Under-rated and overlooked 2003 games

[Gadfly2317]

I got to thinking about this after the latest "Play" magazine did its best of 2003 awards issue (with Starcraft Ghost as its awesome cover story. . . really looking forward to this game.) I like this magazine a lot; it is different than all the other game magazines, its smart, stylish, and covers other stuff like anime and movies. The issue praised a number of games that went largely overlooked, made me wonder want everyone else here played they thought everyone else should have tried, too. Here's just a few of the mag's odd award pics first:

"Play" had a couple winners I'd never seen picked by any other magazine. It had Voodoo Vince as "Platformer of the Year." This should make Glock happy, since he's been saying that for awhile. Vince also won "Best New Character."

Gladius took best simulation/strategy, with Disgaea and Goblin Commander as honorable mentions. Ikaruga took best shooter, with PDO as honorable mention.

PNO3 took "Most underrated of the year, and also honorable mention in the action/shooter category, they felt part of the problem for the game is that it's a shooter, and in America it was widely reviewed as an action game without enough play mechanics and weird controls. They had this to say: "Starring the single most stylized ground-based action-shooter ever devised, PN03's Vannessa Z Schneider proved a study of poetry in motion, playing duck and cover with a mechanized enemy in a trek that would ultimately bring her face to face with a shocking reality. The mixture of Kubrickian sets, the best techno score in years. . . . " It goes on and on in its praise.

I'm skipping tons of awards, but basically I was trying to focus on the unusual ones to get people's feedback on what they thought were great games that everyone seemed to overlook. But, overall console winners: Ps2: R&C: Going Commando. GC: Zelda: WW, and Xbox they gave Voodoo Vince Xbox GOTY. KOTOR was completely shut out except for an honorable mention in the RPG of the year category (won by FFX-2). Overall GOTY was Zelda WW.

The weirdest thing of all is that in another section of the mag were several editors listed their top ten personal favorites, the games they enjoyed the most, not one but TWO listed Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, and heaped enough glowing praise on it that I may give it a rent. (It was an honorable mention in the Platformer category as well.) Wario World showed up in several places, too, including honorable mention in the Action category, which was won by Viewtiful Joe.

Any comments, any games of 2003 you think too many people shunned due to reviews that had scores in the 7-8 range or some other factor?


(Oh well, not to leave PC gamers out, "Play" picked Tron 2.0 as GOTY, honorable mention went to Call of Duty.) I've been wanting to pick up Tron just for the Light Cycle racing.

[The Buzz]

I got to thinking about this after the latest "Play" magazine did its best of 2003 awards issue (with Starcraft Ghost as its awesome cover story. . . really looking forward to this game.) I like this magazine a lot; it is different than all the other game magazines, its smart, stylish, and covers other stuff like anime and movies. The issue praised a number of games that went largely overlooked, made me wonder want everyone else here played they thought everyone else should have tried, too. Here's just a few of the mag's odd award pics first:

"Play" had a couple winners I'd never seen picked by any other magazine. It had Voodoo Vince as "Platformer of the Year." This should make Glock happy, since he's been saying that for awhile. Vince also won "Best New Character."

Gladius took best simulation/strategy, with Disgaea and Goblin Commander as honorable mentions. Ikaruga took best shooter, with PDO as honorable mention.

PNO3 took "Most underrated of the year, and also honorable mention in the action/shooter category, they felt part of the problem for the game is that it's a shooter, and in America it was widely reviewed as an action game without enough play mechanics and weird controls. They had this to say: "Starring the single most stylized ground-based action-shooter ever devised, PN03's Vannessa Z Schneider proved a study of poetry in motion, playing duck and cover with a mechanized enemy in a trek that would ultimately bring her face to face with a shocking reality. The mixture of Kubrickian sets, the best techno score in years. . . . " It goes on and on in its praise.

I'm skipping tons of awards, but basically I was trying to focus on the unusual ones to get people's feedback on what they thought were great games that everyone seemed to overlook. But, overall console winners: Ps2: R&C: Going Commando. GC: Zelda: WW, and Xbox they gave Voodoo Vince Xbox GOTY. KOTOR was completely shut out except for an honorable mention in the RPG of the year category (won by FFX-2). Overall GOTY was Zelda WW.

The weirdest thing of all is that in another section of the mag were several editors listed their top ten personal favorites, the games they enjoyed the most, not one but TWO listed Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, and heaped enough glowing praise on it that I may give it a rent. (It was an honorable mention in the Platformer category as well.) Wario World showed up in several places, too, including honorable mention in the Action category, which was won by Viewtiful Joe.

Any comments, any games of 2003 you think too many people shunned due to reviews that had scores in the 7-8 range or some other factor?


(Oh well, not to leave PC gamers out, "Play" picked Tron 2.0 as GOTY, honorable mention went to Call of Duty.) I've been wanting to pick up Tron just for the Light Cycle racing.

Not sure where these games rated but they were overlooked for the most part...and very good games...

The Mark of Kri
Metal Arms
BG&E
Sphinx: The Curse of the Mummy

[Gamer88]

I just feel this game is underappriecated. Its a great RPG and deserved some reconigition for it. It came and went completly ignored and only sold about 70,000 in the US. I think. Its coming to PC though. Though I heard that the Orignal Skies of Arcadia is coming to PC, Without the Legends content.......anyways great game if you own a gamecube or dreamcast you should own this game.

[Deathstroke]

I'm glad PN03 won something. The game lacked polish but it wasn't a totally bad game. You play it and you can see the potential there. Only if Mikami had given up his position as head of Production Studio 4 earlier and stayed with the game. I've read that he eventually did give up the position because of how the game turned out. He wanted to be closer to his pet projects from there on out like Resident Evil 4. Anyways, enough off topic ranting from me. Overlooked games of yesteryear:

Gotcha Force : This is a fun little game. Only problems it has are a somewhat troublesome camera especially when you're trying to target enemies that can fly. Other then that, there's tons of borgs to collect and there's even a few you can combine together to form a completely new robot.

[GameLegend]

When u guys mention underrated game, the first game that comes to my mind is Oni. Sure it was developed i believe 2-3 years ago but i still think this game is really really underrated. ITs from the same guys who made Halo. Obviously, they are not going to start focusing on a sequel to Oni since all everyone wants them to do is Halo 2. But seriously this game had flawless level design great action packed moves and stealth, tonz of it. As u completed levels u are rewarded with new weapons and moves. Plus once u finish the game, u can simutaneously become any character in the game, ANY character (+35), that included their unquie moves too. There were two ways of going through the game, stealth or running around trying to beat everyfool u saw (its hard to pull that off but doable). They even hired an 2-3 architects to do the level design for the whole game. Maybe thats why i like this game so much cuz I'm going into architecture :). But anyway, i reccommend people to chcek this game out. ITs for PC and PS2.

["The Game"Evolution]

I got to thinking about this after the latest "Play" magazine did its best of 2003 awards issue (with Starcraft Ghost as its awesome cover story. . . really looking forward to this game.) I like this magazine a lot; it is different than all the other game magazines, its smart, stylish, and covers other stuff like anime and movies. The issue praised a number of games that went largely overlooked, made me wonder want everyone else here played they thought everyone else should have tried, too. Here's just a few of the mag's odd award pics first:

"Play" had a couple winners I'd never seen picked by any other magazine. It had Voodoo Vince as "Platformer of the Year." This should make Glock happy, since he's been saying that for awhile. Vince also won "Best New Character."

Gladius took best simulation/strategy, with Disgaea and Goblin Commander as honorable mentions. Ikaruga took best shooter, with PDO as honorable mention.

PNO3 took "Most underrated of the year, and also honorable mention in the action/shooter category, they felt part of the problem for the game is that it's a shooter, and in America it was widely reviewed as an action game without enough play mechanics and weird controls. They had this to say: "Starring the single most stylized ground-based action-shooter ever devised, PN03's Vannessa Z Schneider proved a study of poetry in motion, playing duck and cover with a mechanized enemy in a trek that would ultimately bring her face to face with a shocking reality. The mixture of Kubrickian sets, the best techno score in years. . . . " It goes on and on in its praise.

I'm skipping tons of awards, but basically I was trying to focus on the unusual ones to get people's feedback on what they thought were great games that everyone seemed to overlook. But, overall console winners: Ps2: R&C: Going Commando. GC: Zelda: WW, and Xbox they gave Voodoo Vince Xbox GOTY. KOTOR was completely shut out except for an honorable mention in the RPG of the year category (won by FFX-2). Overall GOTY was Zelda WW.

The weirdest thing of all is that in another section of the mag were several editors listed their top ten personal favorites, the games they enjoyed the most, not one but TWO listed Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, and heaped enough glowing praise on it that I may give it a rent. (It was an honorable mention in the Platformer category as well.) Wario World showed up in several places, too, including honorable mention in the Action category, which was won by Viewtiful Joe.

Any comments, any games of 2003 you think too many people shunned due to reviews that had scores in the 7-8 range or some other factor?


(Oh well, not to leave PC gamers out, "Play" picked Tron 2.0 as GOTY, honorable mention went to Call of Duty.) I've been wanting to pick up Tron just for the Light Cycle racing.

The game had an average ratio of 67.0%But yet this game was labeled as the most underrated 2003? But games like KOTOR had the best reviews for an RPG last year was shunned by them.But FFX-2 to them was better.And we all know that FF X-2 wasnt even in KOTOR's league. I think the guys that run"Play"needs to lay off the angel dust.

[Gamer88]

"The Game" Evolution
The game had an average ratio of 67.0%But yet this game was labeled as the most underrated 2003?

Low Ratings is what makes it a underrated Game.Last time I checked its games that don't get ratings as high as they deserve. Hence UNDERrated. In some cases it can be unappriecated, Like my thoughts on Skies of Arcadia Legends.

"The Game" Evolution
But games like KOTOR had the best reviews for an RPG last year was shunned by them.But FFX-2 to them was better.And we all know that FF X-2 wasnt even in KOTOR's league. I think the guys that run"Play"needs to lay off the angel dust.

Not Even in KOTOR League? Give me a break. The were both good games. and both definatly in the same league. You assume we all agree with you immiedatly, Saying that we all know that FFX-2 wasn't even in KOTOR's league. Not everyone agrees with you on everything. Personally I did not like FFX-2 and was a little dissapointed with KOTOR but If I had to choose I would probably say KOTOR was the better of the two,

["The Game"Evolution]

"The Game" Evolution


Low Ratings is what makes it a underrated Game.Last time I checked its games that don't get ratings as high as they deserve. Hence UNDERrated. In some cases it can be unappriecated, Like my thoughts on Skies of Arcadia Legends.

"The Game" Evolution


Not Even in KOTOR League? Give me a break. The were both good games. and both definatly in the same league. You assume we all agree with you immiedatly, Saying that we all know that FFX-2 wasn't even in KOTOR's league. Not everyone agrees with you on everything. Personally I did not like FFX-2 and was a little dissapointed with KOTOR but If I had to choose I would probably say KOTOR was the better of the two,


P.N.03 wasnt one of those games IMO.The game never truly impressed anyone.Have I played it myself? No.Seen it? Yes.Impressed? Not even close.To me there was alot of games that was underrated last year.And yes I said it once and I'll say it again.FF X-2 wasnt in KOTOR's league.Overall KOTOR was the best game.Better game,better reviews.Not to mention who walked away with RPG of the year for 2003? KOTOR did.

I dont expect alot of people to agree with what I[m saying.I'm just speaking my mind.If you dont like what I'm saying then maybe thats the case because deep down you may agree with me but you dont want to say it out loud.And thats cool I understand.

[Gadfly2317]

"The Game" Evolution


Low Ratings is what makes it a underrated Game.Last time I checked its games that don't get ratings as high as they deserve. Hence UNDERrated. In some cases it can be unappriecated, Like my thoughts on Skies of Arcadia Legends.

"The Game" Evolution


Not Even in KOTOR League? Give me a break. The were both good games. and both definatly in the same league. You assume we all agree with you immiedatly, Saying that we all know that FFX-2 wasn't even in KOTOR's league. Not everyone agrees with you on everything. Personally I did not like FFX-2 and was a little dissapointed with KOTOR but If I had to choose I would probably say KOTOR was the better of the two,

I would say KOTOR was the most over-rated game of 2003. I'm not saying it wasn't a strong game, but I think the game's hype came from Star Wars fans dying of thirst for a good star wars story after the last two crap movies. When just boiled down to the game play elements, as well as graphics, and even the voice acting, it was a pretty average game.

And no, the troll you were talking to hasn't played PNO3. We have even offered to pitch in and buy him a GC and a couple games so maybe he wouldn't sound like such an imbecile around here who never knows what he's talking about, but he said he hates the GC so much "he'd smash it with a sledge hammer" if he got one for free. :rolleyes:

I thought PNO3 was a pretty cool game. I completely skipped Billy Hatcher, but may go ahead and give it a try. The thing with reviewers, a lot of it is so subjective, so its good to find ones who share your tastes more than it is to look at just the gamerankings composite scores. I am impressed with intelligence of Play magazine, and they made some really great, observant picks like the praise they heaped on xbox's Voodoo Vince and their ability to see through the KOTOR hype.

Along with under-rated games. . . there are also the overlooked games, ones that got good or great reviews that very few people played. Ikaruga, Panzer Dragoon, and Voodoo Vince are three games that way two few people played in 2003 for the quality that was there. Especially Voodoo Vince. . . I mean at least the other two were shooters which seemed to have limited fanbases. But there is a dearth of good platformers on the xbox, which is sad since it is such a graphical powerhouse and could do so much to expand the genre. When xbox gamers snub such a great game, it really helps insure no one else will want to make games like that for the system (artistic, original, funny, but apparently too cartoony and not enough bloody realism.)

I really hope the trend swings the other way soon. I like both cartoonish cute games, and realism, but lately the market has really been devouring realism. I play games to escape into worlds that could never exist, not to play games that look just look everyday life (thus my preference for another underplayed 2003 game: Mario Golf, rather than Tiger Woods.)

Yeah, I'd rather tee off in the tree tops with Donkey Kong or try to sink a ball into a warp pipe (extremely hard) than to play a slightly updated realistic EA golf game that has some new unlockable polo shirts you couldn't get in an early version of the same exact game.

["The Game"Evolution]

I would say KOTOR was the most over-rated game of 2003. I'm not saying it wasn't a strong game, but I think the game's hype came from Star Wars fans dying of thirst for a good star wars story after the last two crap movies. When just boiled down to the game play elements, as well as graphics, and even the voice acting, it was a pretty average game.

And no, the troll you were talking to hasn't played PNO3. We have even offered to pitch in and buy him a GC and a couple games so maybe he wouldn't sound like such an imbecile around here who never knows what he's talking about, but he said he hates the GC so much "he'd smash it with a sledge hammer" if he got one for free. :rolleyes:

I thought PNO3 was a pretty cool game. I completely skipped Billy Hatcher, but may go ahead and give it a try. The thing with reviewers, a lot of it is so subjective, so its good to find ones who share your tastes more than it is to look at just the gamerankings composite scores. I am impressed with intelligence of Play magazine, and they made some really great, observant picks like the praise they heaped on xbox's Voodoo Vince and their ability to see through the KOTOR hype.

Along with under-rated games. . . there are also the overlooked games, ones that got good or great reviews that very few people played. Ikaruga, Panzer Dragoon, and Voodoo Vince are three games that way two few people played in 2003 for the quality that was there. Especially Voodoo Vince. . . I mean at least the other two were shooters which seemed to have limited fanbases. But there is a dearth of good platformers on the xbox, which is sad since it is such a graphical powerhouse and could do so much to expand the genre. When xbox gamers snub such a great game, it really helps insure no one else will want to make games like that for the system (artistic, original, funny, but apparently too cartoony and not enough bloody realism.)

I really hope the trend swings the other way soon. I like both cartoonish cute games, and realism, but lately the market has really been devouring realism. I play games to escape into worlds that could never exist, not to play games that look just look everyday life (thus my preference for another underplayed 2003 game: Mario Golf, rather than Tiger Woods.)

Yeah, I'd rather tee off in the tree tops with Donkey Kong or try to sink a ball into a warp pipe (extremely hard) than to play a slightly updated realistic EA golf game that has some new unlockable polo shirts you couldn't get in an early version of the same exact game.

I guess because overall it was clearly the best RPG.The fact that it was a great Star Wars game on top of it made it that much rememberable.So I'm back to being a troll huh? Thats cool.Stick & stones lad.And btw,Billy Hatcher didnt have flattering reviews either.

No I havent played P.N.03.But I've seen it.And its not a bad looking game,but I've clearly seen alot better.Personally I may never like the GC enough to buy it.But I admit its a console that deserves alot more respect than it receives.I remember playing the latest Need For Speed on the GC before.Everything from the control to the graphics were excellent.I was very impressed with it.It was on par with the Xbox's version big time.

Sometimes playing a game you normally wouldnt play isnt a bad thing but a good thing.But I see this is starting to become a popular trend around here these days.Hiding behind the ignore list like the Berlin Wall, then throw stones down on me to make amark knowing I cant get my point across back to you.Deathstroke has indeed taught you well Gadfly.(sarcasm) I can be called a "Troll" and a"Monkey" but surprise,surprise these things goes ignored. But yet I'm the bad guy? Yep.

Play magazine is truly on crack IMO.But to each his/her own.All I'm doing is what all of you are doing.Talking about games.All this other personal crap isnt needed.

[Gamer88]

"The Game" Evolution
No.Seen it? Yes.Impressed? Not even close

Ok here you say you have seen it and are not impressed.

"The Game" Evolution
But I've seen it.And its not a bad looking game

Now its not bad looking? You change your opinion so quickly when you see you are losing.

"The Game" Evolution
Sometimes playing a game you normally wouldnt play isnt a bad thing but a good thing.But I see this is starting to become a popular trend around here these days.Hiding behind the ignore list like the Berlin Wall, then throw stones down on me to make amark knowing I cant get my point across back to you.Deathstroke has indeed taught you well Gadfly.(sarcasm) I can be called a "Troll" and a"Monkey" but surprise,surprise these things goes ignored. But yet I'm the bad guy? Yep.

Actually game they are simply being mature. You see I used to just read these forums because I really am but a "lad" and everyone else has way more gaming knowledge then myself. But when I ran along your post I found out that not everyone was above my league.

"The Game" Evolution
.But I admit its a console that deserves alot more respect than it receives

Yeah.....right Game. After all your bashing of the Gamecube your now saying it deserves more respect then it recieves? Then quit bashing it all the time and give it some respect.

"The Game" Evolution
All I'm doing is what all of you are doing.Talking about games.All this other personal crap isnt needed.

If you really don't want all this "Personal Crap" To go on then respect others opinions more before you "Lay the Smack down" On us.

Gadfly2317
I would say KOTOR was the most over-rated game of 2003. I'm not saying it wasn't a strong game, but I think the game's hype came from Star Wars fans dying of thirst for a good star wars story after the last two crap movies. When just boiled down to the game play elements, as well as graphics, and even the voice acting, it was a pretty average game.

I agree, It was a good game but definatly didn't deserve all the praise it got.

"The Game" Evolution
I dont expect alot of people to agree with what I[m saying.I'm just speaking my mind.If you dont like what I'm saying then maybe thats the case because deep down you may agree with me but you dont want to say it out loud.And thats cool I understand.

Yeah Game, and deep down you may agree with me, or anyone else on this forum. What you say can be applied to anybody. I may not expect people to agree with what im saying but THEY MAY actually agree but are to stubborn to. Thanks for pointing out yet another possibility that we already knew Game. We all know you are speaking your mind game. What else would you be doing? I don't like what your saying despite you want me to. Everyone has diffrent opinions Game.

[Gamer88]

Gadfly2317
I really hope the trend swings the other way soon. I like both cartoonish cute games, and realism, but lately the market has really been devouring realism. I play games to escape into worlds that could never exist, not to play games that look just look everyday life (thus my preference for another underplayed 2003 game: Mario Golf, rather than Tiger Woods.)

Yeah, I'd rather tee off in the tree tops with Donkey Kong or try to sink a ball into a warp pipe (extremely hard) than to play a slightly updated realistic EA golf game that has some new unlockable polo shirts you couldn't get in an early version of the same exact game

I agree Gadfly. Some people forget the point of video games. Why would you want a more realistic video game anyway? You can go outside and live in the real world. You see certain people on this forum )(When I say people I actually mean person and we all know who im talking about)( just don't understand the concept of gaming anymore. You give them a game with good graphics and they are all over it. I have a hypothesis. Im pretty sure that xbox is favored among kids these days. Why? Remember back when you all were a kid. Would you rather have a xbox or Gamecube? Kids want to be grown up, They want the most mature looking console. They want whatever the older kids want. Only in this case older kids don't want a xbox because there smart enough to realise that they can play the same games on a computer. But you see Gadfly, Certain people just have a xbox to uphold there image. They don't want to be "kiddie" and have a gamecube regardless of which console is supierior. Those certain people are the same ones who will act all tough, The ones who disregard other people's opinion's and "lay the smack down" upon others. Mature people would just simply ignore them. Those same certain people will also claim to be "evolved" or "supierior". Really they are just immature.

[Glockstar]

I got to thinking about this after the latest "Play" magazine did its best of 2003 awards issue (with Starcraft Ghost as its awesome cover story. . . really looking forward to this game.) I like this magazine a lot; it is different than all the other game magazines, its smart, stylish, and covers other stuff like anime and movies. The issue praised a number of games that went largely overlooked, made me wonder want everyone else here played they thought everyone else should have tried, too. Here's just a few of the mag's odd award pics first:

"Play" had a couple winners I'd never seen picked by any other magazine. It had Voodoo Vince as "Platformer of the Year." This should make Glock happy, since he's been saying that for awhile. Vince also won "Best New Character."

Gladius took best simulation/strategy, with Disgaea and Goblin Commander as honorable mentions. Ikaruga took best shooter, with PDO as honorable mention.

PNO3 took "Most underrated of the year, and also honorable mention in the action/shooter category, they felt part of the problem for the game is that it's a shooter, and in America it was widely reviewed as an action game without enough play mechanics and weird controls. They had this to say: "Starring the single most stylized ground-based action-shooter ever devised, PN03's Vannessa Z Schneider proved a study of poetry in motion, playing duck and cover with a mechanized enemy in a trek that would ultimately bring her face to face with a shocking reality. The mixture of Kubrickian sets, the best techno score in years. . . . " It goes on and on in its praise.

I'm skipping tons of awards, but basically I was trying to focus on the unusual ones to get people's feedback on what they thought were great games that everyone seemed to overlook. But, overall console winners: Ps2: R&C: Going Commando. GC: Zelda: WW, and Xbox they gave Voodoo Vince Xbox GOTY. KOTOR was completely shut out except for an honorable mention in the RPG of the year category (won by FFX-2). Overall GOTY was Zelda WW.


I only have time to comment on the following four things right now (but maybe I'll come back and say more later, or tomorrow): Play Magazine, Voodoo Vince, P.N.03, and Furious Karting.

First, I'd like to start with ith VV. :D
That game was definitely worthy of more accolades than it had been getting. And I know I'm not alone in thinking that. I especially like the award given to Vince himself for Best New Character though! I mean, come on... who else could it be?!? :D

That said, there's something kind of... funny... about the praises that Play magazine is lavishing. I like their magazine too, I really do (they are "different", "smart" and "stylish" - plus I like their page stock and their pictures), but they're also a little off... in a lot of ways. Though I like - and agree with - the props that they've given Voodoo Vince, I... well... uh... it may strike you as more than a little coincidental that they were really the only magazine to have even covered VV before it came out. In fact, it was from their May 2003 issue that I learned almost all of the things I did about VV, and it's because of their coverage that I became so interested in it's release. Why, The OXM didn't cover the game a fraction as much as Play did. What's more, if anybody's read the Play article, and their interview with one of Beep Industries founders - and remembers it - the thought might cross their mind that their awards to Voodoo Vince were a foregone conclusion. I stand by what I've said about VV, but you'll have to pardon me for thinking that their awards are somewhat... tainted.

Though I disagree with the "praises" that they're now giving P.N.03, I do agree with them, 100%, that gamers did faulter on supporting it because for a shooter the controls are weird. The problem I have with P.N.03 is that there's either: not enough control, or there's too much. The way that Capcom ultimately went about making them is all messed up, and confusing. (Typical Capcom though, really.) Half the challenge of the game is fighting the NON-intuitive play mechanic. (The other half is trying to stop yourself from staring at Vanessa!) I disagree with P.N.03 being the Most Underrated Game of the Year - I think it's gotten exactly what it deserves - no more, no less. It is a purrty game tho', I'll give it that.

You want to know what the real Most Underrated Game of 2003 was? Furious Karting! If all these... jaggleheads... these "pro" reviewers... would have just stepped outside of their little box for just a moment - and considerd for just one tiny second that a kart racer does NOT have to have cute little mascots in it in order to be a good kart game - then they'd have recognized FK for the hella good title that it really is!!! And I wouldn't be getting my undies all bungled up right now! DANGIT!

[PapaSmurf]

When u guys mention underrated game, the first game that comes to my mind is Oni. Sure it was developed i believe 2-3 years ago but i still think this game is really really underrated. ITs from the same guys who made Halo. Obviously, they are not going to start focusing on a sequel to Oni since all everyone wants them to do is Halo 2. But seriously this game had flawless level design great action packed moves and stealth, tonz of it. As u completed levels u are rewarded with new weapons and moves. Plus once u finish the game, u can simutaneously become any character in the game, ANY character (+35), that included their unquie moves too. There were two ways of going through the game, stealth or running around trying to beat everyfool u saw (its hard to pull that off but doable). They even hired an 2-3 architects to do the level design for the whole game. Maybe thats why i like this game so much cuz I'm going into architecture :). But anyway, i reccommend people to chcek this game out. ITs for PC and PS2.
LOL....now I know why I can only use two weapons in Halo. I guess its better than one in Oni though.

[Bob-the-Fish]

Beyond Good & Evil. The presentation and gameplay are stunning. Decent story with interesting characters set in a fleshed out world. People should buy this game and it's available on every system so you have no excuses!
Also, Metal Arms is great too.

[trebor]

Beyond Good & Evil. The presentation and gameplay are stunning. Decent story with interesting characters set in a fleshed out world. People should buy this game and it's available on every system so you have no excuses!
Also, Metal Arms is great too.

DANG YOU BOB!

I was going to mention Beyond Good & Evil and Metal Arms: Glitch in the System, but you beat me to it.

I will mention this, though, Gamestop is offering a promotion for Metal Arms. If you buy MA for $30, before the end of March, you can get a $10 refund! That's Metal Arms - Glitch in the System for only $20!!! That is TOO GOOD a deal to pass up.

But since you mentioned those too, I'm going to go against all the reviewers and say Star Wars Rogue Squadron 3 - Rebel Strike is one of the most under-rated titles of all time.

Reviewers focused solely on the infamous "on-foot" portions of the game, which are flawed, yes, but are a mere 15% of the single player campaign. Otherwise, most of the game is still the exceptional Star Wars space dog-fighting we have grown to love with Rogue Squadron 2 - Rogue Leader. Also, with new ground vehicles like the AT-ST and the Speeder Bike.

Plus, and this is the part that pays for itself, the multiplayer! There is a robust multiplayer -vs- offering and, get this, all of Rogue Leader as a multiplayer co-op! Getting all of Rogue Leader as a co-op should have been enough for die-hard fans to get into this game, but unfortunately, poor reviews scared too many people away.

I've seen sales for Rebel Strike where stores were selling it for $20. If anybody is a fan of Rogue Leader they should definitely get this game!!!

[Hieremias]

I would agree with others that Knights of the Old Republic is the most overrated game of 2003. And so is Deus Ex 2. Even though a LOT of gamers on various message boards absolutely slam the game, it still got fairly average reviews (ie 70-80% range) on most gaming sites. It does not deserve 80%. Not to mention Halo (the PC version)--an average shooter <i>at best</i> with barren and bland environments and seriously dated graphics.

A highly underrated game of 2003 was Chrome. Released around the same time as Halo PC and superior in virtually every way, yet it got less-than-stellar reviews. I guess not having Microsoft marketing money hurts.

I wouldn't say Beyond Good & Evil is underrated. It was rated very high in every review I've read--and it deserves those high reviews. It just hasn't SOLD enough copies, unfortunately. High ratings it has, money in the bank it doesn't.

[The Buzz]

DANG YOU BOB!

I was going to mention Beyond Good & Evil and Metal Arms: Glitch in the System, but you beat me to it.

I will mention this, though, Gamestop is offering a promotion for Metal Arms. If you buy MA for $30, before the end of March, you can get a $10 refund! That's Metal Arms - Glitch in the System for only $20!!! That is TOO GOOD a deal to pass up.

But since you mentioned those too, I'm going to go against all the reviewers and say Star Wars Rogue Squadron 3 - Rebel Strike is one of the most under-rated titles of all time.

Reviewers focused solely on the infamous "on-foot" portions of the game, which are flawed, yes, but are a mere 15% of the single player campaign. Otherwise, most of the game is still the exceptional Star Wars space dog-fighting we have grown to love with Rogue Squadron 2 - Rogue Leader. Also, with new ground vehicles like the AT-ST and the Speeder Bike.

Plus, and this is the part that pays for itself, the multiplayer! There is a robust multiplayer -vs- offering and, get this, all of Rogue Leader as a multiplayer co-op! Getting all of Rogue Leader as a co-op should have been enough for die-hard fans to get into this game, but unfortunately, poor reviews scared too many people away.

I've seen sales for Rebel Strike where stores were selling it for $20. If anybody is a fan of Rogue Leader they should definitely get this game!!!

DANG YOU TREBOR!!! I mentioned both BG&E and MA in my response too! Way back at the beginning of the thread...what...you got a thing for Bob?

Voodo Vince was a very good underated game too IMO.

[The Prince of Darkness]

I would say KOTOR was the most over-rated game of 2003. I'm not saying it wasn't a strong game, but I think the game's hype came from Star Wars fans dying of thirst for a good star wars story after the last two crap movies. When just boiled down to the game play elements, as well as graphics, and even the voice acting, it was a pretty average game.

And no, the troll you were talking to hasn't played PNO3. We have even offered to pitch in and buy him a GC and a couple games so maybe he wouldn't sound like such an imbecile around here who never knows what he's talking about, but he said he hates the GC so much "he'd smash it with a sledge hammer" if he got one for free. :rolleyes:

I thought PNO3 was a pretty cool game. I completely skipped Billy Hatcher, but may go ahead and give it a try. The thing with reviewers, a lot of it is so subjective, so its good to find ones who share your tastes more than it is to look at just the gamerankings composite scores. I am impressed with intelligence of Play magazine, and they made some really great, observant picks like the praise they heaped on xbox's Voodoo Vince and their ability to see through the KOTOR hype.

Along with under-rated games. . . there are also the overlooked games, ones that got good or great reviews that very few people played. Ikaruga, Panzer Dragoon, and Voodoo Vince are three games that way two few people played in 2003 for the quality that was there. Especially Voodoo Vince. . . I mean at least the other two were shooters which seemed to have limited fanbases. But there is a dearth of good platformers on the xbox, which is sad since it is such a graphical powerhouse and could do so much to expand the genre. When xbox gamers snub such a great game, it really helps insure no one else will want to make games like that for the system (artistic, original, funny, but apparently too cartoony and not enough bloody realism.)

I really hope the trend swings the other way soon. I like both cartoonish cute games, and realism, but lately the market has really been devouring realism. I play games to escape into worlds that could never exist, not to play games that look just look everyday life (thus my preference for another underplayed 2003 game: Mario Golf, rather than Tiger Woods.)

Yeah, I'd rather tee off in the tree tops with Donkey Kong or try to sink a ball into a warp pipe (extremely hard) than to play a slightly updated realistic EA golf game that has some new unlockable polo shirts you couldn't get in an early version of the same exact game.

As usual I agree with most of what you had to say(especially the stuff about Voodoo Vince---I picked it up used for $25 and it was money well spent). I have to disagree with one point that you made, though. It doesn't matter what anyone says about KOTOR(I happen to love it, but I can understand the gripes that people have about it) because there is no way that it is the most overrated game of the year. That title belongs to Windwaker hands down. That game is well-done, but it definately has parts that are boring as hell. If any Xbox game had shipped out with all those awful sailing parts the people here would have ripped it a new one. 96% average on Gamerankings is way too high for that game. Windwaker was the weakest title in the series, and instead of people talking like they were disappointed about it, they exalt it like the second coming.

[trebor]

DANG YOU TREBOR!!! I mentioned both BG&E and MA in my response too! Way back at the beginning of the thread...what...you got a thing for Bob?

Voodo Vince was a very good underated game too IMO.

Ooops! My bad, Buzz. Please except my humble apology. You have to admit that a three eyed fish is rather exciting, though.

But since you're here and all, how far are you in Metal Arms? I've had the game for about 5 days now and I am loving every minute of it.

[The Buzz]

As usual I agree with most of what you had to say(especially the stuff about Voodoo Vince---I picked it up used for $25 and it was money well spent). I have to disagree with one point that you made, though. It doesn't matter what anyone says about KOTOR(I happen to love it, but I can understand the gripes that people have about it) because there is no way that it is the most overrated game of the year. That title belongs to Windwaker hands down. That game is well-done, but it definately has parts that are boring as hell. If any Xbox game had shipped out with all those awful sailing parts the people here would have ripped it a new one. 96% average on Gamerankings is way too high for that game. Windwaker was the weakest title in the series, and instead of people talking like they were disappointed about it, they exalt it like the second coming.


WW...too much sailing? So I've heard. Reminds me of another game that had too much of something in it. Skies of Arcadia for Dreamcast...very good game but WAY too many random battles. Took a game that should have been solid 9-9.5/10 and lowered it to an 7.5-8/10 in my book.

[The Buzz]

Ooops! My bad, Buzz. Please except my humble apology. You have to admit that a three eyed fish is rather exciting, though.

But since you're here and all, how far are you in Metal Arms? I've had the game for about 5 days now and I am loving every minute of it.

I finished off the "Zombiebot King" yesterday morning and have moved a couple levels further on. I'm into the "Hold Your Ground" section...I think that's the name of it...the one where you get control of a tank...level 13. MAN that Zombiebot King was a pain in the ass! Took me like eight or ten tries to get past him...

I think this game is one of the best games around and I'd have to rank it right up there with my all time favorites...very well done. The more I play it the more I'm amazed at how well it was done. A game that's been "overlooked" but should NOT be missed!

[Gadfly2317]

As usual I agree with most of what you had to say(especially the stuff about Voodoo Vince---I picked it up used for $25 and it was money well spent). I have to disagree with one point that you made, though. It doesn't matter what anyone says about KOTOR(I happen to love it, but I can understand the gripes that people have about it) because there is no way that it is the most overrated game of the year. That title belongs to Windwaker hands down. That game is well-done, but it definately has parts that are boring as hell. If any Xbox game had shipped out with all those awful sailing parts the people here would have ripped it a new one. 96% average on Gamerankings is way too high for that game. Windwaker was the weakest title in the series, and instead of people talking like they were disappointed about it, they exalt it like the second coming.

I'd put Wind Waker as second most over rated game of the year behind KOTOR. At least WW had brilliant, original graphics. But it just didn't deliver the new goods the way Ocarina did. On KOTOR's end, it was a new game, but in an existing story/universe. But that whole hokey hit points thing. . . I mean, the same game with some more action elements. . . damn. But that 's just my bias.

I'm in the minority on actually liking the sailing parts. Sure, it didn't have much action. It was so calm though, and pretty, and maybe I'm just an old gaming fogey, but it was a good chance to rest the hands. And it doesn't take long to open up the waterspout warps. I found the sailing to be atmospheric, and helped create the feeling of an alternate universe. It wasn't as cool as horseback riding around Hyrule (and shooting ghosts while riding horse back) but it was still impressive.

["The Game"Evolution]

I'd put Wind Waker as second most over rated game of the year behind KOTOR. At least WW had brilliant, original graphics. But it just didn't deliver the new goods the way Ocarina did. On KOTOR's end, it was a new game, but in an existing story/universe. But that whole hokey hit points thing. . . I mean, the same game with some more action elements. . . damn. But that 's just my bias.

I'm in the minority on actually liking the sailing parts. Sure, it didn't have much action. It was so calm though, and pretty, and maybe I'm just an old gaming fogey, but it was a good chance to rest the hands. And it doesn't take long to open up the waterspout warps. I found the sailing to be atmospheric, and helped create the feeling of an alternate universe. It wasn't as cool as horseback riding around Hyrule (and shooting ghosts while riding horse back) but it was still impressive.

But you consider them both overrated? Hmm...I beg to differ on that one.

[Gamer88]

It seems to me that any good game can get GOTY as opposed to a GREAT game for GOTY. KOTOR was a good game and so was WW but here are the reasons these games got GREAT ratings

Gadfly2317
I would say KOTOR was the most over-rated game of 2003. I'm not saying it wasn't a strong game, but I think the game's hype came from Star Wars fans dying of thirst for a good star wars story after the last two crap movies. When just boiled down to the game play elements, as well as graphics, and even the voice acting, it was a pretty average game.

And as for WW. Its Zelda. It would get good ratings because of that. This applies to many games.......I'll use Final Fantasy as a example, Ive read many many reviews of FFX and after telling the reviewers why I disliked the game they agreed I was right BUT they said it still would deserve a 8 out of 10 or above because it is a Final Fantasy. If you do that then they will continue to make below standard games because people support it simply because they like the series.

["The Game"Evolution]

I would agree with others that Knights of the Old Republic is the most overrated game of 2003. And so is Deus Ex 2. Even though a LOT of gamers on various message boards absolutely slam the game, it still got fairly average reviews (ie 70-80% range) on most gaming sites. It does not deserve 80%. Not to mention Halo (the PC version)--an average shooter <i>at best</i> with barren and bland environments and seriously dated graphics.

A highly underrated game of 2003 was Chrome. Released around the same time as Halo PC and superior in virtually every way, yet it got less-than-stellar reviews. I guess not having Microsoft marketing money hurts.

I wouldn't say Beyond Good & Evil is underrated. It was rated very high in every review I've read--and it deserves those high reviews. It just hasn't SOLD enough copies, unfortunately. High ratings it has, money in the bank it doesn't.

Your point is what here? Chrome was a good game,but it couldnt carry Halo's jock strap when it came to overall gameplay.Dont hate Halo's greatness Hieriemias.

[Exige24]

[QUOTE=Gadfly2317]I got to thinking about this after the latest "Play" magazine did its best of 2003 awards issue (with Starcraft Ghost as its awesome cover story. . . really looking forward to this game.) I like this magazine a lot; it is different than all the other game magazines, its smart, stylish, and covers other stuff like anime and movies. The issue praised a number of games that went largely overlooked, made me wonder want everyone else here played they thought everyone else should have tried, too. Here's just a few of the mag's odd award pics first:

"Play" had a couple winners I'd never seen picked by any other magazine. It had Voodoo Vince as "Platformer of the Year." This should make Glock happy, since he's been saying that for awhile. Vince also won "Best New Character."

About this mag. I find it a really good mag too. I've liked it since the first time I saw it with a beautiful Panzer Oragoon Orta pic on it's cover. It was stunning to me to see the cover of a game mag that was totally devoted to one game with little else to clutter the gorgeous pic that they chose. When I opened it, their coverage was alot different from the cookie cutter game mags out there. They remind me a little of GAMEFAN but a little less hardcore, therefore not as great. ;)

[Renzatic Gear]

Your point is what here? Chrome was a good game,but it couldnt carry Halo's jock strap when it came to overall gameplay.Dont hate Halo's greatness Hieriemias.
But you've never even played Chrome, Game...how would you know?

I still wouldn't say that Chrome and Halo should be compared, if anything it's more like a futuristic, squadless Ghost Recon.

["The Game"Evolution]

But you've never even played Chrome, Game...how would you know?

I still wouldn't say that Chrome and Halo should be compared, if anything it's more like a futuristic, squadless Ghost Recon.

All said the same thing.That Chrome is a decent game but its not nowhere remotely close to Halo's greatness.I'm only doing what alot of people do from time to time.And thats listen to what every review had to say about a title.Thats all.

[Glockstar]

About that Voodoo Vince game...

I see that the game's price has been cut, and it's now available for only $19.99!
Bargain!

[Thrower, WCG-Fanboy Flame]

When u guys mention underrated game, the first game that comes to my mind is Oni. Sure it was developed i believe 2-3 years ago but i still think this game is really really underrated. ITs from the same guys who made Halo. Obviously, they are not going to start focusing on a sequel to Oni since all everyone wants them to do is Halo 2. But seriously this game had flawless level design great action packed moves and stealth, tonz of it. As u completed levels u are rewarded with new weapons and moves. Plus once u finish the game, u can simutaneously become any character in the game, ANY character (+35), that included their unquie moves too. There were two ways of going through the game, stealth or running around trying to beat everyfool u saw (its hard to pull that off but doable). They even hired an 2-3 architects to do the level design for the whole game. Maybe thats why i like this game so much cuz I'm going into architecture :). But anyway, i reccommend people to chcek this game out. ITs for PC and PS2.


FYI: The halo team didn't actually do ONI. Bungie at one point had more than one team. The marathon guys did Halo although the Oni team did join up with the Halo guys towards the end of Halo's development.

I used to like Play but these guys are overly fanboy. The loved DMC2 as well anything that smells like a Japanese game these guys love. And thing that's american or has the slightest PC feel to it they hate it. They seem to rate games more on style than game play especially Halverson.

They praised crap like that stupid platforming game from EA with the austraillian tiger they go on and on about what a cool character and the australian setting blah blah barely mention the gameplay. There is not a single sega game (exluding sports because I think they hate sports) that the haven't creamed there paints over even the crap ones.

The mag has a nice layout beautiful artwork and I like there interviews/previews but they are crap when it comes to reviews.

["The Game"Evolution]

FYI: The halo team didn't actually do ONI. Bungie at one point had more than one team. The marathon guys did Halo although the Oni team did join up with the Halo guys towards the end of Halo's development.

I used to like Play but these guys are overly fanboy. The loved DMC2 as well anything that smells like a Japanese game these guys love. And thing that's american or has the slightest PC feel to it they hate it. They seem to rate games more on style than game play especially Halverson.

They praised crap like that stupid platforming game from EA with the austraillian tiger they go on and on about what a cool character and the australian setting blah blah barely mention the gameplay. There is not a single sega game (exluding sports because I think they hate sports) that the haven't creamed there paints over even the crap ones.

The mag has a nice layout beautiful artwork and I like there interviews/previews but they are crap when it comes to reviews.

Everything else you said WCG I couldnt agree more.