[General Discussion] lesser known old games that are still worth to play?

Well, just recently I'm googling for old games, ranged from msx, nes, snes and gameboy, I just want to know if you have some recommended lesser known games in old consoles.

Currently I'm trying to play Angelus the devil gospel by Enix, it's kind of visual novel game running on MSX, for such home family computer with limited color and limited sound driver, the graphic is very good, though I couldnt figure out what they are talking about. The story is basically telling the stories about brian and Eris, some kind of detective investigating global cases where suddenly humans turn into corpses. I must say the story is very interesting, too bad it's written japan.

Screenshot

Angelus

18+:

other game I'm also playing is Dragon Quest IV in NES, dragon Quest V in SNES which are terribly hard.

Screenshots

Dragon Quest IV


Dragon Quest V


EDIT: post some screenshots if you have. That could draw more attention rather than some descriptive paragraph.

Shadowrun on the Genesis! I spent so much time on that game.

But what really shines is Truxton. It was a top-down space shooter that was actually really challenging, especially when the baddies starting coming from behind you. All in all, if I had my Genesis, I would be playing that instead of many of the newer games.



http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...n205BEUR5D.jpg



EDIT: A picture is worth a thousand words.

Moderator edit: changed a table-stretching image to link.

I'm not entirely sure of the scarcity of this game (none of my peers knew that it existed before I showed it to them), but Super Buster Bros. for the SNES is worth taking a look. There appears to be arcade stations designed after the game, and it might be more popular than I realize.

Super Buster Bros (SNES)- This is a very addicting puzzle/action game. Basically, you travel all over the globe busting giant bubbles which pop into two smaller bubbles (or just pop in the case of the smallest ones). The game requires some strategic thinking in the sense that if you go out busting everything in sight haphazardly, you might be caught in a barrage of smaller, but still deadly, bubbles. These levels range in difficulty and require patience, timing, quick reflexes, or any combination of the three. The endless mode is also quite entertaining. It basically boils down being fast enough to pop everything on screen, but playing conservatively so you don't wind up with more than you can handle.
EDIT:

The picture is from Wikipedia's entry on Super Buster Bros. (although the article itself isn't very descriptive)

Ya know, I really don't know how "well-known" or lack of appreciation this game got.

GUNSTAR HEROES



Japanese Packaging for Mega Drive System


Sample Gameplay

This is basically one my few top side scroller action games that I enjoyed playing to death for the Sega Genesis. You can easily find ROMs of this game so I'd advise you to try. I think this was one of the first side scrollers that I played where your character didn't die just by havinng an enemy touch you, but they shoot at your guy and do melee or judo attacks. Furthermore, I loved the simple yet awesome weapon customization. Lightning + Plasma for MASSIVE DAMAGE.

Gunstar Heros seemed to be more of a cult hit kind of thing. I know some people who swear by that game...

It's strange as most of the people I've talked to either worship or have no fucking idea; there isn't a middle ground. Furthremore the ratio seems like 20:80 of love it to don't know what it is. I don't know if it would be classified as "underappreciated" since those who play it LOVE it, but rather the lack of people who've played it. Perhaps the same could be said for Valkyrie Profile (since the lack of games) comparing that to say FFVII.

Zelda with bows and arrows, but better.

Spoiler:

You wander through various mazes killing monsters and ninjas with a bow, get the key and go to the next level. It's more fun than the screenshots look.


sexy


That damn ninja level. Anyone who has beaten this game knows what I'm talking about.

This game is very different, sort of like those block pushing puzzles from Zelda mixed with Bomberman. Some of the puzzles are extremely frustrating. The objective is to freeze your enemies and push their bodies into the water to make bridges to collect magic bags of something. It gets more complex as different mechanics (springs, cannons, gears, hammers) are required to complete the stage.

Spoiler:

Talking corn

Well I've played Gunstar Heroes and in my humble opinion it's release day should the a worldwide holiday.
Yes the game is that good.

Last December, I did something called The Twelve Days of Wonky Roms, and enjoyed the hell out of both Ristar and Dynamite Headdy for Genesis, Go! Go! Ackman! for the SNES, and Penguin Monogatari for the NES.

Ristar was my favorite.

Also, try Fantasy Zone (NES or Master System) and Super Fantasy Zone (Genesis). Both Super Fantasy Zone and Ristar had amazing graphics by Genesis standards.

I have to play this game myself, but Super Smash Brawl has brougtht this hero back into the limelight. Created by the same guy who did Metroid, this game earned a cult following but never really turned into a winning franchise.

If you're looking for a fun classic GameBoy game, play Qix.




You draw lines to trap the devious, untamed line monster! And, you have to avoid sprites using those drawn lines! It's so much fun...

Originally Posted by Hydelloon

I have to play this game myself, but Super Smash Brawl has brougtht this hero back into the limelight. Created by the same guy who did Metroid, this game earned a cult following but never really turned into a winning franchise.

That sure explains why it was so damn addictive back then.
Hope they make a new one for the Wii. And then let's hope it survives the transistion to current gen.

Originally Posted by Hydelloon

[Kid Icarus]

I totally second this one--well worth playing, if only for the superb Hip Tanaka music. But really, the game is shockingly involved for its time and still stands as one of my favourites.

Balloon Fight is probably pretty popular by now but I still want to mention it. If you haven't played it, you're really missing out on gameplay that I would consider to be very original even today.



But here's a game that I'm almost certain nobody has played: Hello Kitty World. No, don't scroll down yet. I won't call you gay if I catch you playing this game. After all, it's a combination of Balloon Fight and a scrolling platformer, and the mix is a very good one indeed. The sprite artists weren't the best of their time, but the gameplay is (perhaps unintentionally) very good. The trade-off of letting the balloons go in order to be able to kick ass is very clever indeed. It also features music by Hip Tanaka, perhaps not his best work but it's still pretty kick ass.


(I know it looks like crap, but it's really good, honest. ._. )

Also, I really liked the Sonic games on the Master System at the time.

I'm sure I'm missing loads so I might make some addendum posts at some point, haha.

For my money, no series is more criminally overlooked than the Rocket Knight series. At first glance, it's just one of very, very many would-be Sonics of the 90s, but when you actually play it...oh, my it's so much more. The first game alone was chock full of Konami goodness, right down to a shooter level paying direct tribute to Gradius.
Behold, and bask in its glory:







If that doesn't get the old-school mojo workin', I don't know what will. The game was given two completely independant sequels, but were decimated in holiday sales by Sonic & Knuckles and Donkey Kong Country.





Alas...

Very good one SonicPanda. I really liked that game too.

Thought of another one... If you're not adverse to drawing maps on gridded paper, Shining in the Darkness for the Megadrive is a "white" RPG that will not only give you hours of gameplay, but also reward you with some of the best music ever composed on the machine (Streets of Rage and Sonic the Hedgehog have equally exceptional music, but they're not lesser known to say the least). The game is entirely worthwhile for the second dungeon music alone. But there's a lot of fun to be had if you've got enough perserverence. It's a tough game.

Yeah, a really good one there. Shining in the Darkness.

I was obsessed with it several years back. It's one of few exceptional dungeon crawls (which were mostly prevalent on PCs at that time) ever released for a console. It had great presentation and great music. Searching and mapping each level thoroughly for all the hidden treasures (and elusive mythril fragments) were the highlights.

Arkista's Ring was good as well, if a tad short.

I can't post images yet. ;_; So I apologize for the lack of screenshots..

I don't know how you'd define 'lesser known', but I thoroughly enjoy these games (all SNES cause I heart that console )

Animaniacs
hxxp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animaniacs_%28video_game%29
(can't post links either, goshdarnit!)

I never beat this game, I'll admit it. I guess it did grate my nerves after a while. (Keep in mind I last played this years ago and my memory is fogged, but I do remember certain areas being especially difficult.) However, what I did play was enjoyable and fun, much like the show itself. If anything, I loved their 'butt dance' sprites from when you were idle. XD I really wish I could post images, then I'd show you what I mean. According to Wikipedia this game existed on Genesis too but was easier there. I dunno.

Clayfighter
hxxp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ClayFighter

I dunno, I just liked this one. The characters had personality and the game was just a lot of fun. There isn't much else to say! I wish I owned the cart.

Kirby Super Star
hxxp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirby_Super_Star

This one is probably well known, but I figured I'd include it anyway. This is by far one of my favorite SNES games. I don't own the cart, but I remember renting it a LOT when I was younger. I loved how you could eat enemies and gain their powers. So much fun. XD And the 'helpers' were great too. I can't pick a favorite.

Mario Paint
hxxp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Paint

I know this one is at least somewhat well known. I just have a few words for you: FLYSWATTER GAME! :biggrin: