Best Forgotten Playstation Exclusives, Ranked

Summary

Some PlayStation exclusives like Puppeteer, Okage: Shadow King, and Folklore deserve more recognition for their creativity and uniqueness.
These overlooked games offer inventive mechanics, bizarre stories, and bold artistic directions that set them apart.
Despite their initial commercial misfires, these titles left a lasting impact on those who experienced them.

In contrast to popular titles like God of War and Uncharted, which are still shining brightly on PlayStation, there are hidden treasures in the back catalog that have been gathering dust alongside an old third-party controller and a memory card that barely functions. These are the games that should have received more attention than they did. Some were released on underperforming systems, some were too innovative for their time, while others slipped into obscurity without anyone fully understanding why.

Although they may have been overlooked by time, it doesn’t diminish their brilliance. In truth, rediscovering these forgotten PlayStation exclusives is much like stumbling upon an old photo album filled with memories more captivating than anyone might recall. Here are some titles that deserve another chance from gamers:

7. Puppeteer

A Puppet Show That Deserved a Bigger Stage

2013 saw the release of Puppeteer, a game published by Sony. However, it quickly disappeared from the scene shortly after launch. This could be due to the fact that it was released towards the end of the PS3’s lifespan, a time when many gamers were already looking forward to the PS4. Yet, beneath its commercial failure lies one of the most visually innovative and mechanically imaginative platformers on the PS3 console.

In this game, the setup mirrors a live stage performance, featuring backdrops that change dynamically, moving props, and an interactive audience. You play as Kutaro, a boy whose head was stolen by the harsh Moon Bear King. In its place, he provides various toy heads, each with distinct powers. The core gameplay involves using enchanted scissors to slice through fabric landscapes, which is both enjoyable and innovative.

Not many games with such bold oddity manage to see the light of day, especially under the banner of a significant publisher. Yet, Puppeteer accomplished this feat and is worthy of even greater recognition for its unique charm.

6. Okage: Shadow King

Your Shadow Is Way More Interesting Than You

Introduced in the year 2001, the game “Okage: Shadow King” embodies a unique blend of Tim Burton’s style and the early era of “Final Fantasy”, but with a peculiar, slightly eccentric flavor that only role-playing games from the initial period of PS2 seemed to possess. The narrative revolves around Ari, an ordinary boy whose shadow is taken over by an ancient evil being known as Stan. Contrary to his boastful claims about world conquest, Stan exudes more wit than menace.

What sets Okage apart isn’t merely its unique art style or quirky humor; it’s the unwavering dedication to the unusual. Although the turn-based battles aren’t groundbreaking, the adversaries — such as evil appliances and taunting fish — tell a different tale altogether. The writing moves between satirical and thoughtfully intelligent, displaying a self-awareness that foreshadowed the ironic humor of later independent RPGs. Unfortunately, the game didn’t gain widespread popularity, likely due to its appearance suggesting a children’s game when it was not, and the marketing efforts in the West were suboptimal. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most endearingly strange RPGs that Sony ever financed.

5. Bushido Blade

Honor Is Everything (Except, Apparently, Marketable)

Instead of focusing on intricate combo sequences and health meters, which were popular among fighters in the late ’90s, Bushido Blade introduced an unexpected element: one-stroke victories. A well-timed strike could decide the outcome of a match, making each encounter tense. There were no heads-up displays or time constraints; it was raw combat at its finest. The game emphasized realism in a manner that was unprecedented, allowing players to incapacitate limbs, rendering opponents helpless to fight back or even stand up. Moreover, the setting mattered: fights took place in various environments such as gardens, bamboo forests, and castle courtyards, creating an atmosphere more akin to duels than repetitive button-mashing battles.

Despite not achieving widespread popularity, Bushido Blade remains a topic of respectful conversation among those who experienced it. Its spiritual successor, Kengo, aimed to continue the legacy but failed to ignite as brightly. With contemporary fighting games focusing heavily on spectacle, the reflective rhythm and raw simplicity of Bushido Blade seem more groundbreaking than ever in today’s context.

4. Folklore

The Dead Don’t Stay Quiet

It’s quite possible that the game “Folklore” went unnoticed by dedicated PS3 owners, as it was released in 2007, shortly after the console debuted. At that time, the system faced criticism for its hardware issues and a limited game library, while anticipation built for upcoming big-budget titles. However, “Folklore” continues to stand out among the PS3 exclusives for its incredibly immersive atmosphere.

In the picturesque Irish village of Doolin and its mystical counterpart, the Netherworld, the game revolves around two main characters, Keats and Ellen, each pursuing separate enigmas. As players, we traverse extraordinary environments, engage in combat with peculiar creatures called Folks, and adopt their powers by simply shaking the PlayStation controller. Although the motion controls may seem a bit dated, everything else is captivating.

The art style draws heavily on Celtic folklore, the creature designs are uniquely innovative, and the soundtrack is eerily captivating. Folklore was an audacious attempt at narrative-driven ARPGs, yet Sony failed to continue the series. It’s regrettable because a sequel could have solidified its status as legendary.

3. Alundra

If Zelda Had Anxiety and a British Accent

Frequently referred to as Sony’s counterpart to “The Legend of Zelda,” the game “Alundra” didn’t just copy the top-down action RPG style; it enriched these mechanics with heavy themes, challenging puzzles, and a story that packs a powerful punch. The story revolves around a character named Alundra, who is a “dreamwalker.” He ventures into the nightmares of villagers who are experiencing mysterious deaths. While this may seem like typical fantasy fare, the plot takes a dark turn, delving into themes such as grief, trauma, and the terror of not being able to save everyone. Unlike many RPGs of its time, “Alundra” demanded problem-solving skills. The puzzles are complex, occasionally frustratingly so, but always worth the effort.

The game received positive feedback, had moderate sales, and eventually faded into obscurity, overshadowed by more visually stunning 3D Role-Playing Games that emerged during the PlayStation 2 era. It did spawn a sequel, Alundra 2, but the change in tone and shift to 3D platforming didn’t resonate with fans. This only served to make the original game even more cherished.

2. Legend of Dragoon

The One That Almost Took On Final Fantasy

Sony aimed for a game that could rival “Final Fantasy,” and they believed “Legend of Dragoon” was the solution: spanning four discs, boasting flashy cinematic videos, and reportedly costing tens of millions to produce. Launched in 1999 (2000 for North America), it hit the market during the golden era of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). With lofty anticipation and a substantial promotional campaign, it entered the scene with great expectations.

In the realm of Endiness, there’s a wealth of fascinating history. The Dragoon transformation feature in combat adds layers of complexity, while the “Addition” system – quick button presses that transform simple attacks into combos – ensures players remain active even during typical turn-based skirmishes. This game’s narrative is steeped in epic fantasy, filled with unexpected twists, ancient conflicts, and valiant winged warriors.

Regardless of its impressive sales figures and dedicated fanbase, the game known as Legend of Dragoon has not received any follow-up or reimagining. No sequel, no remake, not even a small appearance in PlayStation All-Stars. Yet, each time Sony unveils something related to RPGs, fans continue to express their desire for a revival, and it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the time for a revisit is well past due.

1. Syphon Filter

Before Snake Made It Cool to Crouch in a Vent

Gabe Logan may not possess the fame of Solid Snake, but in 1999, Syphon Filter was quite a sensation. It combined third-person shooting, clever stealth elements, and sophisticated artificial intelligence into one of the best-designed action games on the original PlayStation.

Agents neutralized terrorists in various global conflict zones, employed thermal vision devices to detect tripwires, and subdued adversaries with stun guns; this unique characteristic of ignition upon subduing them gained notable recognition.

The game moved at a fast pace, offering diverse level designs and sprinkling in enough techno-thriller elements from the late 90s to maintain excitement. It produced several follow-ups, with “Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow” on PSP being particularly well-received. However, the series declined during the PlayStation 2 era. The team responsible for it, Bend Studio, later developed “Days Gone”, but fans continue to wonder: where is Gabe?

2025-06-01 02:14