Beyond the Blockbusters: Shining a Light on Underrated Animation Games
Animation and video games have always enjoyed a symbiotic relationship. From the early days of pixelated platformers to the stunning visual narratives of modern titles, the art of animation has consistently enriched the gaming experience. Yet, while AAA games with cutting-edge animation often hog the spotlight, a treasure trove of underrated animation games exists, offering unique art styles, compelling stories, and innovative gameplay mechanics. These gems, often overlooked in favor of their flashier counterparts, deserve a closer look.
This article aims to unearth some of these hidden gems, showcasing the diverse range of animation styles and gaming experiences they offer. We’ll explore games that range from charming indie titles to ambitious projects that never quite achieved mainstream success, highlighting what makes them special and why they deserve a place on your gaming radar.
1. Odin Sphere Leifthrasir (PS4, PS Vita, PS3, PC, Switch)
While not completely unknown, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir deserves more recognition for its breathtaking visual style. Developed by Vanillaware, this action RPG boasts a hand-drawn aesthetic that resembles a living storybook. The characters are beautifully rendered, the environments are lush and vibrant, and the combat animations are fluid and impactful.
Odin Sphere’s distinct art style, heavily influenced by European folklore and fairy tales, is its defining feature. Each frame is meticulously crafted, creating a world that feels both fantastical and deeply personal. Beyond the visuals, the game features a compelling narrative told from the perspectives of five different characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and storylines. While the initial release on PS2 had some technical issues, the Leifthrasir remake refined the gameplay, making it a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Why it’s underrated: Odin Sphere Leifthrasir was initially hampered by the limitations of the PS2 and its subsequent remake, while well-received, never quite reached the mainstream popularity it deserves. The 2D side-scrolling format might also be perceived as outdated by some players, overlooking the depth and complexity of the gameplay and narrative.
2. Indivisible (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC)
Indivisible is a visually stunning action RPG that blends Metroidvania exploration with a unique combat system inspired by Valkyrie Profile. The game features a diverse cast of characters, each brought to life with fluid and expressive animation. The hand-drawn environments are vibrant and detailed, showcasing a rich and imaginative world.
The animation in Indivisible is particularly noteworthy for its fluidity and dynamism. The character movements are realistic and responsive, and the combat animations are flashy and satisfying. The game also features a distinct art style that blends Eastern and Western influences, creating a unique and memorable visual experience.
Why it’s underrated: Indivisible faced significant challenges during its development and release, including controversies surrounding the studio and funding. This negative publicity overshadowed the game’s merits, leading to lower sales and less recognition than it deserved. The unique combat system, while innovative, might also have been off-putting to some players.
3. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (PS3, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC)
While the Ni no Kuni series is relatively well-known, the original Wrath of the White Witch, particularly the Director’s Cut, often gets overshadowed by its sequel. This game is a collaboration between Level-5 and Studio Ghibli, the legendary animation studio behind classics like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. As such, the game boasts a stunning visual style that captures the charm and magic of Ghibli’s films.
The animation in Ni no Kuni is simply breathtaking. The characters are expressive and endearing, the environments are vibrant and whimsical, and the cutscenes are beautifully animated with the signature Ghibli style. The game’s story, about a young boy who travels to a magical world to save his mother, is heartwarming and engaging, further enhanced by the captivating visuals.
Why it’s underrated: Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was initially a PS3 exclusive, limiting its reach. While it has since been remastered for other platforms, it still doesn’t receive the same level of recognition as other JRPGs. The turn-based combat system, while strategic, might also be seen as less exciting compared to more action-oriented games.
4. Cuphead (Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4)
Cuphead’s popularity has risen steadily since its release, but its challenging gameplay sometimes overshadows its truly exceptional animation. This run-and-gun game is a love letter to the golden age of animation, specifically the rubber hose style of the 1930s. Every frame is hand-drawn and inked, creating a visual experience that is both nostalgic and utterly unique.
The animation in Cuphead is meticulously crafted, capturing the exaggerated movements and whimsical expressions of classic cartoons. The characters are full of personality, and the environments are bursting with detail. The game’s challenging boss battles are made even more memorable by the creative and imaginative animations of the enemies.
Why it’s underrated: While critically acclaimed and commercially successful, Cuphead is sometimes dismissed as "just a pretty game" due to its challenging difficulty. This overlooks the sheer amount of work and artistry that went into creating its unique visual style.
5. Skullgirls (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile)
Skullgirls is a fighting game with a distinct art style that blends Western comic book aesthetics with Japanese anime influences. The characters are beautifully drawn and animated, with smooth and fluid movements. The game also features a unique "infinite prevention system" that encourages creative combos and prevents players from spamming the same moves.
The animation in Skullgirls is particularly impressive considering the limitations of the fighting game genre. The characters are incredibly expressive, and the combat animations are dynamic and impactful. The game’s dark and gothic aesthetic further enhances its unique visual appeal.
Why it’s underrated: Skullgirls has faced numerous challenges throughout its development, including legal disputes and funding issues. This has limited its exposure and prevented it from reaching a wider audience. The game’s complex combat system might also be intimidating to casual players.
6. Bastion (Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS Vita, Mobile)
Bastion is an action RPG with a beautiful hand-painted art style and a captivating narrative. The game features a unique isometric perspective and a dynamic narrator who comments on the player’s actions. The animation is smooth and expressive, bringing the game’s world and characters to life.
The art style in Bastion is particularly noteworthy for its use of vibrant colors and intricate details. The environments are beautifully rendered, and the characters are well-designed and animated. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Darren Korb, is also exceptional and perfectly complements the visuals.
Why it’s underrated: While Bastion was critically acclaimed and commercially successful upon its initial release, it has gradually faded from the spotlight. This is likely due to the emergence of other indie games with similar gameplay mechanics and visual styles.
7. Darkest Dungeon (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile)
Darkest Dungeon is a gothic roguelike RPG with a distinct hand-drawn art style. The game features a unique stress mechanic that affects the characters’ performance in combat. The animation is deliberately stylized and unsettling, reflecting the game’s dark and oppressive atmosphere.
The animation in Darkest Dungeon is particularly effective at conveying the characters’ emotions and the horrors of the game’s world. The characters’ expressions are often exaggerated and grotesque, reflecting the psychological toll of their experiences. The game’s dark and gritty aesthetic further enhances its unsettling atmosphere.
Why it’s underrated: Darkest Dungeon is a challenging and unforgiving game, which might deter some players. The game’s dark and oppressive atmosphere might also be off-putting to those looking for a more lighthearted experience.
8. Don’t Starve (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile)
Don’t Starve is a survival game with a unique hand-drawn art style inspired by the works of Tim Burton. The game features a dark and whimsical world filled with strange creatures and dangerous challenges. The animation is simple but effective, conveying the characters’ emotions and the game’s overall tone.
The art style in Don’t Starve is particularly noteworthy for its use of stark black and white visuals with occasional splashes of color. This creates a unique and memorable aesthetic that perfectly complements the game’s dark and quirky atmosphere.
Why it’s underrated: While Don’t Starve is a popular game, it often gets overshadowed by other survival games with more realistic graphics. The game’s challenging difficulty might also deter some players.
Beyond the Obvious: The Importance of Recognizing Underrated Games
Exploring these underrated animation games offers more than just a new gaming experience. It allows us to appreciate the diversity and creativity within the industry, supporting independent developers and artists who push the boundaries of visual storytelling. By highlighting these titles, we can encourage a broader appreciation for animation as a powerful artistic medium within the gaming world.
Furthermore, these games often offer unique gameplay mechanics and narrative experiences that are absent from AAA titles. They are a testament to the fact that compelling games don’t always require massive budgets or cutting-edge technology. Sometimes, all it takes is a unique vision, a talented team, and a passion for animation to create a truly memorable gaming experience.
In conclusion, the world of animation games is vast and diverse, with countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. By venturing beyond the blockbusters and exploring these underrated titles, we can not only expand our gaming horizons but also support the creative individuals who are shaping the future of the industry. So, next time you’re looking for a new game to play, consider giving one of these underrated animation games a try – you might just discover your next favorite.
