There’s always going to be the game, movie, or tv show that you absolutely love, but don’t come across many others that have the same level of appreciation(obsession?). Our newest challenge question for Day 19 of the Geek Out Challenge is discussing what series do we find underrated.
What series is underrated? – As a surprise to absolutely NO ONE, my pick is a video game series. While I could probably spend a considerable amount of time on different games that I think are a bit underrated. The first games that come to mind for me are the Sony-exclusive inFAMOUS series, which is developed by Sucker Punch Productions – the studio that created the Sly Cooper games of the Playstation 2 era. The first inFAMOUS game was released in 2009 on the Playstation 3 with its sequel inFAMOUS 2 being released in 2011 and inFAMOUS: Second Son in 2014 on the Playstation 4. The series itself received critical acclaim, but it remains a series of games that I never really hear many people talk about. I have always been a huge fan of the PS3 exclusive games like the Last of Us, Uncharted, Resistance, or inFAMOUS games. While the former two received much critical praise and word of mouth amongst gamers, the latter two it seems were relegated to “lesser status”. The first two inFAMOUS games tell the story of protagonist Cole McGrath – an everyman bike messenger in the fictional city of Empire City who is caught in an explosion which infuse his body with a set of electricity-based powers. The setting of the game at first glance seems nothing more than that of a run-of-the-mill comic book story set to a video game. I certainly understand that perception, that is essentially what I though about the game before I ever played it, however it was how well the game works within that setting, in both gameplay mechanics and story. The central theme of the game is the question “if you found yourself in possession of powers far greater than the average person, how would you use them?”. The inFAMOUS games feature a Karma meter similar to the light side/dark side element of the Knights of the Old Republic games, you can simply take anything you want and destroy anyone standing in your way, or you can use your abilities to help and protect those around you; this would be the “with great power comes great responsibility” theme of the game. I also really enjoyed the storyline throughout the game as it establishes Cole’s relationships with his best friend – the slightly meddlesome, yet well-meaning friend Zeke, as well as with his girlfriend Trish. The climax of the first inFAMOUS game features one of the biggest plot twists I had played in a video game in quite some time. Between the seemingly generic superhero sandbox setting and the fact the PS3 was well behind the much better selling Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii at the time the franchise seems to get forgotten quite easily. I heartily recommend the inFAMOUS games to anyone looking for an under-appreciated gem on the PS3.
What are some movie, tv show, or game series that you feel are getting nowhere the appreciation they deserve? Let me know in the comments below. See you tomorrow…
Gaming Omnivore 