Hidden gems/games that surprised you on fun etc.

Duke Nukem: Zero Hour (N64) the best Duke Nukem game ever, IMHO. It's a third person shooter, but you can play it in first person mode using a push-button cheat or an unlockable menu option, and I always do as I think that first person is more atmospheric than third person.

Rocket: Robot on Wheels (N64), a fantastic 3D platformer/puzzle game/action game, with a great real-world physics engine six or so years before Half-Life 2 'invented' the physics engine.

Psi Ops (original XBox, PS2, PC), a fantastic third person shooter with mind control powers. Be warned though that the fun level goes from huge to terrible near the end of the game, so much so that this game is one of the games (the other being the original Half-Life) that I only replay to a certain point mostly, as beyond that it's a chore (just like the Xen levels in Half-Life).

Second Sight (original XBox, PS2, PC), a fantastic third person shooter with mind control powers. Psi Ops versus SS was a common debate amongst gamers when these games were new (they came out within a month of each other). Psi Ops is more action orientated, much longer, has some fantastic unlockables (good things like new missions, and character skins that let you play through the game with stronger powers), and a multiplayer, whereas Second Sight has a much better story (one of the best stories in any action game, don't let anyone tell you any spoilers before you play it), characters you care about, is more stealth than action based (though it is still fairly action based), and feels more inventive than Psi Ops. Overall, I prefer Second Sight, even though it's shorter, has no multiplayer, and less replay value than Psi Ops, but both are very good (though I wish Psi Ops did NOT have that no-fun problem with the end of the game).

Vanquish (XBox 360/PS3), a third person shooter with the USP that you can temporarily boost (travel very quickly) across the playing area, to reach an item/person/place/enemy quickly, or to escape from something. It doesn't sound like much, but this one ability really improves an already very good game, making it one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had.

 

I'll have to try that. The 3rd person Duke Nukem game for the PS1 - Duke Nuke Time to Kill wasn't enjoyable for me. The main reason being the clunky controls and dark visuals.

 

Two Worlds (360): Walked into a game store asking for a terrible game, ended up buying this for $4. Ended up sinking over 100 hours into a poor knockoff of Oblivion, with a knockoff of Diablo's inventory, and some other elements that oddly worked. While at the same time had enough bugs to keep things interesting. (Flying up hills, really poor voice acting, drunk horses, intermittant framerates, script errors, co-op ramped up difficulty way too fast)

Ultimately ended up being one of my favorite games.

 

Shadowrun for the Xbox 360 I was ADDICTED TOO. I felt it made for brilliant online gaming. Points calculated on everything you did not just kills which I felt made for better teamwork. If the online community for it hadn't died off, i'd probably still be playing it occasionally. I maxed out every character in every race. To bad it was online only so there's nothing to go back and revisit.

 

Kingdoms of Amular

One of the best WRPGs last gen. While visually not the best and the world design is PS2 era it still was fun to explore. Game is so damn fun. Combat while simple is engaging. There really is a lot to do. DLC is great as well plus good music. Story is ok not the best but a shame never get another.

 

I really need to play Undertale. I keep hearing awesome things and I've purposely kept my head in the sand regarding it. That might be my next purchase...

 

Recently just found emulated "the Fireman" for the SNES. As a firefighter i'm kind of trying to find as many games in this genre as possible. Wow, what an absolute blast to play. It keeps you focused thats for sure. Realistic? Oh heck no, but it's a lot of fun. Now i'm out looking for a real copy.

 

Yeah, it's best to not read anything about it. Play blind, treat as a normal RPG and see where it takes you.

 

I really loved playing dynamite heady on the Sega genesis as well as Cool Spot!

 

Faxanadu for the NES. I had totally forgotten about that game till i saw this review pop up in my suggested You tube videos.

 

I really liked the Extreme G series. They were pretty competent Wipeout/F-Zero clones. Quite possibly the best thing Acclaim ever made that wasn't a port from Midway.

I don't really get games nowadays without at least getting a decent idea of how good it is. Probably because I can look up reviews instantaneously for most any game I find.

 

Curious, did you ever play Burning Rangers on the Saturn?

I wish there was a way to sort of have both worlds. Not spoil too much about a game, kind of like what StriderVM was alluding to, but at the same time get a reliable review.

 

I also really enjoyed Extreme G. I still play both of them from time to time. The track design is really neat at times and I always thought the soundtrack was decent. The games' speed can be a bit breakneck at times, but that's part of the charm. The weapons are utterly useless, though.

 

It's a sin more people didn't pick up Binary Domain. I need to finish that game.

 

Wasn't it just given away for free through SEGA?

 

I don't know

 

Back at end of 2013 the game was free for Playstation Plus members....I doubt it's still available there.

 

I thought it was through their Make Love Not War bundles? I believe it was the second one that contained Streets of Rage 2 as well.

 

I really like Blinx for Xbox. I think that game deserves more attention. It was made by Artoon, which was a company made of ex-Sonic Team employees. It has amazing graphics for an Xbox game, and some really interesting gameplay concepts. My only complaint is that it can be a little unfair at times. Still a really good game overall.