In a perfect world, critical success would run directly parallel with how well a video game sells commercially. Unfortunately, this just isn't true, and there are many games released every year that just couldn't persuade people to part with their hard-earned cash despite being masterpieces. A video game can fail for any number of reasons, even when work has been put in to make it the best it can possibly be. Terrible marketing is the most common reason, closely followed by bad timing and a disinterested audience. In the worst cases, it can seem like there's nothing the developers could have done better, and luck just wasn't on their side. This list takes a look at 20 of the best games ever made, that you probably never played. In fact, there might even be some entries you've never even heard of. Each one of these is now looked back on as a classic of its genre or brave pioneer by those in the know, but none gained the recognition or commercial success they deserved. If marketing, exclusives and licensing deals weren't an issue, there's a good chance that these incredible titles would have been the Grand Theft Autos and Marios of their day.
