Hidden Gems of Retro Games When we think of classic video games, we tend to think of the games that were incredibly popular and well-known at the time of their release. Games like Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Sonic the Hedgehog are iconic titles that have stood the test of time and are still widely played and celebrated today. However, there are many classic games that have not received the attention or recognition they deserve. These hidden gems are often overshadowed by more popular titles, but they are excellent games in their own right. In this blog post, we will be exploring 10 underrated classic games that deserve more attention. From EarthBound to The Neverhood, these hidden gems are well worth playing.
EarthBound (SNES)
EarthBound is a role-playing game that was released for the SNES in 1994. The game takes place in a quirky, offbeat world and features turn-based battles, a unique storyline, and a memorable cast of characters. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, EarthBound was a commercial failure and is often overlooked in discussions of classic RPGs. However, the game has gained a dedicated cult following over the years and is now recognized as one of the best RPGs of its era.
One of the reasons why EarthBound is so beloved by fans is its humor and quirky charm. The game has a unique sense of humor that is unlike anything else in the RPG genre. From the bizarre enemies to the absurd dialogue, EarthBound is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously. However, the game also has a lot of heart, and the story is surprisingly emotional and poignant.
Another standout feature of EarthBound is its battle system. Unlike many RPGs, EarthBound does not feature random encounters. Instead, enemies are visible on the overworld map, and battles can be avoided if the player chooses to do so. Additionally, the game’s battle system is turn-based but features a unique mechanic that allows players to influence the outcome of battles by timing their attacks and defense maneuvers correctly.
Chrono Trigger (SNES)
Chrono Trigger is a role-playing game that was released for the SNES in 1995. The game features time travel, multiple endings, and a memorable cast of characters. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Chrono Trigger was not as commercially successful as some of its peers and is often overlooked in discussions of classic RPGs. However, the game has gained a dedicated cult following over the years and is now recognized as one of the best RPGs of all time.
One of the reasons why Chrono Trigger is so beloved by fans is its time travel mechanic. The game allows players to travel through different eras, from prehistoric times to a post-apocalyptic future, and the player’s actions in one time period can affect the outcome of events in another. Additionally, the game’s multiple endings provide a level of replayability that is uncommon in RPGs.
Another standout feature of Chrono Trigger is its battle system. The game features an innovative “Active Time Battle” system that was later adopted by many other RPGs. The system requires players to make decisions quickly during battles, adding a level of urgency and excitement to combat.
Shadow of the Colossus (PS2) Retro Games
Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game that was released for the PS2 in 2005. The game features a minimalist story, stunning visuals, and epic boss battles. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Shadow of the Colossus was not as commercially successful as some of its peers and is often overlooked in discussions of classic action games. However, the game has gained a dedicated cult following over the years and is now recognized as one of the best games of all time.
One of the reasons why Shadow of the Colossus is so beloved by fans is its sense of scale. The game features 16 colossi, each one towering over the player and requiring a unique strategy to defeat. The battles against the colossi are epic and cinematic, and the game’s minimalist story allows players to focus on the action and the emotional weight of what they are doing.
Another standout feature of Shadow of the Colossus is its world design. The game features a vast, open world that players can explore on horseback. The world is beautiful and atmospheric, with stunning vistas and hidden secrets to discover. Additionally, the game’s soundtrack is haunting and memorable, adding to the overall atmosphere of the game.
Psychonauts (PS2, Xbox) Retro Games
Psychonauts is a platformer that was released for the PS2, Xbox, and PC in 2005. The game takes place in a world where psychic powers are real, and players control a young boy named Raz who is training to become a psychic secret agent. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Psychonauts was not a commercial success and is often overlooked in discussions of classic platformers. However, the game has gained a dedicated cult following over the years and is now recognized as one of the best platformers of its era.
One of the reasons why Psychonauts is so beloved by fans is its creativity and humor. The game takes place in a world where anything is possible, and the game’s designers took full advantage of this. The levels in Psychonauts are imaginative and varied, from a meat circus to a psychedelic dream sequence. Additionally, the game’s dialogue and characters are hilarious and memorable, making the game a joy to play from start to finish.
Another standout feature of Psychonauts is its platforming mechanics. The game features tight controls and a variety of psychic powers that Raz can use to traverse the game’s levels. From levitation to telekinesis, Raz’s powers make for some truly unique and exciting platforming challenges.
Beyond Good & Evil (PS2, Xbox)
Beyond Good & Evil is an action-adventure game that was released for the PS2, Xbox, and PC in 2003. The game features a strong female protagonist, a unique storyline, and memorable characters. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Beyond Good & Evil was not a commercial success and is often overlooked in discussions of classic action-adventure games. However, the game has gained a dedicated cult following over the years and is now recognized as one of the best action-adventure games of its era.
One of the reasons why Beyond Good & Evil is so beloved by fans is its story and characters. The game tells the story of Jade, a young photojournalist who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving an alien threat and a corrupt government. The game’s storyline is engaging and well-written, and the characters are likable and memorable.
Another standout feature of Beyond Good & Evil is its gameplay. The game features a variety of action and puzzle-solving elements, as well as stealth mechanics. Players control Jade as she explores the game’s world, takes photographs, and engages in combat. The game’s mechanics are intuitive and enjoyable, and the game’s variety of gameplay elements keep things fresh and interesting.
Skies of Arcadia (Dreamcast, GameCube) Retro Games
Skies of Arcadia is a Japanese RPG that was originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000 and later re-released for the GameCube in 2003. The game takes place in a world of floating islands and airships, and follows the adventures of a young air pirate named Vyse. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Skies of Arcadia was not a commercial success and is often overlooked in discussions of classic RPGs. However, the game has gained a dedicated cult following over the years and is now recognized as one of the best RPGs of its era.
One of the reasons why Skies of Arcadia is so beloved by fans is its world-building. The game’s world is imaginative and unique, featuring floating islands, airships, and a variety of interesting cultures and creatures. Additionally, the game’s storyline is engaging and well-written, and the characters are likable and memorable.
Another standout feature of Skies of Arcadia is its gameplay. The game features a turn-based battle system, as well as a variety of exploration and puzzle-solving elements. Players control Vyse and his crew as they explore the game’s world, engage in airship battles, and level up their skills and abilities. The game’s mechanics are enjoyable and easy to understand, and the game’s world is full of hidden secrets and side quests to discover.
Vagrant Story (PS1) Retro Games
Vagrant Story is an action RPG that was released for the PS1 in 2000. The game takes place in a dark and atmospheric medieval setting and follows the adventures of a lone knight named Ashley Riot. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Vagrant Story was not a commercial success and is often overlooked in discussions of classic RPGs. However, the game has gained a dedicated cult following over the years and is now recognized as one of the best RPGs of its era.
One of the reasons why Vagrant Story is so beloved by fans is its storytelling. The game’s plot is complex and engaging, featuring political intrigue, supernatural elements, and a variety of memorable characters. Additionally, the game’s dialogue and voice acting are top-notch, adding to the overall immersion of the game.
Another standout feature of Vagrant Story is its gameplay. The game features a unique battle system that combines action and RPG elements. Players control Ashley as he fights against a variety of enemies, using a combination of weapons and magic spells. Additionally, the game’s exploration and puzzle-solving elements are engaging and well-designed, adding to the overall depth of the game.
Panzer Dragoon Saga (Sega Saturn) Retro Games
Panzer Dragoon Saga is an RPG that was released for the Sega Saturn in 1998. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world and follows the adventures of a young mercenary named Edge as he searches for the truth behind an ancient civilization. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Panzer Dragoon Saga was not a commercial success and is often overlooked in discussions of classic RPGs. However, the game has gained a dedicated cult following over the years and is now recognized as one of the best RPGs of its era.
One of the reasons why Panzer Dragoon Saga is so beloved by fans is its unique setting and atmosphere. The game’s world is bleak and desolate, with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood of the game. Additionally, the game’s storyline is engaging and well-written, with a number of surprising twists and turns that keep players invested in the game’s narrative.
Another standout feature of Panzer Dragoon Saga is its gameplay. The game features a turn-based battle system that is both strategic and fast-paced. Players control Edge and his dragon as they engage in battles against a variety of enemies, using a combination of weapons and magic spells. Additionally, the game’s exploration and puzzle-solving elements are engaging and well-designed, adding to the overall depth of the game.
Einhander (PS1) Retro Games
Einhander is a side-scrolling shooter that was released for the PS1 in 1998. The game takes place in a dystopian future where Earth has been depleted of its resources, and follows the adventures of a pilot named Einhander as he fights against a powerful corporation. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release, Einhander was not a commercial success and is often overlooked in discussions of classic shooters. However, the game has gained a dedicated cult following over the years and is now recognized as one of the best shooters of its era.
One of the reasons why Einhander is so beloved by fans is its fast-paced and intense gameplay. The game features a variety of weapons and power-ups, as well as a unique “grapple” system that allows players to steal weapons from enemy ships. Additionally, the game’s graphics and sound design are top-notch, adding to the overall immersion of the game.
Conclusion Retro Games
While there are many classic games that are beloved by gamers around the world, there are also a number of hidden gems that deserve more attention. These underrated games offer engaging storylines, memorable characters, and unique gameplay mechanics that are just as enjoyable today as they were when the games were first released. Whether you’re a fan of RPGs, shooters, or action-adventure games, there’s a hidden gem out there waiting for you to discover it. So, the next time you’re looking for a new game to play, consider giving one of these underrated classics a try.
