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The pool of video games waiting to be played has grown into the tens of thousands as more systems have emerged. However, while some games are worth the time invested in them, others are not. With thousands of competitors, how can the good games be found? Overlooked Video Games highlights four games that I think are worth playing. You probably wouldn't hear about any of these games from your friends, parents, or casual acquantances, because they are not very widely followed. However, at the heart of it, having fun is what games are all about, and each of these games delivers!
The four games I am showcasing are each quite different, and provide a unique experience.
Final Fantasy Legend III was the last major RPG for the original Game Boy. For all of the limitations of the system, the graphics are crisp and lively, the story is decent, and the battle system has a classic base with some well-executed new elements thrown in. This is a game for the RPG fan, because every bit of it screams classic. A four-player main party, black and white magic system, and more than enough random encounters both in dungeons and out. However, with its interdimensional plotline and the ability to transform your party members, Final Fantasy Legend III brings a lot of new to the table and executes it well.
Secret of Evermore was the first game completely produced by Squaresoft's US branch, Square USA. Unfortunately, its "Secret of ___" name and its general play style got many expecting US gamers hoping for another Secret of Mana game. Secret of Evermore turned out to be very different. Its alchemy magic system, pre-rendered graphics, and free-roaming game style were a far cry from the very stylized and driven Mana games. However, change is not always bad. Secret of Evermore provides an imaginitive and varied world, a well-executed magic system, and an eclectic sense of humor throughout. Taking a boy and his dog through an alternate history may not be the realm of high fantasy, but Secret of Evermore delivers its own experience when it counts.
Lufia: The Legend Returns was the first game in the series to be released after the series heavyweight, Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals, and was the first Lufia game on a handheld system, so expectations were high. In many ways, nobody was disappointed. Neverland pulled out all the stops in visuals, sound, and gameplay, delivering detailed dungeon and enemy graphics, memorable tunes and vivid sounds, and a flexible and in-depth battle system. The hitch was that the dungeons themselves were randomly generated. What this amounted to on the Game Boy Color was hallways and blocky rooms. The puzzles of Lufia II were gone, and the dungeoneering became more akin to Rogue. This was enough to make many gamers forget that the game was still very good. Lufia: The Legend Returns has great depth and replayability, and adds some fun twists to the classic RPG formula.
Kirby's Dream Land 3 was one of the last games to be released for the Super Nintendo. HAL Laboratories decided to return to Kirby's roots in this game after making a very successful spin-off, Kirby Super Star. Dream Land 3 marks the end of the Dream Land arc and features such series hallmarks as animal helpers and a secret ending triggered by completing certain conditions in every level. With a hand-drawn visual style and excellent level design, Kirby's Dream Land 3 provided the perfect ending for the arc. However, Kirby's Super Star was such a success that the fans wanted a sequel for it, so back to the basics was farthest from their minds. The good news is that Kirby's Dream Land 3 is an excellent game that showcases classic Kirby gameplay in every way.
