Every year, there's that list of games that everyone knows about, everyone buys, and everyone loves. We're talking about the Gears of Wars, the Fables, and the Fallouts. While there's no doubt that these triple-A titles are worth buying and playing, the fact is, an uncountable number of games are completely forgotten, or ignored in anticipation of something bigger and better. We know there are budgets to worry about, and our suffering economy isn't helping anyone, but we've compiled a list of games that we think deserve your attention.
Now keep in mind that these games typically have more flaws, are less polished, and/or simply didn't have the budgets that they needed when they needed them, but that doesn't mean there isn't some good fun to be had. There are also games on this list that came out shining like diamonds, but for some reason, no one bought. Either way, if you're looking for extra fun beyond the obvious blockbusters, head to your local store and check out some of the games below. With many of these games at $20 or lower, you don't have much to lose.
Xbox 360
Title: Dark Sector
Why it's on the list: While you can say Dark Sector is a poor man's Gears of War, it's got enough of a unique angle with the boomerang-like glaive weapon to hold its own. Dark Sector is also one fantastic looking game, with graphics fairly comparable to Unreal Engine 3 titles. The game also throws in some online multiplayer. Sure, the gameplay isn't quite as tight as it could be, and the story is forgettable, but give the game a chance and you may wonder why you didn't pick it up a long time ago.
Yes, he has trouble at airports.
Title: Culdcept SAGA
Why it's on the list: A board game with card battle and extremely Japanese graphics? Okay, we can understand how this one might have been overlooked. But now's the time to redeem yourself. Culdcept SAGA is one of those games that won't wow you when you first boot it up, but the level of strategy that reveals itself over time is mind-bending. The matches get pretty epic as well(maybe too epic at times), and with hundreds of cards to make your deck from, you can bet none will be quite the same.
Title: The Club
Why it's on the list: Made by the guys who brought you the Project Gotham Racing games, The Club may look like just another third-person shooter, but it's got a twist: you're constantly on the clock, trying to rack up your score. Think of it as a shooter, but with the Kudos system from the PGR games. Sound addicting? It definitely can be. The Club also has more multiplayer modes than you can shake a stick at, but more importantly, it supports four-player split-screen play – a rarity these days. For some fast, cheap arcade thrills, check out The Club.
Title: Viva Pi?ata: Trouble in Paradise
Why it's on the list: We loved the first game, and no one bought it. Somehow the sequel we never thought would happen gets made, and it's still not making waves. Really, we don't know what to say except that Viva Pi?ata: TIP has incredible visuals, addicting gameplay, and even has co-op gameplay for up to four players. While gardening and manipulating life's food chains may not sound as exciting as sawing a Locust in half with a chainsaw, you'd be surprised at just how exhilarating it can be. If you were one of the few that played the first game and didn't like it, okay, fair enough. But if you have yet to give the Viva Pi?ata games a try, do it now. For us. For mankind.
Just look at that face.
Title: Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution
Why it's on the list: While any Sid Meier game that comes out on the PC is likely to be a huge hit, on consoles, his name isn't quite as well known. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be. Civilization Revolution takes his legendary strategy series and makes it perfect for consoles by implementing a super-streamlined interface. The end result is a game that feels incredibly simple to play, but has layers and layers of depth to it. With tons of civilizations to play through, and lots of downloadable content already online, Civilization could keep you busy through the Dark Ages to the day after tomorrow. This is hands-down one of the finest turn-based strategy games on the Xbox 360, and you'd be foolish to not give it a try.
Title: Pure
Why it's on the list: If there's one title that deserves more that it's received this year, it's Pure. Essentially SSX on wheels, Pure is one of the best racing games we've played all year. Not only is it simply fun at its core, it's got some astounding production values; everything from the first-rate graphics to the detailed HUD icons screams quality. The fact that it was developed by the team that made the also-excellent ATV Offroad Fury games should be a testament to Pure's quality. Really, our only real gripe about the game is that it doesn't have split-screen multiplayer – it's online or bust. We saw this game get discounted not long after its release, so chances are, you'll be able to find a copy on the cheap. Go get it now, or feel the wrath of Hilary.
Title: Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy
Why it's on the list: Licensed games are usually pretty bad, we all know that. The Bourne Conspiracy wasn't a life-changing game, we all know that as well. But it did have moments of brilliance – enough to make our list of 2008 Hidden Gems. Take, for instance, the hand-to-hand combat. Few games match the intensity of simply brawling with another character the way it's done in The Bourne Conspiracy. Throw in some decent shooting and driving sequences, and you have a game that, while not a classic, is definitely worth playing through at least once.
Run, Jason! Run!
Title: Armored Core: For Answer
Why it's on the list: The Armored Core games are typically love-it or hate-it affairs, and For Answer isn't too different. That said, even if you're not a mech fan, we think For Answer is worth checking out – just make sure to get in the right frame of mind. Don't expect insanely detailed graphics, gallons of spewing blood, or the ability to make ethical choices. Instead, try to grasp the level of customization found in the game, and build a mech that you're proud of and take pride in. Then, fix the controls to something more standard (by default, they're wonky), soak in the awesome ambient tunes, and train yourself in the nuances of mech simulation.
Xbox Live Arcade
Title: Kingdom For Keflings
Why it's on the list: We talked to so many people who've never even heard of this game. Sure, it's fairly new on Xbox Live Arcade, but we know that has nothing to do with it. As one of the only games that can incorporate your NXE avatar, Kingdom For Keflings at the very least has a fun gimmick worth checking out. Fortunately, the game is also a load of fun to play. Basically a relaxing resource-management game, you'll help build towns for the Keflings and watch the seasons pass, all the while never worrying about dying (you can't). It's hard to describe, but Kingdom For Keflings strikes a great balance of pushing you forward in the game, all the while never frustrating you with things like death. With the demo free to play, you have no reason to give this game a shot.
Title: Roogoo
Why it's on the list: Puzzle games are a dime a dozen, so the ones that stand out to us are something special. Roogoo is one of those games. On paper, the game sounds deceptively simple: shapes fall through like-shaped holes. Okay, so that's maybe simplifying it a bit too much since the game does take into consideration weight, rotating discs, butterflies, and Meemoos (enemies), but you get the idea. Just know that Roogoo is amazingly addictive, and actually feels like a new type of puzzle game, as opposed to a re-skinned Bejeweled clone. That the game also features impossible-not-to-like artwork makes it that much harder not to love.
It's harder than it looks.
Title: Galaga Legions
Why it's on the list: Rather than throwing on a shiny new coat of graphics and calling it a day, Namco Bandai went ahead and crafted an entirely new Galaga game that's inspired by the original, but stands on its own. Made by the same team that made the excellent Pac-Man Championship Edition, Galaga Legions pulls on your nostalgic strings, yet plays like something else entirely, and ends up being one of the best arcade-like games you could buy online. It's also one best-looking, with enough colors and whiz-bang effects to make your eyes go blind. Sure, it's a bit short, but with its roots in the arcades, getting a high score is more important than having more levels to play.
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