1. Vagrant Story (2000)
No cap, Vagrant Story from 2000 on PS1 was just built different. The combat system was next-level intricate, like, you're chaining attacks and targeting specific body parts, it's wild. And the gear crafting? So deep. Plus, the whole vibe is super dark fantasy, no voice acting, just pure atmosphere and a story that makes your brain cells work overtime. Still holds up, honestly. A true underrated gem that gets slept on too much. Mad respect for Square Enix for this one.
2. Grim Fandango
Yo, Grim Fandango is an absolute GOAT, period. The whole art deco, Day of the Dead aesthetic? Chef's kiss. Manny Calavera and his crew are just iconic, and the writing is so on point, like, laugh-out-loud funny but also kinda deep. The puzzles can be a bit brain-busting, not gonna lie, but solving them feels so rewarding. It's a classic point-and-click that's still got that timeless charm. Definitely worth the struggle, trust.
3. Jade Empire
Okay, so Jade Empire? Straight-up BioWare magic, but with an ancient Chinese mythology twist. The combat was super fluid for an older RPG, letting you switch fighting styles on the fly, which was sick. And the choices, bro, they actually felt like they mattered, shaping your character and the world. Plus, the companions were all fire, each with their own vibes. Seriously, it's a slept-on classic that deserves way more love. Gotta check it out if you're into epic RPGs.
4. Binary Domain
Binary Domain was just built different, seriously. It's a third-person shooter with this wild trust system where your squadmates actually react to your decisions and how you treat them. Like, if you're a good leader, they got your back, but if you're toxic, good luck. Plus, the robot enemies? You can literally blow them to bits, piece by piece, which was super satisfying. It's an underrated gem that never got the hype it deserved. Big brain moves from the devs.
5. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West? Underrated masterpiece, no cap. The visuals were stunning for its time, like, totally vibrant post-apocalyptic vibes. And the chemistry between Monkey and Trip? Absolute goals, their dynamic carries the whole game. The platforming and combat were slick, not too complicated, just pure fun. Plus, the story's actually really compelling, like a cool take on a classic journey. You gotta experience it, honestly. Ninja Theory went off with this one.
6. Catherine
Catherine is just wild, bro, like, nothing else out there. It's this super unique blend of puzzle platforming during nightmares and a dating sim drama during the day. The story's all about Vincent dealing with commitment issues and two different Catherines, and it gets super trippy. The art style is anime af and the voice acting is top-tier. Honestly, it's a masterpiece that makes you think about life choices while stressing you out with insane block puzzles. So good.
7. The World Ends With You DS
The World Ends With You on DS was just a whole vibe, bro. The Shibuya setting was iconic, like, pure street style and a soundtrack that still slaps. And the combat? So unique, using both screens on the DS at the same time, it was a trip trying to master it. The story's super engaging, with Neku and the Reapers' Game, and the character designs are fire. It's a JRPG that truly felt fresh and original back then, and honestly, it still hits different now.
8. El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron
El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron? This game is pure art, no cap. The visuals are just breathtaking, constantly shifting art styles and colors, it's like playing through an animated painting. And the story, based on Enochian mythology, is super unique and kinda deep, following Enoch trying to stop a flood. The combat is simple but satisfying, letting the incredible art direction shine. It’s an experience, truly, and criminally overlooked. Definitely one for the aesthetic connoisseurs.
