Some games make headlines, dominate sales charts, and become pop culture icons. Others quietly slip through the cracks, loved by the few who stumble upon them but never quite getting the recognition they deserve. Whether it was poor marketing, a niche concept, or just bad luck, these games never got their time in the spotlight.
But just because a game is obscure doesn’t mean it’s not worth playing. In fact, some of the most unique, experimental, and rewarding experiences are hiding in gaming’s blind spots, waiting to be rediscovered. From forgottenPlayStation exclusivesto strange indie gems, these are seven incredible games you’ve probably never heard of.
IfDevil May CryandCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonhad a stylish, over-the-top love child, it would look a lot likeBujingai: The Forsaken City. This 2003 PlayStation 2 game, developed by Taito and Red Entertainment, delivers fast-paced swordplay, gravity-defying acrobatics, and a striking anime aesthetic. Yet, for some reason, it never got the recognition it deserved.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a massive energy crisis, the game follows Lau Wong, a warrior with supernatural abilities, as he battles hordes of demonic enemies in a ruined city. The action is pure spectacle—Lau dashes across walls, parries attacks with precise counters, and unleashes devastating combos with twin swords. The combat system is fluid and rewarding, encouraging mastery of Lau’s evasive maneuvers and aerial attacks.
One of the coolest things aboutBujingaiis that its main character is modeled after and voiced by Japanese rock star Gackt. His involvement gave the game a bit of a cult following, but that wasn’t enough to push it into the mainstream. A limited Western release and minimal marketing left it stranded in obscurity, but for players who love stylishaction games, it’s a hidden treasure.
Capcom isn’t exactly known for makingdetective games, butGlass Roseis one of its most intriguing experiments. Released exclusively in Japan and Europe for the PlayStation 2 in 2003, this point-and-click adventure blends psychological horror with a time-traveling murder mystery.
Players control Takashi Kagetani, a journalist who gets transported back to the 1920s while investigating an abandoned mansion. Trapped in a time loop, he must unravel the truth behind a series of murders by conversing with the house’s residents and piecing together cryptic clues. The game’s dialogue system is unique for its time, allowing players to type keywords into conversations to steer the investigation in different directions.
Despite its fascinating premise,Glass Rosestruggled due to slow pacing and its experimental nature. It didn’t help that Capcom barely promoted it outside Japan, and by the time Western audiences even heard of it, it was already hard to find. Still, for fans of cerebral mysteries with eerie atmospheres, this forgotten thriller is worth a look.
5The Coin Game
The Strangest And Most Fun Arcade Sim You’ve Never Played
Most life sims let players experience something grand—owning a farm, running a city, or exploring vast worlds.The Coin Gametakes a different approach by simulating something much simpler but strangely addictive: spending an entire day inside an arcade, trying to win as many tickets and prizes as possible.
This indie gem, developed by Kevin “devotid” Small, throws players into an open-world island filled with arcade machines, claw games, and carnival-style attractions. Every game is physics-based, capturing the thrill (and frustration) of real-life arcades. Players can even sell prizes for cash, buy snacks, or hitch a ride on the local bus to visit different venues.
What makesThe Coin Gameso engaging is how it taps into childhood nostalgia. The neon glow of the arcade, the clinking of tokens, and the satisfying sound of a jackpot win—it’s all here. But despite glowing reviews from those who’ve played it,The Coin Gameremains a niche title, largely overlooked in the flood of indie releases.
Demon Chaosis what happens when a developer looks atDynasty Warriorsand thinks, “That’s not enough enemies.” Released on PlayStation 2 in 2005, this game throws thousands of enemies on-screen at once, creating one of the most chaotic hack-and-slash experiences ever made.
Players control Inugami, a mystical warrior tasked with defending Japan from an endless invasion of demons. Unlikemost action games, where fights involve a handful of enemies at a time,Demon Chaoscranks the numbers up to an absurd degree—battles regularly feature 10,000 enemies swarming the battlefield. The sheer scale is overwhelming, but players have access to powerful magic attacks and an army of allies to even the odds.
Despite its impressive tech and intense battles,Demon Chaosnever found a big audience. It was a Japan-only release until a low-key European launch, and without a North American release, it faded into obscurity. But for those who love large-scale combat, this is one of the most insane games out there.
At first glance,Majin and the Forsaken Kingdomlooks like anotherZelda-inspired action-adventure, but it has something most games don’t—a bond between its two protagonists that feels genuinely heartwarming.
This 2010 release for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 follows Tepeu, a young thief, and Majin, a gentle giant with the strength of a hundred warriors. Players must work together with Majin,solving puzzles, fighting enemies, and restoring light to a kingdom overtaken by darkness. Majin isn’t just an AI companion—he’s a true friend, reacting to the world with a childlike innocence and forming a deep connection with Tepeu over the course of the adventure.
Despite strong reviews praising its storytelling and unique gameplay,Majin and the Forsaken Kingdomwas buried under bigger releases and never got the attention it deserved. It’s a game about friendship, perseverance, and wonder, and it deserves a second chance.
Long beforeUndertaledeconstructed RPG tropes,Moon: Remix RPG Adventurewas doing it in 1997. This obscure PlayStation game by Love-de-Lic flips traditional RPG mechanics upside down, questioning the need for violence and giving players a world where kindness matters more than combat.
Instead of playing as a hero who slays monsters, players take the role of a boy trapped in a game world, where they must heal the damage left behind by the so-called “hero.” Instead of leveling up through fights, they gain experience by helping NPCs and uncovering the world’s secrets.
For years,Moonremained a Japan-only cult classic, but after decades of fan demand, it finally received an English localization on the Nintendo Switch in 2020. Its influence can be felt inUndertaleand other modern indie RPGs, making it one of the most important hidden gems ever made.
Few games attempt whatL.O.L.: Lack of Lovedoes. This 2000 Dreamcast game is an artistic, dialogue-free experience about evolution, survival, and the search for connection in an uncaring world.
Players control a small creature on an alien planet, growing and adapting through interactions with other life forms. There’s no HUD, no tutorials, and no clear instructions—just an organic world that responds to the player’s actions. Helping other creatures leads to friendship and growth, while selfishness results in isolation.
With its beautifulminimalist storytellingand haunting soundtrack by Ryuichi Sakamoto,L.O.L.is an unforgettable experience. Sadly, it never left Japan, remaining one of gaming’s most profound but unknown masterpieces.
