Underrated Console Games That Deserve More Love

20 February 2025

Alright, let's talk about something that's been bugging me for a while—why do certain games fall into the void of obscurity while others ride the hype train straight into our wallets? It's like an elaborate high school popularity contest out here. Sure, some games deserve their fame (looking at you, "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"), but what about the shy, overlooked gems quietly chilling in the corner? Those beautiful, creative, underappreciated masterpieces that never even got a chance.

Today, we're putting the "forgotten" into your gaming library. Here's a list of console games that deserve a second chance. Or, heck, a first chance. Grab your controller, because we're diving into the underdog pool.

1. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010)

Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Let’s start with "Enslaved: Odyssey to the West." You’ve probably never even heard of this game, and that’s exactly my point. This gem from Ninja Theory is loosely based on the ancient Chinese tale Journey to the West. But instead of mystical carp and celestial monks, you get a futuristic post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Picture this: You’re Monkey, a gruff loner with strong himbo energy. You’re chained (literally) to Trip, a tech-savvy woman who’s got brains for days. The two of you embark on a gorgeously crafted journey through stunning overgrown ruins, battling killer robots. Sounds like a good time, right?

So why did it fly under the radar? Maybe because it launched in the same window as "Fallout: New Vegas" and "Fable III." Timing is everything, kids.

2. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (2002)

Platform: Nintendo GameCube

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a game gaslight you. Oh, nobody? Buckle up, because "Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem" turns psychological horror into an art form.

This GameCube-exclusive title messes with your head more than your ex ever did. Your character’s sanity meter drops as you explore creepy environments, and the game starts playing tricks on you, the player. Think fake error messages, distorted visuals, and even false claims that your save file got deleted. It's like the devs said, “Let’s see how far we can push gamers before they throw their controller at the wall.”

Despite its innovation, "Eternal Darkness" didn’t sell well, probably because it was on the GameCube—a console not exactly synonymous with M-rated content. But trust me, it’s one of the most unique horror experiences out there.

3. Alpha Protocol (2010)

Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

"Alpha Protocol" is what happens when you smash together "Mass Effect" and James Bond but somehow forget to hire a QA tester. Is it janky? Oh, absolutely. Is it still a glorious mess worth your time? You bet.

You play as Michael Thorton, a secret agent navigating a web of conspiracies, political shenanigans, and bad dialogue. But here’s the kicker: The game gives you insane freedom of choice. Wanna sweet-talk your enemies into submission? Cool. Prefer to go full "Rambo" and shoot up everything in sight? Go for it. The story adapts to your decisions better than a chameleon at a paint store.

Sure, the controls feel like they came out of a drunk coding session, but "Alpha Protocol" had guts. And sometimes, that’s enough to earn a spot in our hearts. Maybe.

4. Beyond Good & Evil (2003)

Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube

You know how everyone’s got that one friend who’s so cool but never gets invited to parties? That’s "Beyond Good & Evil." This critically acclaimed adventure game follows Jade, a sassy photojournalist, as she uncovers an intergalactic government conspiracy. Oh yeah, and she has a pig-human hybrid sidekick named Pey’j. Because why not?

The game blends action, stealth, and puzzle-solving with a lush, vibrant world you’ll want to explore for hours. It’s charming, innovative, and—wait for it—a commercial flop. Gamers of the early 2000s just didn’t know what they had.

Ubisoft keeps teasing a sequel, but at this point, I’ll believe it when Pigs (like Pey’j) fly.

5. Sleeping Dogs (2012)

Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Imagine if "Grand Theft Auto" and "Yakuza" had a baby, but nobody cared to send out the baby shower invites. That’s "Sleeping Dogs" in a nutshell.

Set in a beautifully realized Hong Kong, this action-packed open-world game puts you in the shoes of Wei Shen, an undercover cop infiltrating the Triads. There’s parkour, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and an engaging storyline packed with betrayal, loyalty, and dumplings. Seriously, I just want to eat all the food from this game.

Despite being critically praised, it didn’t sell as well as it deserved. Maybe it’s because people brushed it off as another "GTA knockoff," which is kind of like calling sushi "fishy rice." You’re missing the bigger picture, pal.

6. Okami (2006)

Platform: PlayStation 2, Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

How in the world did a game as stunning as "Okami" not become a household name? It’s like meeting someone who hates puppies—mind-boggling.

In this visually breathtaking game, you play as Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess, who takes the form of a wolf. Armed with a magical paintbrush (yes, a paintbrush), you restore life to the world. The art style is inspired by traditional Japanese watercolor, and every frame looks like it belongs in a museum.

"Okami" launched right at the end of the PS2’s lifespan, meaning it got overshadowed by the shiny new PS3 and Xbox 360. Poor timing strikes again. Thankfully, it’s been re-released more times than "Skyrim," so there’s no excuse not to play it now.

7. Spec Ops: The Line (2012)

Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

You’d be forgiven for thinking "Spec Ops: The Line" was just another generic military shooter. After all, that’s exactly how it was marketed. But underneath its "Call of Duty" veneer lies a brutal, mind-bending exploration of morality, PTSD, and the horrors of war.

The game traps you in increasingly horrific situations, forcing you to question your decisions and, honestly, your life choices. It’s like the gaming equivalent of an existential crisis wrapped in explosions. By the time the credits roll, you’ll probably be staring blankly at your screen, reconsidering everything you thought you knew about heroism in video games.

It's a masterpiece, and it breaks my heart that most people didn’t give it a shot.

8. Lost Odyssey (2007)

Platform: Xbox 360

If you miss the golden age of turn-based JRPGs, then "Lost Odyssey" is like coming home after a long, exhausting journey. Developed by Mistwalker and helmed by Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy—you know, that tiny indie franchise), this game is a love letter to the genre.

The story revolves around Kaim, an immortal grappling with centuries of loss, regret, and existential dread. The game’s "Thousand Years of Dreams" segments, written as emotional short stories, will punch you right in the soul.

Why didn’t it blow up? Probably because it was exclusive to the Xbox 360, a platform not exactly known for its JRPG fanbase. A real tragedy, if you ask me.

9. Puppeteer (2013)

Platform: PlayStation 3

"Adorable yet dark" is the vibe of "Puppeteer," a side-scrolling platformer that plays out like a twisted puppet show. You control Kutaro, a boy-turned-puppet on a quest to retrieve his stolen head. (Yeah, it’s weird, but bear with me.)

The game’s whimsical art style and clever use of theatrical elements are nothing short of genius. Plus, you get to wield a pair of magical scissors to snip your way through enemies and obstacles. Scissors! What other game gives you that?

Despite its charm, "Puppeteer" got lost in the shuffle during the PS3’s twilight years. It’s like the gaming gods decided to make 2013 the year of forgotten treasures.

10. Bully (2006)

Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, PC

How did a game about being a rebellious teenager in a boarding school not become an instant classic? "Bully" puts you in the shoes of Jimmy Hopkins, a kid navigating the chaotic social hierarchy of Bullworth Academy. Think "GTA" but with slightly fewer carjackings and a lot more wedgies.

Rockstar poured their signature wit and charm into every corner of this game, from its quirky characters to its open-world school setting. But instead of being celebrated as a clever and hilarious experience, "Bully" faced controversy because, apparently, some people couldn’t grasp the concept of satire.

It’s a misunderstood gem that still holds up today—and honestly, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?

Conclusion

There you have it, folks—some criminally underrated console games that deserve way more love than they ever got. Gaming history isn’t always fair, and the industry has a knack for leaving hidden gems buried under a pile of franchise sequels and flashy marketing campaigns.

So, the next time you’re debating what to play, give one of these underdogs a shot. Dust them off, boot them up, and prepare for an experience that’ll remind you why you fell in love with gaming in the first place.