The summer doldrums are upon us. As the scarcity of game releases reaches a year long high, I thought it might be worth taking a look at five criminally overlooked games from the last generation. If you’re sick of replaying Skyrim or running with your gang in GTA:V, take a look at these. I assure you that you won’t be disappointed.
5: Condemned: Criminal Origins
Launch lineups are tricky. As new consoles launch so do new IP’s, but after shelling out $400 on a system many gamer’s play it safe and stick to franchises they know and love. When the Xbox 360 launched, I grabbed my pre-ordered system and a copy of Perfect Dark. As I scanned the wall filled with 20 or so games I came across one other title that caught my eye…Condemned. Having been a survival horror fan most of my life I figured it was worth a buy. It ended up being the best purchase I made in the early months of the 360’s life.
In all honesty, Condemned hasn’t aged well visually, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing one of the true survival horror games of last generation. Ammo is extremely limited; in fact so are guns. Most of the time you will be scavenging refuse from various locations to use as weapons. Whether you’re searching for nailed 2×4’s or rusty pipes; subway tunnels, abandoned buildings, and dilapidated houses will become your freak-show home. Bums and other forms of street trash come at your throat with vicious physical attacks and then retreat back to the dark recesses of nearly every location.
In a game with such a dark and intriguing story-line it’s impressive the way they allow us to discover the secrets. Imagine the T.V. show CSI…only in hell. You use forensic tools to unearth clues that lead you further and further down the rabbit-hole of evil and psychosis. If you enjoy being scared and some of the most brutal combat ever, give Condemned: Criminal Origins a try.
4: Deadly Premonition
Not often do we find full retail releases that are priced at $20 when they launch. Even lf you do find them they are usually garbage. Many people will argue that Deadly Premonition is a prime example of said $20 garbage. To those people I say, “hahaha”. If you can make it past the first hour of this uniquely twisted tale you will find there is much to love. Yes the controls are only passable, the graphics are decidedly last gen, and the environments look bad from near or far. All that said, Deadly premonition has a fascinating story that pays more than a little homage to, in my opinion, the greatest television show ever: Twin Peaks.
FBI Agent Francis York Morgan is one of the most irreverent characters to ever be created using polygons. The supporting cast if full of odd and quirky characters that bring even more intrigue to an already interesting world. A playthrough lasts anywhere from 30-50 hours and you’ll be amazed at the secrets you find along the way. Deadly Premonition is a lot like a wallflower, under-appreciated and lonely due to it’s own design. If you take the time to unravel it’s secrets, you may just fall in love.
3: Call of Juarez: Bound in BloI was a fan of the original COJ for it’s authentic western feel, interesting story, and solid controls. This prequel follows the antagonist of the original game, Ray McCall and his brother Thomas. As they desert their Confederate post’s to save their home from Union soldiers, things begin to unravel. Ray McCall was originally introduced to fans as the Bible-thumping gunslinger with a wicked draw. In the prequel we get a chance to discover the series of events that led to his evolution. This game is a fast paced Western fans dream. While incredibly linear compared to Rockstar’s epic Red Dead Redemption, COJ hits you right between the teeth from the start and doesn’t let up until the credits roll. The weapons feel authentic, the controls tight and responsive, the story captivating, and some of the best voice-work of last-gen. While I can’t recommend this game enough, stay the hell away from the 3rd entry in the series, Call of Jaurez: The Cartel…it’s a disgrace.
2: Alan Wake
Mixing the best parts of survival horror and a blockbuster thriller, Alan Wake will keep you enthralled with its fascinating story and unique, light-based combat. You play the role of Alan, a successful writer who takes a vacation with his wife to the sleepy logging town of Bright Falls. After a brief introduction period Alan’s wife disappears into the depths of the lake surrounding their cabin. From that point forward players will be tasked with uncovering the mystery of Bright Falls and determining what is reality and whats is not. In regards to gameplay, Developer Remedy, famous for the Max Payne series, created a solid control scheme with interesting mechanics. The light based gameplay adds a strategic element not often found in survival horror titles.
Mixing one of the best original story-lines of last generation and fantastic production values, Alan Wake manages to take players on a nightmare ride they won’t soon forget. Add to that masterful pacing and fun combat and you have one the most criminally overlooked games of last generation, if not ever.
1: Shadows of the Damned
Suda 51 has made some of the most polarizing video games of all time. His unique ability to blend comedy with over-the-top, visceral violence leaves most people on either side of the fence. His collaboration with Shinji Mikami combined the punk-rock edge of the former and the psychological horror know-how of the latter to create one hell of a masterpiece. You play as Garcia Hotspur. Ladies man, demon hunter, and foul-mouthed bad-ass all in one. When his lady is kidnapped and taken into the depths of hell, Garcia and his loud-mouthed partner Johnson (a talking gun), battle through hordes of demon spawn to save his love. Along the way you enjoy some of the most foul, sexually focused humor ever to make it to your screen. Childish at times, the humor is still infinitely funnier than anything Duke Nukem ever said. Couple that with great graphics, a unique tone, and some of the best over-the-shoulder shooter gameplay ever and you have one of THE best titles of last generation. The only problem is that damn near nobody played it!
That’s a wrap folks. If you’re feeling bored with the lack of quality titles releasing this summer, head to your local retailer and pick up some of the best games you’ve never played for pennies on the dollar. Everyone has a back catalog, but don’t don’t put these ones aside…they are worth your time. Cheers!
