Hidden Gems in the Gaming World

RainMaker · 01-26-2008, 02:46 AM

I've started to get into console gaming a bit more lately with this TV strike and am picking up games here and there to occupy my time. I know about all the big, popular titles, but I don't know much about some smaller gems on either next gen systems or current gen. Was hoping some had some suggestions and maybe we can pass on a few, cheap games that are fun to play.

Here are two I have found:

Earth Defense Force 2017 (XBOX 360) - If you have a friend/roommate/etc you can play with, this game is an absolute blast. Graphics are kind of crap but you basically shoot up giant alien bugs for over 50 levels (5 difficulties too). You can collect over 100 different weapons to use and you have unlimited ammo. Despite its cheesey storyline, bad graphics, and bad sound effects, it's somehow just a ton of fun to play. You really don't have to get deep into it and its one of those games you just throw on, blow up some stuff, and go on with your day. The prize for beating all the levels on all difficulty levels is a Genocide Gun that essentially blows up half the board with each shot. I say 2 players co-op because some of the higher boards on higher difficulty levels are near impossible to win by yourself. Still, it's a fun game to play by yourself too. Anyways, you can pick this game up for under $20 and I can tell you it's well worth it.

The Outfit (XBOX 360) - Another game that can be found for under $20 these days. I don't like the story mode but playing another human being is insanely fun. Little bit of shooter, little bit of strategy mixed into this one. Graphics are pretty crummy but it somehow manages to be an intense game. Not sure if there are still people playing this one online, so you probably need a buddy who owns it or lives with you.

SackAttack · 01-26-2008, 03:45 AM

The Outfit may be available for around $9 at your local Toys 'R Us, if it didn't get picked over during their 50% off clearance games sale earlier in January.

Definitely a bargain at the price.

Calis · 01-26-2008, 07:50 AM

Earth Defense Force 2017 is maybe the most fun I've had with an Xbox 360 game. I think it definitely needs to be played with another person, it makes it even crazier and it helps to have someone there to share in the craziness.

Awesome game. I can't believe it didn't catch on more, I guess the graphics and all low budget feel did it in, but a very unique game. It's like Diablo meets Serious Sam.

I think they're actually working on a sequel on now.

twothree · 01-26-2008, 01:27 PM

I don't own an XBox 360 but if you like board/card games, Culdcept Saga will soon be released on XBox 360. The PS2 version (which I own) or the Sega Saturn version of Culdcept would probably be considered a hidden gem in the U.S. for those that like turn based strategy.

rowech · 01-26-2008, 02:33 PM

I think Crackdown is a game that doesn't really get it's due. There are so many old Nintendo games I would put into this category. Not great games to look at but still fun.

RainMaker · 02-10-2008, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rowech

I think Crackdown is a game that doesn't really get it's due. There are so many old Nintendo games I would put into this category. Not great games to look at but still fun.

I liked that game. Only problem was it was too short (especially if you're playing with someone else). Could have used a few extra missions I felt. I did end up going around the board grabbing all the things though like an idiot after I beat it.

Kodos · 02-11-2008, 11:30 AM

Ico for the PS2 was a great and underappreciated game.

And Rumble Racing was a blast too, before games like Burnout 3 came out.

Big Fo · 02-11-2008, 01:02 PM

Anyone with a Wii who liked Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz should try Mercury Meltdown Revolution which does the tilt control better, has deeper gameplay mechanics, and sells for $20 new.

MJ4H · 02-11-2008, 01:05 PM

I'm writing a review of this game (Mercury Meltdown Revolution) for gamenikki.com (SackAttack's site). It will be getting a solid 8 out of 10 from me. I really like this game. It would get a 9 out of 10 from me if it had any sort of multiplayer at all. I find the lack of multiplayer in this game almost impossible to believe, frankly. But, there it is.

Anyway, I second your recommendation of this game. If you like tilt games, this is a good one, and cheap.

02-11-2008, 01:05 PM	#9
MJ4H Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hog Country	I'm writing a review of this game (Mercury Meltdown Revolution) for gamenikki.com (SackAttack's site). It will be getting a solid 8 out of 10 from me. I really like this game. It would get a 9 out of 10 from me if it had any sort of multiplayer at all. I find the lack of multiplayer in this game almost impossible to believe, frankly. But, there it is. Anyway, I second your recommendation of this game. If you like tilt games, this is a good one, and cheap. Last edited by MJ4H : 02-11-2008 at 01:05 PM.

01-26-2008, 03:45 AM	#2
SackAttack Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Green Bay, WI	The Outfit may be available for around $9 at your local Toys 'R Us, if it didn't get picked over during their 50% off clearance games sale earlier in January. Definitely a bargain at the price.

01-26-2008, 07:50 AM	#3
Calis College Starter Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kansas	Earth Defense Force 2017 is maybe the most fun I've had with an Xbox 360 game. I think it definitely needs to be played with another person, it makes it even crazier and it helps to have someone there to share in the craziness. Awesome game. I can't believe it didn't catch on more, I guess the graphics and all low budget feel did it in, but a very unique game. It's like Diablo meets Serious Sam. I think they're actually working on a sequel on now.

01-26-2008, 01:27 PM	#4
twothree College Prospect Join Date: May 2005	I don't own an XBox 360 but if you like board/card games, Culdcept Saga will soon be released on XBox 360. The PS2 version (which I own) or the Sega Saturn version of Culdcept would probably be considered a hidden gem in the U.S. for those that like turn based strategy.

01-26-2008, 02:33 PM	#5
rowech Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2006	I think Crackdown is a game that doesn't really get it's due. There are so many old Nintendo games I would put into this category. Not great games to look at but still fun.

02-11-2008, 11:30 AM	#7
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Ico for the PS2 was a great and underappreciated game. And Rumble Racing was a blast too, before games like Burnout 3 came out.

02-11-2008, 01:02 PM	#8
Big Fo Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2005	Anyone with a Wii who liked Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz should try Mercury Meltdown Revolution which does the tilt control better, has deeper gameplay mechanics, and sells for $20 new.

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