10 Recent Failed Video Games That Became Cult Classics
1. Shadow Man Remastered (1999/2013/2022)
Out of the long list of titles that have never managed to break into the mainstream, Shadow Man might just be the heaviest hitter of all. Originally released in 1999, this voodoo-centred adventure title drew some polarising opinions in part due to just how darn difficult it was to complete in the pre-YouTube days.
Nevertheless, its presence on nearly every console under the sun in the early 2000s and original themes made it a favourite for horror fans around the world, prompting Nightdive Studios to make a remastered edition via GOG.com in 2013.
The game was eventually added to Steam that year but was strictly limited to PC systems which, for a title that was available on three separate consoles back in the day, wasn't the smartest decision.
Fan appetite for a true remastering hadn't been quenched, but thankfully Nightdive came back strong with 2021's Shadow Man Remastered.
Released for Windows, Switch, the PS4 and Xbox One, the port featured 4K resolution, better shadow mapping, per-pixel lightning and a completely revamped approach to physics, controls and AI behaviour.