to it. The combats offer substance, yet they serve as stepping stones guiding you through the engaging tale’s progression.
In a new chapter, we might delve deeper into the mechanisms, set the narrative within our contemporary reality (perhaps incorporating the COVID-19 pandemic for authenticity), and refine the fighting sequences to achieve an unprecedented level of skill.
In an era where games seem to blend together, it’s refreshing to imagine a unique game having another opportunity to make a striking impact.
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2025-01-23 17:09