good overlooked titles on 16-bit era consoles?

[gbpxl]

I know that the terms "hidden gem," "underrated," "cult classic," get thrown around a lot and we all have a different opinion on what is considered to be a lesser-known quality title, but seeing firsthand what buying trends are for 16-bit games, I can tell you that most of what people buy involve either a plumber, a blue hedgehog, a guy with a funny green hat, or a gorilla with a necktie.

Beyond those three franchises, you have a subset of "classics" that I would say the semi-hardcore crowd pay money for- Metroid, Castlevania, Contra, Streets of Rage, Ecco, Street Fighter, Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Mario RPG, and the like. These are all very popular and very good games, but we all know them.

The SNES and Genesis boast a library of 700+ titles each, meaning a solid 1,500 titles between the two of them. It can't simply just be that the only good games are the ones we've all heard of.

For purposes of this thread I mostly am talking about the following consoles:

- Super Nintendo
- Genesis
- TurboGrafx-16
- Sega CD

Almost hesitant to throw the Jaguar in with that group since they largely share the same subset of games released in that era, but I won't count it because of its awesome, INCREDIBLE 64 BITS OF MEGA POWER!!!! (do the math, dude)

Anyways, here's my list of some less-talked about, maybe-less hyped from the magazines of their day titles:
- Legend of the Mystical Ninja (SNES) Didn't play it very long but colorful, large sprites, great easy-to-understand game.
- Sword of Vermillion (Gen) Haven't gotten very far but I'm a huge Dragon Warrior fan and this game reminds me of it. The battle system isn't the traditional turn-based JRPG type, so it is a little more involved.
- Arkanoid Doh It Again (SNES) The NES/arcade Arkanoid is well-known but I don't know how many people played this late SNES release. very fun
- Mega Bomberman (Gen) Bomberman is a well known and well established franchise but again I don't know how many played this one which is my favorite in the series
- ClayMates (SNES) don't know how many people played it but I don't think I've met anyone who has. fun basic platformer with some neat in-between level stuff as well as a fun mini-game where you bounce a ball on a 3D rotating plane.
- Virtual Bart - again here, this could be a very popular title for all I know but I don't know anyone who's played it. fun game with a wide variety of action, one of the better (dare I say, the best?) Simpsons games that comes to mind.
- Lagoon (SNES) fun traditional RPG
- Pac-Man 2 (SNES) we all know who Pac-Man is but I'm not sure how familiar people are with this title. It's great, I don't know why magazines lambasted the controls. the sense of trying to direct Pac-Man through a dangerous and unforgiving world was a lot more challenging than simply moving him yourself.
- Plok (SNES) fun, goofy platformer about a guy who almost looks like he could be a stand-in for a member of the KKK. I really like the design of the enemies in the game and the upbeat music.

What are some games you guys like that don't get a lot of attention?

[WulfeLuer]

I have played Claymates, but I can't say I got all that far because of outside circumstances.

For me Robotrek AKA Slapstick for the SNES was a blast. It's very much a goofy Enix RPG.

Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (SNES) is a semi-example. I've played this version on emulator and had some fun, but I prefer the PS1 version.

When I was a kid we were all soulless minions of orthodoxy so just about everything we played was mainstream except for RPGs that count as mainstream these days. It would take another generation or two for me to get more broad-minded outside of Game Boy.

[A.C. Sativa]

Virtual Bart is a TERRIBLE game.

[goldenband]

Virtual Bart is a TERRIBLE game.

Comments like yours make this kind of thread a lot less fun: who wants to name a game they like, only to have someone say one of your choices is "TERRIBLE" without actually offering anything of their own? I'm not a fan of Virtual Bart but one man's meat is another's poison, and I enjoy a lot of games others don't -- and vice versa.

Anyway, I like Jewel Master a lot on the Genesis. It's clunky in certain ways but the core action-platformer gameplay is good and the music is among my favorite on the system. I also think very highly of Gain Ground, one of the few games that's just as good co-op as solo (and vice versa).

On the SNES, I played Dragon View recently and enjoyed it more than I expected. Some of the backtracking gets old but it didn't wear out its welcome as completely as most RPGs I've played.

[bb_hood]

Legend of Mystical Ninja aint overlooked, lots of people know its great.

Lagoon isnt overlooked either, its a pretty crappy rpg.

Comments like yours make this kind of thread a lot less fun:

I disagree, I like to hear other people's honest opinions, even negative ones.

- Virtual Bart - again here, this could be a very popular title for all I know but I don't know anyone who's played it. fun game with a wide variety of action, one of the better (dare I say, the best?) Simpsons games that comes to mind.

One of the better or best Simpsons games huh... I guess youve never played the Simpsons Arcade game, huh?

[goldenband]

I disagree, I like to hear other people's honest opinions, even negative ones.

If there's some substance to it, sure; I'm always happy to read a thoughtful critique of something I love, or a passionate defense of something I hate.

But how is saying "That game is TERRIBLE", and nothing else, helpful in any way? At least something like "Virtual Bart? I can't stand that game -- what exactly do you see in it?" might lead to an interesting conversation.

[Edmond Dantes]

Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (SNES) is a semi-example. I've played this version on emulator and had some fun, but I prefer the PS1 version.

Does the SNES version still have that voice that says "LIBERATION!"? That is the most wonderful sound to me, never fails to get a smile.

I remember loving Robotrek, but I sold my copy a long time ago and don't remember why (I think I was just bored of RPGs at the time).

The 16-Bit era is a very interesting one to me, because it was a period where everyone was still experimenting and very little had been set in stone, and you still got a lot of weirdness like Amiga ports to the Sega Genesis, or things like Super Hydlide (also for Genesis), which I really like but most people are mixed on, though its generally agreed that it's better than its infamous predecessor (fun fact... Super Hydlide is the third game in the series. Hydlide II is the only one that never got a console port).

I remember liking this game called Neutopia for the TurboGrafx/PC-Engine (hucard). It was a blatant clone of the original Legend of Zelda, but it had just enough to set itself apart and establish its own identity, and after all, it is cloning the best of the Zelda series, so its based on a good foundation. There's a sequel as well, and both were released in English.

I also remember liking this game called Dragon's Curse, also a hucard for the Turbo. It's sort of a metroidvania, and fun fact... its the third game in the Wonder Boy series. But with this one, the titles get weird... okay, first I need to explain that the original Wonder Boy also spawned the Adventure Island games (which were called something like Takahashi-Meijin's Boukenjima in Japan). Wonder Boy III was called The Dragon's Trap on the Sega Master System, but it had two different titles on the Turbo: In the US, it was called Dragon's Curse... and in Japan, it was called Adventure Island! Making it more confusing is that there's a different Wonder Boy III, an arcade side-scrolling shooter/platformer that was released on the Genesis.

Awhile ago, I was really into strategy games and played this Genesis title called Master of Monsters. It doesn't really have a plot as far as I can tell, but I'm having fun with it. I also kinda-sorta dug this RPG called Traysia, which played like a stripped-down Ultima IV, but I did eventually lose interest.

When it comes to the Genesis one game I recall really getting a bad rap was Crusader of Centy. Seriously, magazines at the time all showed their slavish Nintendo fanboyism by all saying things like "it's so blatant it might as well be called Legend of Melda!" I even remember some 14-year-old on Usenet repeating this verbatim. The kicker? It's not really all that similar outside of being a top-view game that stars a kid with a sword. The structure is different and the plot itself is one of the most unique in gaming, with the early reveal being that maybe, just maybe, the humans are afraid of a threat that doesn't exist. I actually had my heart pulled at points.

The SNES.. has no shortage. Seriously, just grab something, its probably an overlooked gem.

[gbpxl]

Does the SNES version still have that voice that says "LIBERATION!"? That is the most wonderful sound to me, never fails to get a smile.

I remember loving Robotrek, but I sold my copy a long time ago and don't remember why (I think I was just bored of RPGs at the time).

The 16-Bit era is a very interesting one to me, because it was a period where everyone was still experimenting and very little had been set in stone, and you still got a lot of weirdness like Amiga ports to the Sega Genesis, or things like Super Hydlide (also for Genesis), which I really like but most people are mixed on, though its generally agreed that it's better than its infamous predecessor (fun fact... Super Hydlide is the third game in the series. Hydlide II is the only one that never got a console port).

I remember liking this game called Neutopia for the TurboGrafx/PC-Engine (hucard). It was a blatant clone of the original Legend of Zelda, but it had just enough to set itself apart and establish its own identity, and after all, it is cloning the best of the Zelda series, so its based on a good foundation. There's a sequel as well, and both were released in English.

I also remember liking this game called Dragon's Curse, also a hucard for the Turbo. It's sort of a metroidvania, and fun fact... its the third game in the Wonder Boy series. But with this one, the titles get weird... okay, first I need to explain that the original Wonder Boy also spawned the Adventure Island games (which were called something like Takahashi-Meijin's Boukenjima in Japan). Wonder Boy III was called The Dragon's Trap on the Sega Master System, but it had two different titles on the Turbo: In the US, it was called Dragon's Curse... and in Japan, it was called Adventure Island! Making it more confusing is that there's a different Wonder Boy III, an arcade side-scrolling shooter/platformer that was released on the Genesis.

Awhile ago, I was really into strategy games and played this Genesis title called Master of Monsters. It doesn't really have a plot as far as I can tell, but I'm having fun with it. I also kinda-sorta dug this RPG called Traysia, which played like a stripped-down Ultima IV, but I did eventually lose interest.

When it comes to the Genesis one game I recall really getting a bad rap was Crusader of Centy. Seriously, magazines at the time all showed their slavish Nintendo fanboyism by all saying things like "it's so blatant it might as well be called Legend of Melda!" I even remember some 14-year-old on Usenet repeating this verbatim. The kicker? It's not really all that similar outside of being a top-view game that stars a kid with a sword. The structure is different and the plot itself is one of the most unique in gaming, with the early reveal being that maybe, just maybe, the humans are afraid of a threat that doesn't exist. I actually had my heart pulled at points.

The SNES.. has no shortage. Seriously, just grab something, its probably an overlooked gem.

Crusader of Centy actually got really good scores from some of the publications I've read. 80-95% average across the board from what I remember reading (Die Hard GameFan was one that I remember seeing a high score from)

[Pr3tty F1y]

Does the SNES version still have that voice that says "LIBERATION!"? That is the most wonderful sound to me, never fails to get a smile.

I remember loving Robotrek, but I sold my copy a long time ago and don't remember why (I think I was just bored of RPGs at the time).

The 16-Bit era is a very interesting one to me, because it was a period where everyone was still experimenting and very little had been set in stone, and you still got a lot of weirdness like Amiga ports to the Sega Genesis, or things like Super Hydlide (also for Genesis), which I really like but most people are mixed on, though its generally agreed that it's better than its infamous predecessor (fun fact... Super Hydlide is the third game in the series. Hydlide II is the only one that never got a console port).

I remember liking this game called Neutopia for the TurboGrafx/PC-Engine (hucard). It was a blatant clone of the original Legend of Zelda, but it had just enough to set itself apart and establish its own identity, and after all, it is cloning the best of the Zelda series, so its based on a good foundation. There's a sequel as well, and both were released in English.

I also remember liking this game called Dragon's Curse, also a hucard for the Turbo. It's sort of a metroidvania, and fun fact... its the third game in the Wonder Boy series. But with this one, the titles get weird... okay, first I need to explain that the original Wonder Boy also spawned the Adventure Island games (which were called something like Takahashi-Meijin's Boukenjima in Japan). Wonder Boy III was called The Dragon's Trap on the Sega Master System, but it had two different titles on the Turbo: In the US, it was called Dragon's Curse... and in Japan, it was called Adventure Island! Making it more confusing is that there's a different Wonder Boy III, an arcade side-scrolling shooter/platformer that was released on the Genesis.

All of these I'd recommend. Robotrek is great, Dragon's Curse/Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (and now the 2017 remake which is beautiful, and Neutopia and Neutopia II. All great stuff.

Also, here's the "Liberation!" sound file extracted from the SNES Ogre Battle ROM with an oldie but goodie, SNESSOR95: Liberation!

[Koa Zo]

There is a trio of games from Malibu Interactive which could get a little more attention.
Ex Mutants, Dinosaurs for Hire, and (Sega-CD) Three Ninjas Kick Back
They've got a distinct flavor, somewhat difficult I think, ..idk what to say about em. I think they're all well made and interesting games among the rest of the Genesis library.

[Ryudo]

Cybernator
Metal Warriors.
Knights of the Round
Run Saber

I don't hear people talking about these much at all. Esp the first 3.

[greedostick]

- Super Nintendo
- Genesis
- TurboGrafx-16
- Sega CD

What are some games you guys like that don't get a lot of attention?

- Super Nintendo
Skyblazer - although it seems expensive now, so maybe more known. Was rocking this game in the 90's.
Pieces - Cool puzzle game.
Rock n Roll Racing
Hamelins Violin - Will need a translation.
King of Demons - Cool game with a evil ghouls n ghosts vibe.

Really, the SNES is so collectible, son't think there's much that is unknown in the USA.


- Genesis
Landstalker - Best game on console.
Devil Hunter Yohko (AKA Momono Hunter Yohko) - Hard, but excellent music.
Comix Zone - Was super popular, but no one ever talks about it now.
Thunderforce IV
Quackshot
Wonder Boy in Monster World
Warsong
Rocket Knight Adventures - A MUST own.

- TurboGrafx-16
Dragon's Trap - Maybe the best English Heuy, right up there with Ninja Spirit.
Mr. Heli
Soldier Blade
Nexzr (not the summer carnival one)
Dragon Egg - I second that one - Great game.


- Sega CD
Android Assault
Misadventures of Flink (seriously good game)
Rise of the Dragon - Adult (mature, not hentai) point and click adventure.
Heart of the Alien
Dark Wizard

[Tanooki]

I know I don't pop in as I used to, but the day after the new year I ended up having arrive in the mail a Core Grafx II as I decided to stop waiting on getting into NEC fun again. I had the intent to get a kit but never did. Instead I had one string of amazing luck after another buying up some key bulk sales on ebay of all places, and two sales alone netted me more than 1/2 of what I have/had(sold a few doubles/stinkers) now.

That one post about the PCE being overlooked got me on this as I saw a game I only had learned about, then got a lucky break on individually - Dragon Egg! which is truly fantastic, a very unique and fun title for the system I had never heard of but couldn't recommend enough if you like platformers (and torching stuff.) I could list stuff we know of due to the internet and because of the name, but it's not fair even if they were overlooked as they never got a TG16 copy (like 1943 Kai or Shinobi for example.) Special Criiminal Investigation is a great chase hq/cop arrest game that's an arcade port and well done. Paranoia is a really weirdly done but well made shooter for the system too. Tower of Druaga is a known, but it's unique on that system as it has an RPG mechanic and special items on every floor to get to boost you giving the game actual depth of play.


Overlooked SNES games aren't hard if you ignore how so many want to call a game an overlook gem today just to get attention at this point picking stuff at random it almost seems.

I'd throw something like these at that list: Dracula X (gets overlooked or insulted as a copy of the PCE CD), Disney's Aladdin, Final Fight 3, Indiana Jones and his Greatest Adventures, King of Dragons, Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse, Ogre Battle, Sid Meier's Civilization, Soul Blazer, Space Megaforce, Star Trek Starfleet Academy Bridge Simulator, Street Fighter Alpha 2, UN Squadron, Ys 3 Wanderers from Ys.

I know some of those some may question, but I list them as they get dumped on for an undeserved rep. Some like DracX command a lot of money but only with collectors needing to get it, not because it's good. Others like SFA2 and Ys3 get dumped on for load times or not looking anime enough despite being excellent on the system so they don't get much at all.

[mailman187666]

I picked up a game for SNES called Xardion last weekend for like $14. When I looked it up, people seem to say it's somewhat of a sleeper. It even mentions it being a good game and a sleeper and much overlooked in the DP rarity guide. Has anyone played this game and is it really good? I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but it looks to be a platformer where you play a several different robot/mech type characters. Seems to have some form of RPG elements to it as well. Anyone try this game before?