One of the defining features and outstanding revelations that came with the passage of time is that the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation was one of the best in recent years when it comes to video games. This graphical leap not only set trends but also offered some of the most original titles possible. This list of underrated games is clear proof of that.
Titles like F.E.A.R., Vanquish, and Asura’s Wrath all belonged to that generation. Fortunately, the following generation didn’t fall behind and also has several examples of games that were unfairly overlooked, like Mad Max. Evil West was one of the few exceptions to the current generation.
5. Evil West
Evil West not only looks visually stunning, but it also offers a completely original narrative with a very fun gameplay style that mixes third-person action with other types of mechanics.
Players must eradicate the vampire threat that has invaded the wild west using a completely original arsenal of weapons adapted to destroy this blood-sucking menace. The player will have to fight these enemies almost alone, representing an agency that secretly defends the United States’ interests.
4. Mad Max
This game, under the leadership of Avalanche Studios, faced numerous development issues and multiple delays that hindered its timely release. One of Mad Max’s curiosities is that it uses a very modern enemy system and customization that is rarely seen in this type of game.
The Wasteland is excellently portrayed, and the combat is one of the best things this game has, perfectly introducing vehicles into the action. Unfortunately, Mad Max is not a well-known character to the public, which hindered the game’s sales from reaching their potential.
3. Vanquish
Vanquish is probably one of the most unjustly underrated on the entire list. Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami was involved, and the gameplay was one of the most frantic and spectacular for its time.
Rarely has a third-person action game captured the sensation of extreme speed so effectively. This title was one of the precursors to Platinum Games solidifying its mark in the industry. To this day, many fans are still clamoring for a sequel to this game or at least a complete remake.
The game was bundled together with Bayonetta for the physical release on PS4 and Xbox One. Both games are excellent, but Vanquish may even be a cut above Bayonetta.
2. Asura’s Wrath
One of the main features of this title is the spectacular direction and its blend of various gameplay styles that converge perfectly. One of the game’s unique mechanics is that it truly makes the player feel like a god facing celestial forces.
Every cinematic and Quick Time Event is handled masterfully, and the direction makes the entire experience extraordinarily enjoyable. This title also belonged to the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation and was one of the great underrated games of that era. The level of originality in this game is unparalleled.
The recent Final Fantasy 16 feels like a homage to the excellence portrayed in Asura’s Wrath. It’s definitely worth checking out, even in this day and age, where most games are huge blockbuster spectacles.
1. F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault Recon)
This game became one of the most original and well-developed examples of first-person shooters. It established a precedent for the application of Japanese horror with an unparalleled degree of action.
Alma, the franchise’s main villain with psychic powers, plays a critical role in creating tension in the narrative and the constant fear that one of her terrifying visions might appear before a moment filled with action.
The ability to use Slow Motion only adds even more depth to this game, which for its time probably offered the best graphics possible.
All of this is accompanied by a level of detail in destruction that is rarely seen in a game of this kind. Unfortunately, even though this franchise turned into a trilogy, the subsequent games did not live up to the first installment, especially the third one.
