31 Video Game Hidden Gems

[Allie Kitsune]

Oct 11, 2022 9:15:10 GMT -5 J is Justice said:

11. Folklore



This is another RPG with two protagonists. Again, you switch between them when their chapter ends, although, unlike Arc, you have the option to do so.

In this game, you capture "folk" and utilize them in battle. Feels very similar to Lost Kingdoms, actually (spoiler: that game is also on this list!). You summon them by pressing one of the four buttons on your controller, and they will perform a unique attack. This can be a physical attack, a magic attack or they can even shield you from damage. Each folk is useful against another type of folk, so you have to figure out which one is best for which situation. It's a fun system.

I love the art style, too; there are a bunch of wacky-looking creatures in this game.

This game is quite pricey for a PS3 game, actually, but it's worth it.

This game was originally meant to be part of the same franchise as Monster Kingdom : Jewel Summoner, but then was ultimately separated from it.

Also... anyone else just really not like the term "Hidden Gem"? I blame Metal Jesus Rocks for that.

[J is Justice]

Oct 19, 2022 13:34:50 GMT -5 Allie Kitsune said:

I blame Metal Jesus Rocks for that.

That's where I got the term, lol.

[J is Justice]

20. Maken X



This is a first/third-person hack and slash by Atlus. It's kind of an odd game, not gonna lie.

Maken is either the name of the person wielding the sword or the sword itself, I can't quite remember. Anyway, it's a typical hack and slash where you can string combos together and dodge attacks, etc. There's platforming and a few puzzles here and there. I suppose the most unique thing about the game is "Brainjack", which is an ability you can use to control other characters, and then you'll then be able to use their unique attacks.

It has that unique Atlus artstyle, which I love. Honestly, you'll think you're playing a hack and slash SMT, sometimes.

Like I said, the game is kind of odd and confusing at times. I could see being a love it or hate it kind of game for some people.

It's available on Dreamcast and PS2. The major difference is that the DC version is in first person and the PS2 version is in third person. I personally preferred the third-person view. The DC version is also much more expensive.



(Also, I'll be posting two games today, again, as I couldn't post one yesterday!)

[Joker]

Oct 18, 2022 9:08:36 GMT -5 J is Justice said:

18. Lost Kingdoms



First GameCube game on the list. This is a FromSoftware RPG where you collect cards that you use to summon monsters. The battles are in real-time. It's quite similar to Folklore, actually. Each card/monster has a unique attack and you need to use the right card in the right situation.

The game has stages, and I believe you must complete them within a time limit. If you fail, you have to start all over again. It is a FromSoft game so expect some challenge.

The graphics are kind of weak. It's not a looker, to say the least. But the gameplay is fun and addictive if you can look past that.

I had this and it was a lot of fun. The art/graphics were not too shabby at the time.

[J is Justice]

21. Muramasa: The Demon Blade



This is an action RPG, which I didn't know. I actually thought it was considered a hack and slash. Should've probably put this on my JRPG list.

But anyway, this is a great game! The action is fast-paced and satisfying. You leap from enemy to enemy, slashing them to pieces with your blades. There are two playable characters each with their own unique abilities. It's ridiculously fun and actually quite challenging from what I remember. You gain experience, of course, and you can also cook food to gain stat boosts.

Obviously, it's the graphics that are the stand-out aspect of this game, though. The game just looks incredible. Possibly the best-looking Wii game from what I've played.

This game is also available on Vita, but I haven't played that version. Going by reviews, the Wii version is slightly better but I have no idea why.

[J is Justice]

22. Musashi: Samurai Legend



This is the sequel to Brave Fencer Musashi (which I never played). This is also Kingdom Hearts 1.5. Seriously, this game reminded me so much of KH, from the sword-wielding kid with crazy hair and the awful camera. If you didn't like KH for that very reason, you will not like this. If you did, well you might enjoy it.

Aside from slicing up monsters, you can absorb their attacks and use them yourself, which I thought was a neat ability.

The graphics are another standout, I think. They are nice and bright and colourful.

So, yeah, if you like KH, give it a shot, and if you don't, stay away!

[J is Justice]

23. No Straight Roads



This is a more recent game than the others. Take control of Mayday and Zuke to free Vinyl City from EDM, and bring rock music back to the top where it belongs!

So as you've probably gathered, the best thing about this game is the music. It's absolutely incredible and I still listen to the songs to this day. And not only does the game sound great, but it looks great, too.

The game is a kind of hack and slash, where you hit your enemies with guitars and drumsticks. You can upgrade your abilities to unlock new ones.

The boss battles are amazing. Like I said, the music is just so good and combined with the graphics makes for some epic encounters. Having said that, the gameplay can be a little shallow and it could grow old quite quickly.

This game is a blast. If you have no interest in checking out the game, at least check out the music.

[Hurbster]

Wow, that looks great.

[J is Justice]

24. Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors



This is a hack and slash for the original Xbox. It's also another game by FromSoftware (seriously, they made some good stuff before the DS series).

In this game, you can choose between six warriors, ranging from a wolf man with a double edge blade to a flying tree creature. Once you've chosen your character, you choose a stage to traverse through. Each warrior has their own unique abilities and weapons, so choosing the right character is extremely important. Completing stages may require you to kill every enemy on screen, destroy every obstacle, or get through it in a specific time. The combat isn't anything too deep, but it's still a lot of fun and looks great.

Between stages, you can spend your money to buy new weapons and abilities or upgrade your characters' stats.

As for the first game, some might consider that to be a hidden gem, also, but it didn't do anything for me, personally.

This is a really great game and I highly recommend it. It's one of the more expensive original Xbox games but it's definitely worth it.

[J is Justice]

25. Othercide



Othercide is a tactical RPG with a very unique look. Pretty much the entire game is in black, red and grey. It's definitely a striking look, but may get old for some people.

You control "Daughters" in the "Dark Corner" and take on all sorts of nasty creatures.

It has all the typical tactical RPG elements. You move your characters around a grid and strike your enemies down. It's very challenging, and you can - and will - get gameovers. But then you can choose to resurrect your old characters and try again from the beginning. It definitely tests your patience but is extremely rewarding when you succeed.

If you want a tough game with an interesting look, check this one out.

[J is Justice]

26. Phantasy Star Portable 2



This is a JRPG for the PSP. Might be weird listing a Phantasy Star game as a hidden gem, but I feel this is one of the forgotten ones. It actually didn't sell that well, I believe, so it's kind of rare.

It's a typical Phantasy Star game. If you've played one, you'll know what to expect. You control a created character, travel to several planets and hack and slash at aliens with a lightsaber. It's good stuff.

The crew your a member of are a lot of fun, actually. They are a varied and fun bunch.

Most people who played this game can universally (get it?) agree that the opening to this game is amazing, and so I'm going to post that instead of a screenshot!

[J is Justice]

27. Red Steel 2



So I never played the first game but I've heard that it was really disappointing. Pretty much everyone agrees the sequel was much better. Unfortunately, I don't think this game sold very well because of the first game's reputation. I personally really enjoyed it, though it could get frustrating at times.

In this game, you're equipped with a sword and a gun. Obviously, you swing the Wii mote to use the sword. It sounds fun and that concept is what drew people to the first game. You can also purchase new weapons and upgrade your abilities.

I thought this game was a lot of fun, but I will say when the game increases in difficulty, you rely more on the controls responding and a lot of times, they didn't. Honestly, I did rage-quit this one, lol. But it was great for a while. If you didn't like the first game, give this one a try.

[Denny Zen is Cooking™]

Oct 23, 2022 9:36:19 GMT -5 J is Justice said:

22. Musashi: Samurai Legend



This is the sequel to Brave Fencer Musashi (which I never played). This is also Kingdom Hearts 1.5. Seriously, this game reminded me so much of KH, from the sword-wielding kid with crazy hair and the awful camera. If you didn't like KH for that very reason, you will not like this. If you did, well you might enjoy it.

Aside from slicing up monsters, you can absorb their attacks and use them yourself, which I thought was a neat ability.

The graphics are another standout, I think. They are nice and bright and colourful.

So, yeah, if you like KH, give it a shot, and if you don't, stay away!

The original BFM is my personal favorite game on the PS1. I think it's quite a bit better than its successor, but they are both absolutely worth playing. 

The voice acting in the original game is nothing short of astonishing for a PS1 game of that era.

[J is Justice]

28. Ring of Red



This is a tactical RPG and another one that gives me VC vibes, though it's also quite different. The game takes place during WWII but with a fictional telling of events.

Again, you move your characters around the battlefield and when you attack, the game will switch to a different screen where you are controlling an AFW - a type of mecha. You can move it back and forth, launch an attack or command your squad. It's a really fun and tactical system, and it looks great.

You can level up your squad and customise them, and they each have their own abilities ranging from healing and attacking.

So this game is really good. My only complaint is actually the translation - it's kind of dodgy.

[J is Justice]

29. Resonance of Fate



This is a JRPG for the PS3 and 360, and it also recently got a remaster for the PS4.

This game is pretty much known for its amazing battle system. All three of your characters wield guns and they perform amazing, acrobatic flips as they mow down the enemies. From what I recall, you use machine guns to deliver "scratch" damage and then finish them off with pistols. It's fun, strategic and looks amazing.

The characters are also a lot of fun and share some good chemistry. You can dress them up and customize their guns.

As fun as the battle system is, the rest of the game is quite flawed. The story is whatever and the environments are bland. The world map is interesting, though. Instead of simply moving your characters from place to place, there's actually a puzzle element to it where you have to place pieces in the correct place to unlock more areas. It's kind of hard to explain but I liked it.

If you like flashy battle systems that require some thought, this is the game for you.

[Hanky McCranky Jr.]

I need to give Resonance of Fate another shot one of these days. It's one of those games that really needs the instruction manual to really figure out what is going on lol.

[J is Justice]

30. Sega Soccer Slam



This is such a weird game that I had to include it. Think of it like SSX where it's an exaggerated form of an existing sport.

There are a bunch of unique and colourful teams, like Team Toxic and Team Subzero. You can punch other players with no repercussions, and perform spectacular shots at goal. It's as crazy and wild as you think it's gonna be. If you don't expect the gameplay to be as refined as something like PES, you should have fun with this one.

[J is Justice]

31. Way of the Samurai 1 and 2





Decided to include both games as they aren't that different. At first glance, they might seem like generic samurai games but they're actually quite unique. You're able to make several choices during the game that greatly affect the storyline. You can be good, evil or neutral. It's kind of like watching a samurai movie play out but you're the director.

The swordplay is actually quite difficult and takes some getting used to. The problem is that if you die once in this game, it's game over and you have to start from the beginning. But it's fine because you'll want to play through it again to see how the stories play out differently this time.

The games can be kind of frustrating at times; sometimes, you'll just be wandering around having no idea what to do or where to go. But they're pretty fun and unique, so I say give them a go.

[J is Justice]

And that concludes my list! I hope you discovered something interesting and give it a try! Maybe I'll do another one of these in the future if I find some more interesting hidden gems. Thanks!

[Deleted]

anyone who likes resonance of fate and no straight roads is a-ok in my book