Hidden Gems: The PlayStation Titles That Deserve Another Look

by

Summary

  • The Last Guardian was a disappointment at launch but offers a peaceful, emotional adventure through a ruined world.
  • Heavenly Sword, overshadowed by God of War, is a brilliant Hack and Slash game remembered fondly.
  • Puppeteer, released in the early 2010s rush, was forgotten despite being a delightful platformer.

One advantage of the PlayStation gaming platform lies in its abundance of lesser-known titles crafted by unique creators. Occasionally, some games may slip through the cracks amid the hustle and bustle, or they might be ahead of their time, not receiving the praise and recognition they truly merit from critics.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve come to appreciate the overlooked treasures in the world of PlayStation gaming. From indie titles that should have garnered more attention to underestimated installments within established franchises, there’s a wealth of underrated games that deserve a second look. This list is curated based on both the game’s quality and the extent to which the critics missed the mark.

8. The Last Guardian

Ico’s Slump?

Japan Studio was renowned as one of the most iconic studios during the PlayStation era. Fans eagerly anticipated The Last Guardian as a follow-up to the outstanding work on Shadow of the Colossus and ICO. However, after numerous setbacks and concerns about it becoming an unrealized project, when it finally came out in 2016, it didn’t garner the impact many had hoped for.

Although this game might seem outdated for 2016 standards, as it was initially intended for a PS3 release, not PS4, it doesn’t diminish the exceptional charm that JapanStudio is known for. For those seeking a tranquil, introspective, and emotionally charged journey through a post-apocalyptic world, The Last Guardian offers an immersive experience that perfectly fits the bill.

7. Heavenly Sword

God of War’s Unloved Sibling

Occasionally, games may not be launched at an optimal moment, failing to garner the attention they deserved. This was precisely the fate of the superb Hack and Slash title, Heavenly Sword, which, despite being slightly outdated for its 2007 release, remains cherished in the hearts of those who experienced it.

Back in the day, I found myself squaring off against a formidable foe – God of War, the crown jewel of Hack and Slash games on PlayStation. Heavenly Sword, sadly, was constantly overshadowed by this titan, despite its captivating world and unforgettable main character. It’s a pity, as it truly deserves to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with gaming greats.

6. Puppeteer

Cut the Strings

In the early 2010s, we stepped into an era dominated by digital downloadable games. It was hard to imagine just a decade ago that these digitally distributed games would overtake physical disc sales, but the surge of independent game studios brought about this shift. Many studios seized the chance to introduce a smaller project with reduced costs, allowing them to explore more creative avenues and wager on a potential blockbuster hit.

Regrettably, during the surge of downloadable games in the early 2010s, numerous games were overlooked and eventually forgotten as they weren’t considered up to par. The same unfortunate circumstance befell _Puppeteer_, an enjoyable and creative platformer that excelled at everything it attempted, but unfortunately came out at a time when it wasn’t well-received and didn’t receive the recognition it deserved.

5. Killzone: Shadow Fall

The PS4 Debut

Many people view the transition from the PS3 to the PS4 as the last significant leap between generations, as improvements in graphics have become increasingly small recently. With the PS4 about to be launched, everyone was eagerly anticipating Killzone: Shadow Fall, one of its flagship games that showcased exceptional graphical quality for its time.

Upon its release, Shadow Fall didn’t quite live up to expectations, resembling a firework that fizzled out instead of exploding brilliantly. In the broader gaming community, the Killzone series was never a blockbuster franchise, and the muted reception of Shadow Fall, combined with critical backlash, effectively ended the franchise’s run. It’s unfortunate, as the game showcases Guerrilla’s exceptional world design abilities and technical prowess. Despite not being the greatest game ever created, Shadow Fall deserves more recognition than it received, and some dedicated fans are clamoring for a comeback.

4. Twisted Metal (2012)

The Forgotten Reboot

Few people seem to discuss the 2012 soft reboot of Twisted Metal, which was aimed at revitalizing the series and positioning it as one of PlayStation’s key franchises, despite the fact that everyone recalls the initial game and some of its subsequent sequels.

Regrettably, that particular event didn’t transpire. It’s disappointing, given the recent TV series revival sparking renewed enthusiasm for the franchise, but the 2012 incarnation of the bloodthirsty racer failed to garner the recognition it deserved despite a captivating pulp-style horror narrative and appropriately gruesome gameplay. This game was indeed one of the standout titles in the series.

3. Siren/Forbidden Siren

The Underappreciated J-Horror Classic

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, I found myself in a veritable treasure trove of Japanese horror (J-horror). These chilling movies were not only dominating the horror scene but also sparking a wave of J-horror-inspired video games. Titles like Ju-On cast a particularly terrifying spell, leaving an indelible mark on this genre.

As a longtime admirer, I must confess that Siren, yet another masterpiece from Japan Studio, has often found itself in the shadows, overshadowed by the grandeur of other horror series like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. However, with its recent release on PlayStation Plus, it’s garnering the critical acclaim it deserves as one of the finest J-horror games from the era, a testament to its unique blend of suspense, terror, and captivating storytelling.

2. PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale

Super Smash Sony

Attempting to dethrone the unstoppable force that is Super Smash Bros. was a challenge some companies undertook, believing they could create their own arena fighter games using their unique intellectual properties. However, none of these attempts managed to achieve the same level of success as Smash did, even PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale fell short.

Despite being quite similar to a Smash-like game (with the unique twist that characters’ lives were linked to their finishers in All-Stars), PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale successfully delivered an enjoyable experience for the franchise, even attempting to weave a compelling narrative. Unfortunately, it didn’t gain widespread popularity beyond the hardcore gaming community, but its legacy serves as a reminder of when PlayStation was venturing into IP experimentation. Some believe that it should be revived sooner rather than later.

1. The Order: 1886

London Calling

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that the tale spun in “The Order: 1886” is one that’s left a deep mark in my gaming memories. Initially hyped as a launch title for the PS4, this game had us all eagerly awaiting a visually stunning journey through an alternate London, filled with battles against werewolves and other mythical creatures. It looked like a surefire hit. But alas, the release date was pushed back, leaving fans like me on tenterhooks.

The issue lay in “The Order: 1886” overstepping boundaries in its quest for a cinematic gaming experience. Its low frame rate, narrow screen aspect ratio, and emphasis on cutscenes rather than gameplay were outdated even at the time of release, leading to harsh criticism. Yet, delving into the game and experiencing it without preconceived notions is captivating. It borders on being a masterpiece, boasting an intriguing world and some exceptional, memorable set pieces that merit another look.

Read More

2025-05-15 05:54