1. killer7
Man, Square in 2000 was on another level. Vagrant Story dropped this dense, intricate, and brutally intelligent RPG that barely sold. No random encounters, a combat system built around chaining attacks to specific body parts, and a narrative steeped in political intrigue and dark fantasy – all without a single shop. It was too complex for many, a hardcore action-RPG before the term was cool, proving that sometimes genius is just too far ahead.
2. Vagrant Story (2000)
Ubisoft actually remembered this gem? *Beyond Good & Evil* was always a cult classic, a beautifully crafted adventure with heart, humor, and a genuinely compelling sci-fi narrative. The original got overlooked because it wasn't *Prince of Persia* or *Splinter Cell*. This anniversary edition is a chance for new players to see what character-driven storytelling and exploration felt like before every map was clogged with icons. It's a reminder of what Ubisoft *could* be.
3. Beyond Good & Evil - 20th Anniversary Edition
Before *Mass Effect* and *Dragon Age*, BioWare gave us *Jade Empire*. This action-RPG, set in a captivating wuxia-inspired world, offered genuinely impactful moral choices and a fluid combat system that let you master various martial arts styles. It felt fresh, distinct, and showcased BioWare's world-building prowess without being bogged down by sequelitis or microtransactions. It deserved a much bigger legacy than it got; a truly unique experience.
4. Jade Empire
Ninja Theory proved they could do more than just hack-and-slash with *Enslaved*. This post-apocalyptic retelling of *Journey to the West* had stunning visuals, impeccable voice acting, and a surprisingly heartfelt story about two unlikely companions. It was a narrative-driven spectacle that unfortunately launched into a crowded market. The industry often overlooks games that prioritize character and story over endless open-world bloat, and this one paid the price.
5. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
Remember *Folklore* on the PS3? It was one of those early console exclusives that tried something different. Its dark, Irish-mythology-inspired world was gorgeous, and the mechanic of literally sucking souls out of defeated creatures to gain their abilities was incredibly unique. It felt like a grim fairytale come to life, but it got lost in the shuffle of bigger, louder releases. A true hidden gem that deserved a wider audience and perhaps a sequel.
6. Folklore
IO Interactive, before *Hitman* became their sole focus, delivered *Freedom Fighters*. This game, where you lead a squad of rebels against a Soviet invasion of New York, was a masterclass in tactical third-person shooting and squad command. The premise was bold, the action intense, and the feeling of growing your resistance movement was incredibly satisfying. It's a shame it never got the widespread recognition or follow-up it deserved.
