After the article about underrated games that should be rated, I felt I should mention a few games that definately are rated, but are worth rementioning in case you may have missed them.
I 100% recommend all of these.
Kingdom Hearts 1&2
This is an action RPG game that takes the form of more of a platformer. It’s control system is quite unique.
You have the normal jump, hit, dodge buttons, but as well as that in the corner is a drop down menu where you can make your RPG commands such as cast spell and use potions.
Now the premise may be something quite cheesy, but it is so very enjoyable.
The game is a cross between Final Fantasy and Disney. Of all things!
You play as Sora, a Final Fantasyesque character who is chosen to wield the Keyblade, a weapon of awesome power. Along the way he meets Donald Duck and Goofy, who become his sidekicks and fight alongside him. The rest of the gang include Pluto, Jiminy Cricket, Chip and Dale.
They then travel on and go through various Disney themed worlds meeting tons of characters and fighting tons of villains.
The bad guys are a posse of some of Disneys baddest bad guys, led by Maleficent of Sleeping Beauty fame.
Secrets are revealed as you go on, the story gets quite confusing, but it all comes down to the basic good morals of strength in friendship and a good heart.
Fallout 3
I never played the first two, and I know that fans of them are incredibly disappointed by this installment. But as a first timer to the series I found this game to be one of the best I have ever played.
Made by Bethesda, who created Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and in much the same style, but just a lot better.
The world is smaller, but far more in depth. The characters are more rounded, the quests have personal meaning to your character and every decision you make can affect something else in the game.
Quests usually have a number of ways of completing them. A good way, a bad and a nuetral. Sometimes there are even more options than a basic three.
You can even customise your character right down to the size of his nose.
You can get a hell of a lot of game time from this game compared to most recent offerings. And the replay value is high as you can go back and play a completely different game for the most part.
With five add on packs I recommend you go for the Game Of The Year Edition.
One warning. This is the only game I have ever known that I have to be wary of glitches and bugs. It is such a shame that Bethesda didn’t iron them out as well as they could.
The Warriors
Based on the film of the same name, this game is just so down and dirty and gritty. It deepens the story in the film, and I think makes you care for the characters even more.
I love the fighting system in this game, being able to punch someone behind you, grab them and smash their face into a wall.
Then you can grab another and have your team mate pummel them while you have them pinned.
Wonderful.
There’s also some nice added multiplayer levels to muck about on.
Having said that, the whole game can be played co-op, which is always nice.
Alongside the story are a fair few side missions and bonuses to get, so you can replay levels to catch the bits you missed.
Grand Theft Auto 3
The best one of the series by far. Somehow not having the motorbikes or helicopters doesn’t matter.
Maybe it’s the story, maybe it’s because your guy has no character, I don’t know. But it’s all about the mindless destruction, running down old ladies on a pavement, sleeping with hookers then killing them to get your money back, stealing police vehicles to sell them on the black market, street races, remote control cars, flamethrower killing sprees. This game has so much to give.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
If you like Batman, then this is the game for you. You can totally become the Dark Knight, hiding in the shadows, fighting with fear, gadget play, detective work and awesome martial arts skills.
Even if you’re not a Batman fan, this is still a great game, involving stylish and smooth hand to hand combat, stealth elements and exploration.
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
The best Crash game to date, and unlikely to be outdone. Platforming at its best. And you get a bazooka!
This title far outstrips any of its predecessors and even more so the sequels that followed on PS2. For many fans, this is where the Crash series ends before jumping the shark.
Star Wars: Republic Commando
This is basically Star Wars: Halo, but I do believe it is a heckuva lot better. And that’s not just because I’m a Star Wars geek.
The best addition is the squad element. You command your team as you fight through the Battle of Geonosis onwards on the front line. You can tell them what cover to use and who to attack. All the while trying to save your own skin.
The only problem with this game is that it is far too short. Everyone who played this game cried out for more, mainly because they enjoyed it so much, but partly because it was too short.
Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic 1&2
Another Star Wars one. This is Star Wars take on the RPG, but fortunately as it is set 1000 years before the films, it doesn’t do any damage to the series as most additions seem to.
The story is interesting, with a lovely twist, the characters engaging and the game is overall thoroughly enjoyable.
Don’t be put off by the fact that you don’t get a lightsaber straight away. The character has to prove himself first, but you get there soon enough.
Star Wars: Jedi Academy
Ok, one last Star Wars. Set about 12 years after Return of the Jedi, you become a Padawan at Luke Skywalkers Jedi Training Academy on Yavin IV.
I think that this is the best game I have played for Force Powers (forget force unleashed). You get a wide variety and can control them quite easily even as they get stronger and stronger. Your jump power can eventually become near enough flight.
It also has the now normal touch of being able to choose good or evil, so if you want to pound your enemies with force lightning, then go ahead and do it.
Heroes of Might and Magic 3
A strategy game that plays quite differently to most.
Your battles take place on a chess board like screen, where you stand at the sidelines wielding your magic, while sending your armies into war.
Tactics and wit are a necessity to survive and to win. That is until you get to the point where you are all powerful and can pwn anyone who dares to look at you funny.
