20 More Cult Classics Trapped On Old Consoles

2. Syndicate (2012)

One of the lesser known titles on this list but with a growing reputation as a hidden gem in the years since its release, Syndicate is a shooter with a huge personality. Published by EA and confined to the Xbox 360 and PS3, this reboot offered something new to fans of the 1998 original by moving away from its real-time tactics roots. 

Set in 2069, Syndicate tells a cyberpunk story of competing mega corporations, with one company, EuroCorp, creating a neural chip that much of the story revolves around. The game was unfairly overlooked upon its release, with its deviation from the origins of the IP leading fans to dismiss the title. In reality, Syndicate contains some unique qualities, with extra elements to gameplay alongside excellent visual and audio design that really set Syndicate apart from its contemporaries. 

A key example is the ability of protagonist Miles Kilo to use so-called “breaching” powers, with Miles able to utilise one of the aforementioned neural chips to manipulate his enemies and the environment outside of combat. Players could approach encounters in a more tactical, nuanced manner than many other shooters at the time could allow. While it didn’t do well commercially, it has retained a passionate following post release, and this is likely to be one title that you missed back in 2012. Time to dig out the PS3 and give this one a go.