Everyone knows the classic RPG titles out there:Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, Dragon’s Quest,andThe Elder Scrollsgames. With titles like these, gaming companies were inspired to make a plethora of modern RPGs includingMass EffectandThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
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However, for every RPG that became a massive success, there are also the games that became forgotten over the years. This was the most prevalent during the 2000-2010 era; plenty of great games released that unfortunately did not see the same success as other titles. Some titles became cult classics while others remain forgotten gems of the past.
10Justice League: Heroes (2006)
In an era when DC videogames were completely awful,Justice League: Heroeswas a diamond in the rough. While not perfect,Justice: League Heroesis a decent DC equivalent to theUltimate Alliancegamesfrom Marvel. In many ways, it is a clone.
If one overlooks the awkward voice acting and less than stellar visuals,Justice Leagueis still a fun action-RPG. The characters' abilities are all fun to use, the game runs at a buttery smooth framerate, and the roster is impressive for back then.
9The Last Remnant (2008)
With a name like Square Enix, one would think every game of theirs would be a massive success. Well,The Last Remnantwas one of the most slept on RPGs of all time. Rather than the typical JRPG,The Last Remnantis more of a hybrid of tactical and JRPG.
Think: ifFinal Fantasy TacticsandChrono Triggerhad a baby. The result is a very unique gameplay experience. Add a neat world, fun characters, and monsters to fight andThe Last Remnantbecomes one of Square Enix’s most underrated titles.
8Skies Of Arcadia (2000)
The Sega Dreamcast had a plethora of underrated titles:Skies Of Arcadiawas one of them. Fans of the console will often listSkies Of Arcadiaas one of the best games of the system. The unfortunate truth is that not many gamers owned a Dreamcast.
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Skies Of Arcadiais not exactly new in terms of plot; it recycles the evil empire from nearly everyFinal Fantasytitle. However, that does not diminish its awesome sky pirate-centric world and characters. It’s a JRPG done right in nearly every department.
7Wild Arms Sequels (2003 - 2006)
While the originalWild Armsdebuted in the 90s, most of the sequels launched in the 2000s. Wild Arms games are JRPGs that mix technology and magic together. Rather than just swords and axes, characters wield firearms as well.
Wild Armsalso features a world that is a mix of wild west and high-fantasy. It creates unique looks for the environment and characters that are fun to explore in each game. Give them a try, they deserve more attention.
6Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance (2001)
Swapping from the classicBaldur’s Gategameplay style,Dark Alliancegoes for a more console-friendly control scheme.Dark Allianceis essentially aDungeons & Dragonsversion of the Diablo games.
This does not diminish the fun ofDark Alliance; it’s simplistic but there’s enough challenge to keep the player intrigued. The visuals are great as per usual withBaldur’s Gategames and the local co-op experience makes for a great time with friends.
5Final Fantasy XII (2006)
A cult classic these days butFinal Fantasy XIIreceived quite the backlash on release. Fans were not fond of the Gambit system (which can be turned off at any time) and many critiqued the game’s overly convoluted story.
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However, over the years,Final Fantasyhas a following that earned it a remaster on the PS4. The gameplay is very fun to master and the characters are some of the best in the franchise.Final Fantasy XII’s license board made for a very unique experience in creating a class for characters.
4Alpha Protocol (2010)
Ditching fantasy for a more contemporary/cyberpunk setting.Alpha Protocolreceived a lot of negativity at launch due to bugs and very untypical controls. Though as years have gone by,Alpha Protocolhas become an underrated gem from the Xbox 360/PS3 era.
Many of the glitches that plagued the game have been patched. As for the controls, it is difficult to grasp them but once over the learning curve,Alpha Protocolremains a unique RPG experience. There are even fans hoping that Obsidian ends up making anAlpha Protocol 2.
3Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (2009)
The firstUltimate Alliancewas a smash hitGauntlet-styled RPG. With a name as recognizable as Marvel, one would expect the sequel would be an even bigger success. Well, despite nearly every aspect ofUltimate Alliance 2is superior to the first, it did not sell well at all.
The roster of heroes and villains was perfect and the visuals were great.Ultimate Alliance 2features two campaigns depending on the player’s choices of factions. This allows for great replayability asUltimate Alliance 2features the sameaction-RPGgameplay that made the first game so beloved.
2Jeanne D’Arc (2007)
Not many gamers owned thePlayStation Portableso some great titles were quickly forgotten.Jeanne D’Arcwas one of them.Jeanne D’arcis a clone ofFinal Fantasy Tacticsbut rather than feeling watered down, it is just as fun to play.
The PSP remake also features some of the best visuals for the portable console.Jeanne D’arcis based on Joan Of Arc blended with fantasy. While not historically accurate,Jeanne D’arcremains a tactical-RPG that deserves more time in the spotlight.
1Rogue Galaxy
Final FantasymeetsStar Wars. That alone should have gotten people interested but instead,Rogue Galaxyis anotherforgotten gem for the PlayStation 2.Rogue Galaxywas developed by the team behind theDragon Questgames.
Despite featuring some of the best visuals on the PlayStation 2 and extremely fun gameplay,Rogue Galaxywas a sleeper hit. Great reviews that earned it a cult status and a re-release years later but nobody talks about it.Rogue Galaxydeserves its own franchise so if the chance to play it comes up, take it!
