Metal Gear Solid 2. Resident Evil 4. Grand Theft Auto III. The 2000s saw the release of some of the most influential titles in the history of the medium, and the tidal wave of games hitting the store shelves month after month meant that some truly spectacular titles were swept away in the hype, resigned to the bargain bins where they languished for years. Sometimes the reason for lack of success is a simple case of neglectful marketing and lousy timing, which when combined can cripple even the most valiant of developers right out of the gate. Other times it just comes down to plain ol' rotten luck; but whatever the case, there's a veritable treasure trove of glistening gems deserving of a reevaluation. So let's get started, shall we? And do keep in mind that I am in no way attempting to compile a "definitive" list of games. It's all a matter of taste at the end of the day, so with that in mind, perhaps you'll list your favourites in the comments below.
20. Disaster Report/SOS: The Final Escape
The premise for this one is simple: you're stranded on an island after an earthquake rips through the city, cutting you off from any outside support. Survival in the world of Disaster Report is entirely contingent upon your ability to adapt to your new surroundings, and if you're hoping to make it through the days and nights that follow, you'll have to learn to conserve supplies and overcome the various hazards scattered throughout the journey ahead. With a setup as brilliant as it is straightforward, Disaster Report played up the 'man against nature' aspect of the premise to great effect, but the critical reaction at the time highlighted the game's fatal flaw: the ideas at play just weren't fleshed out or polished enough to overcome it's numerous shortcomings. Still, if you're looking for a change of pace from the usual 'kill everything that moves'- type fare, Disaster Report's definitely worth a go. It's light on action, but the narrative's branching paths and multiple endings will certainly encourage repeat playthroughs as long as you're willing to overlook the low-budget feel and appreciate the ideas at play.
