While games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Street Fighter II became legendary, countless incredible retro games went under the radar. Some were overshadowed by bigger releases, others were ahead of their time, and some simply didn’t get the marketing they deserved.
Today, many of these hidden gems are finally getting the recognition they deserve thanks to retro gaming communities, emulation, and re-releases. If you’re looking for classic games that you may have missed, here are 15 underrated retro games worth playing, along with why they were overlooked and what makes them special.
1. Little Samson (NES, 1992)
Developed by Taito, Little Samson is an action-platformer that plays similarly to Mega Man, but with a unique twist: you control four different characters, each with distinct abilities. The game features fluid animations, tight controls, and stunning visuals for an NES title. Despite its quality, Little Samson was a commercial failure, mainly because it was released late in the NES’s life cycle when most gamers had moved on to the SNES.
2. Rocket Knight Adventures (Sega Genesis, 1993)
This Konami-developed platformer stars Sparkster, a rocket-powered opossum in knight armor, battling robotic enemies in a mix of fast-paced action and puzzle-solving. The game was praised for its bright visuals, excellent level design, and unique gameplay mechanics, but it struggled against Sonic the Hedgehog’s overwhelming popularity on the Genesis.
3. ActRaiser (SNES, 1990)
A hybrid of side-scrolling action and city-building simulation, ActRaiser was unlike anything else on the SNES. Players took on the role of a god, defeating monsters in action segments before rebuilding civilization through a strategic overworld mode. While the game was well-received, its mix of genres may have confused players, and its sequel removed the city-building elements, leading to disappointment.
4. Terranigma (SNES, 1995)
Released only in Japan and Europe, Terranigma was one of the best RPGs of the 16-bit era, featuring deep storytelling, action-packed combat, and an emotional journey about the rebirth of civilization. Because it never saw a North American release, many Western gamers missed out on this hidden RPG masterpiece.
5. The Misadventures of Tron Bonne (PlayStation, 1999)
A spin-off of the Mega Man Legends series, The Misadventures of Tron Bonne puts players in control of a lovable villainess and her army of Servbots, tackling heists, puzzles, and mecha battles. The game’s unique blend of action and strategy made it stand out, but its low print run and niche appeal kept it from gaining widespread recognition.
6. Demon’s Crest (SNES, 1994)
A spin-off of Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Demon’s Crest follows Firebrand, a demonic antihero with the ability to transform into different elemental forms. The game combined action-platforming with RPG elements and stunning gothic visuals, but it was released during a crowded holiday season and didn’t get the attention it deserved.
7. Power Stone 2 (Dreamcast, 2000)
A fast-paced arena fighting game with 3D environments and chaotic four-player battles, Power Stone 2 was essentially a precursor to games like Super Smash Bros. Despite its deep combat and fun multiplayer, it remained exclusive to the Dreamcast, which had a short lifespan, preventing it from reaching a wider audience.
8. Vagrant Story (PlayStation, 2000)
One of Square’s most ambitious RPGs, Vagrant Story mixed deep storytelling, puzzle-solving, and real-time combat with weapon crafting mechanics. Though critically acclaimed, it was overshadowed by bigger RPGs like Final Fantasy IX, and its complex systems may have alienated casual players.
9. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (PlayStation, 1997)
A side-scrolling platformer with 2.5D visuals, Klonoa featured a heartwarming story and unique mechanics, like using enemies as tools to solve puzzles. Despite its beautiful graphics and emotional depth, it remained a cult classic rather than a mainstream hit, partly due to Namco’s limited marketing efforts.
10. Ristar (Sega Genesis, 1995)
Developed by Sonic Team, Ristar was a platformer where the main character used his extendable arms to grab enemies and swing across levels. While it featured gorgeous visuals and inventive mechanics, it was released late in the Genesis’s life cycle, and most players were already looking forward to next-gen consoles.
11. Odin Sphere (PlayStation 2, 2007)
A gorgeous hand-drawn action RPG with real-time combat and multiple storylines, Odin Sphere received critical praise but launched late in the PS2’s life, with many players already moving on to the PlayStation 3. Despite this, the game’s unique visual style and deep gameplay have helped it gain a cult following.
12. Garou: Mark of the Wolves (Neo Geo, 1999)
Often called SNK’s answer to Street Fighter III, Garou: Mark of the Wolves featured fluid animation, tight controls, and an evolved fighting system. It remains one of the best 2D fighters ever made but was limited by the decline of the Neo Geo and the rise of 3D fighting games.
13. The Guardian Legend (NES, 1988)
A unique hybrid of top-down shooter and action-adventure gameplay, The Guardian Legend combined space combat with Zelda-like exploration. Despite its ambitious design and fast-paced action, it never reached mainstream success, possibly due to its lack of a clear genre identity.
14. Einhänder (PlayStation, 1997)
A side-scrolling space shooter developed by Square, Einhänder was a visually stunning and fast-paced game that pushed the PlayStation’s hardware to its limits. However, because Square was known for RPGs, the game never received the attention it deserved, making it one of the most overlooked shmups of its time.
15. Shadowrun (SNES, 1993 & Sega Genesis, 1994)
Based on the cyberpunk tabletop RPG, Shadowrun featured a deep storyline, hacking mechanics, and turn-based combat that was ahead of its time. The SNES and Genesis versions were completely different games, each with unique mechanics and stories. Despite their cult following today, the games were too complex for mainstream audiences at the time, leading to poor sales.
Why These Hidden Gems Were Forgotten
Many of these games were critical successes but commercial failures, often due to:
- Bad release timing – Coming out too late in a console’s life cycle or competing against bigger franchises.
- Limited marketing – Smaller publishers or niche appeal meant these games didn’t get the exposure they deserved.
- Unconventional gameplay – Many of these titles were ahead of their time, and players didn’t fully appreciate them until years later.
Thankfully, retro gaming communities, emulation, and modern re-releases have revived interest in these forgotten classics. Many of these games are now considered cult classics and have seen remasters or ports to modern platforms, giving new generations a chance to experience them.
Have you played any of these hidden gems? Which one do you think deserves more recognition? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!