1. Nox
Westwood's forgotten isometric RPG was pure magic. While Diablo II was grabbing headlines, Nox offered a distinct real-time combat system, unique class paths, and clever environmental puzzles. You could literally blow up bridges or collapse ceilings to reshape the battlefield. Its multiplayer was a blast too, showcasing strategic depth often missing from today's competitive scenes. It was a proper, thoughtful action RPG that deserved far more fanfare.
2. Beyond Good & Evil - 20th Anniversary Edition
This re-release is a bittersweet reminder of what could have been. Jade's original adventure, with its compelling narrative, charming characters, and unique blend of stealth, combat, and photography, remains a high watermark for Ubisoft. The anniversary edition highlights its timeless art and innovative spirit, making the decades-long wait for a sequel feel even more tragic. It’s a classic that proves vision triumphs over raw power.
3. Okami
Capcom's breathtaking masterpiece, Okami, still stings for its commercial underperformance. Its stunning sumi-e art style, innovative Celestial Brush mechanics, and heartwarming narrative were pure artistic brilliance. It proved games could be beautiful, deeply engaging, and profoundly unique without chasing trends. The industry often overlooks such gems, prioritizing safe bets over groundbreaking experiences. It really deserved a wider audience and remains a powerful testament to creative courage.
4. Alpha Protocol
Obsidian’s spy RPG was a beautiful, janky mess, and we loved it for that. Its ambition for player choice and branching narratives, where every decision genuinely mattered, was almost unprecedented. Sure, the combat was clunky, but the sheer narrative freedom and character development overshadowed its technical flaws. Modern RPGs often promise choice but rarely deliver with such impactful consequences. It was a bold experiment that paid off in player agency.
5. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
Ninja Theory delivered a visually stunning, emotionally resonant journey with Enslaved. The chemistry between Monkey and Trip, voiced by Andy Serkis, carried a powerful narrative through a gorgeous, post-apocalyptic world. Its linear design wasn't a flaw; it focused the experience into a cinematic adventure often missing in today's open-world bloat. It was a tightly crafted, character-driven story that proved you don't need endless side quests to be memorable.
6. Vanquish
PlatinumGames’ Vanquish was a masterclass in hyper-stylized, lightning-fast third-person shooting. Boosting across arenas, sliding into bullet time, and executing brutal melee finishers felt incredibly fresh and satisfying. It was pure, unadulterated arcade action, eschewing realism for exhilarating spectacle. The industry needs more games confident enough to embrace such focused, high-octane mechanics instead of trying to be everything to everyone. Seriously, where's the sequel?
7. Freedom Fighters
IO Interactive gave us this absolute gem: an alternate history shooter where Soviets invade NYC. Its squad-based tactics were intuitive, empowering you to recruit and command rebels to retake key objectives. The sense of escalation and growing resistance felt genuinely thrilling. It had such a tight, cinematic premise and execution, showcasing how a focused, well-designed experience can outperform sprawling, unfocused blockbusters. We desperately need more games like this.
