It’s that time of year again, where we look back at the games that came out. 2011 was a pretty big year for games, with some huge titles like Skyrim and Modern Warfare 3. But you know how it is, not every great game gets the spotlight it deserves. So, I thought I’d dig up some of the best games in 2011 that might have slipped under your radar. These are the ones that, for whatever reason, didn’t get the buzz they should have, but are totally worth checking out.
Key Takeaways
- Resistance 3 offered a solid campaign and multiplayer, but got lost among bigger shooter releases.
- Shadows of the Damned was a fun, humorous game that lacked a big marketing push, making it easy to miss.
- Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten is a deep strategy RPG that provides a ton of playtime for your money.
- MotorStorm: Apocalypse was a great racing game, especially in 3D, but sales suffered due to delays and poor marketing.
- Rayman Origins is a visually stunning and fun platformer that throws back to classic gameplay.
1. Resistance 3
Released in September 2011, Resistance 3 often gets overlooked, which is a real shame because it’s a solid entry in the first-person shooter genre. It came out during a really crowded period for shooters, with big names like Call of Duty and Battlefield also dropping their latest titles. Because of that, Resistance 3 didn’t get the spotlight it deserved.
What makes Resistance 3 stand out is its story. It’s a pretty bleak, post-apocalyptic tale about a man named Joseph Capelli trying to survive and protect his family in a world overrun by aliens called the Chimera. The game really focuses on the human element, showing the struggle and desperation of people just trying to get by. It’s not just about shooting aliens; it’s about the end of the world and what people do when everything falls apart.
The gameplay itself is pretty standard for a shooter of its time, but it’s polished and feels good. The weapons are creative and satisfying to use, and the enemy AI keeps you on your toes. It’s the kind of game that feels good to play, even if you’ve seen similar mechanics before.
One of the best parts is the local co-op mode. Being able to play through the entire campaign with a friend sitting next to you on the couch is a feature that’s becoming rarer these days. It adds a whole new layer of fun and makes the already engaging story even more memorable. The multiplayer, while not as big as some other games, also offered some fun, tense matches.
Here’s a quick look at some of its features:
- Engaging single-player campaign: A dark, character-driven story about survival.
- Local co-op: Play the entire story with a friend.
- Creative arsenal: Unique and fun weapons to use against the Chimera.
- Atmospheric world: A believable and grim post-apocalyptic setting.
If you’re looking for a shooter with a good story and a bit of old-school couch co-op, Resistance 3 is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great example of a game that delivered a complete and satisfying experience, even if it didn’t top the sales charts.
2. Shadows of the Damned
Released in mid-2011, Shadows of the Damned is a third-person shooter that often gets overlooked. Developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and published by Electronic Arts, it’s a game that doesn’t shy away from its unique, dark, and often bizarre sense of humor. You play as Garcia Hotspur, a tattoo artist who travels to hell to rescue his girlfriend, Paula. He’s not alone, though; he’s accompanied by Johnson, a demonic creature who can transform into a gun, a motorcycle, or even a pair of boots. This partnership is central to the gameplay.
The core gameplay loop involves shooting demons while navigating a world that constantly shifts and changes. Garcia’s primary weapon, Johnson, can be upgraded throughout the game, offering different firing modes and abilities. A unique mechanic involves using “darkness” and “light” to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Areas shrouded in darkness are more dangerous, spawning tougher foes, so managing this light and dark mechanic is key to survival. The game also features a variety of boss battles, each with its own distinct style and challenge.
Beyond the action, Shadows of the Damned is known for its distinctive art style and mature themes. The narrative is filled with over-the-top violence and adult humor, which might not be for everyone, but it contributes to the game’s memorable identity. The soundtrack, composed by Akira Yamaoka (known for his work on the Silent Hill series), adds a fittingly eerie atmosphere.
While Shadows of the Damned didn’t have a massive marketing push, its distinctive style and gameplay mechanics make it a standout title for those who appreciate something a little different. It’s a game that rewards players who are willing to embrace its peculiar world and challenging combat.
Here’s a look at some of its key features:
- Unique Partnership: Garcia’s bond with Johnson is more than just a weapon; it’s a narrative and gameplay element that drives the experience.
- Light and Darkness Mechanics: Players must strategically use light to clear paths and weaken enemies, while darkness presents greater threats.
- Distinctive Art and Tone: The game boasts a unique visual style and a mature, often humorous, narrative that sets it apart from many other shooters.
- Varied Boss Encounters: Each major enemy presents a fresh challenge, requiring players to adapt their strategies.
3. Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten
When you think of strategy role-playing games, the Disgaea series often comes to mind, and 2011’s Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten is a prime example of why. This entry in the long-running franchise continued its tradition of deep, complex gameplay wrapped in a quirky, over-the-top anime aesthetic. It’s the kind of game that doesn’t hold your hand, expecting you to learn its intricate systems, but the reward for that effort is immense.
The story follows Valvatorez, a former tyrannical vampire who has sworn off blood and now works as a prison warden. His peaceful, if somewhat mundane, existence is shattered when the Netherworld’s corrupt politicians steal his beloved sardine, leading him on a quest for revenge and a promise to overthrow the corrupt government. It’s a narrative filled with the series’ signature humor and eccentric characters.
What really sets Disgaea 4 apart is its sheer depth. The gameplay loop involves recruiting a massive cast of characters, leveling them up through countless battles, and mastering a complex grid-based combat system. You can spend hundreds of hours and still find new strategies to explore or new characters to max out. The ability to customize your characters and your base, the ‘Cam-Pain Map,’ is incredibly robust, allowing for a truly personalized experience.
Here are some of the key elements that make Disgaea 4 so engaging:
- Vast Character Roster: From demons and monsters to angels and humans, there’s a huge variety of units to unlock and command, each with unique skills and abilities.
- Deep Customization: Beyond just leveling, you can reincarnate characters to reset their stats while keeping learned skills, and utilize the Item World to power up your gear.
- Strategic Combat: Positioning, unit synergy, and special attacks are all vital. Mastering the Geo Panels and their effects can turn the tide of any battle.
While the game’s humor and art style might not be for everyone, its strategic depth is undeniable. It offers a staggering amount of content for players willing to invest the time, making it a standout title for fans of the genre who might have overlooked it.
Released in September 2011, Disgaea 4 might have flown under the radar for many players, but for those who appreciate a challenging and rewarding strategy RPG, it’s an experience that offers incredible value and countless hours of gameplay.
4. MotorStorm: Apocalypse
MotorStorm: Apocalypse hit the scene in May 2011, but sadly, it didn’t get the attention it deserved. A bit of bad luck, including a delay due to the Japanese earthquake and a quiet marketing push, meant this game flew under the radar for many.
This game is a fantastic example of how to do a chaotic, over-the-top arcade racer. It throws you into a world that’s literally falling apart, with crumbling cities and natural disasters happening all around you as you race. The sense of destruction is pretty wild, and seeing buildings collapse or bridges give way while you’re trying to win a race is a spectacle.
What makes Apocalypse stand out is its sheer variety. You’re not just driving one type of vehicle; the game lets you hop into different classes, from nimble motorbikes to heavy-duty trucks, each handling differently and offering a unique challenge. The tracks themselves are just as varied, throwing all sorts of environmental hazards and dynamic events at you.
- Vehicle Variety: Race as a bike, buggy, truck, or more, each with distinct handling.
- Destructible Environments: Witness the world crumble around you as you race.
- Fast-Paced Action: Constant high-speed thrills and intense competition.
It also had some pretty cool 3D support if you were rocking a 3D TV back then, which really added to the immersion. While it might not have been the most polished racer ever, the sheer fun and mayhem it offered made it a memorable experience for those who gave it a chance.
5. Rayman Origins
Released in late 2011, Rayman Origins is a vibrant 2D platformer that really captured the spirit of classic games while looking absolutely stunning. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, this game brought back the beloved character Rayman in a big way, focusing on pure, unadulterated fun. It’s the kind of game that makes you remember why you fell in love with video games in the first place.
What really sets Rayman Origins apart is its art style. Everything is hand-drawn, giving the game a unique, almost storybook feel. The animations are incredibly fluid, making every jump, punch, and glide feel satisfying. The environments are bursting with color and detail, from lush jungles to ancient ruins, each area offering a fresh visual treat. It’s a game that’s as pleasing to look at as it is to play.
The gameplay itself is a return to form for the platforming genre. You’ll be running, jumping, and gliding through levels, collecting Lums and freeing trapped Electoons. The controls are tight and responsive, which is super important when you’re trying to make those tricky jumps. The game also features excellent local co-op, allowing up to four players to jump in and cause some delightful chaos together. It’s a fantastic way to experience the game with friends or family, though it can get a bit hectic!
Here’s a quick look at some of its strengths:
- Gorgeous Hand-Drawn Art Style: Visually, it’s a masterpiece with fluid animations.
- Tight and Responsive Controls: Perfect for precise platforming challenges.
- Engaging Local Multiplayer: Up to four players can join the fun.
- Creative Level Design: Each world offers unique challenges and aesthetics.
Rayman Origins might have been overshadowed by bigger releases in 2011, but its commitment to classic platforming mechanics, combined with its breathtaking visual presentation, makes it a standout title that deserves to be played. It’s a joyful experience from start to finish.
6. 3D Dot Game Heroes
Released in May 2011, 3D Dot Game Heroes is a game that wears its influences on its sleeve. If you’ve ever felt a pang of nostalgia for the early days of adventure games, particularly the original Legend of Zelda, this title might just be for you. It takes that classic top-down exploration and puzzle-solving formula and wraps it in a distinctive, blocky 3D art style. It’s a look that’s certainly not aiming for photorealism, and its sound design often echoes that charmingly simple 8-bit era.
While it might not introduce many groundbreaking new ideas to the genre, 3D Dot Game Heroes succeeds in capturing that pure, unadulterated fun that many of us first experienced when we started playing video games. It’s a game that reminds you of the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges.
Here’s a quick look at some of its details:
- Original US Release Date: May 11th, 2011
- Metacritic Score: 77
- PSLS Score: 9/10
The game’s visual presentation, with its voxel-based characters and environments, offers a unique aesthetic that stands out from the more realistic graphics common in many other titles of the era. This stylistic choice contributes significantly to its nostalgic appeal and overall charm.
It’s easy to get caught up in the big, flashy releases, but sometimes the most memorable experiences come from games that offer a different kind of appeal. 3D Dot Game Heroes is definitely one of those titles that, despite not having the biggest sales figures, offers a genuinely enjoyable adventure for those willing to give it a try.
7. Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
In 2011, the Ace Combat series took a sharp turn with Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. Moving away from its established fantasy settings, this entry grounded itself in real-world locations and a more serious tone. This shift aimed to appeal to a broader audience, especially those drawn to the gritty military action popular in other franchises at the time.
One of the most talked-about additions was the "dogfight mode." This mechanic simplified close-quarters combat, allowing players to lock onto enemies and focus on shooting rather than complex maneuvering. While some long-time fans felt it "dumbed down" the experience, many found it made aerial battles more accessible and exciting. This new approach to combat was arguably the game’s biggest success. The game also featured a strong soundtrack and recognizable real-world settings, which helped to immerse players more effectively than previous installments.
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon offered a different kind of flight action, blending arcade thrills with a more grounded presentation. It was a bold move for the series, and for players looking for intense aerial combat with a cinematic flair, it provided a memorable experience.
The game’s visual presentation was a significant step up, with detailed aircraft and environments that made the action feel more immediate and impactful. Coupled with the dramatic score, it created a truly engaging atmosphere for the player.
8. Bastion
Bastion is a game that really sticks with you. It came out in 2011 and was developed by Supergiant Games. You play as a kid, known only as The Kid, who wakes up after a world-shattering event called the Calamity. Your job is to explore these floating islands and collect these special crystals called Cores to rebuild the Bastion, a safe haven.
What makes Bastion stand out is its narrator. He’s constantly talking, commenting on your actions, the world, and the story as it unfolds. It’s not just background noise; the narrator is a character in himself, and his voice adds so much to the atmosphere. The way the world dynamically rebuilds itself as you move through it is also pretty neat. You’ll be walking along, and platforms will just appear out of nowhere, making the environment feel alive and reactive.
The gameplay itself is a mix of action RPG and dungeon crawler. You’ll be fighting off all sorts of strange creatures with a variety of weapons. You can find new weapons and upgrade them as you go, which keeps things interesting. There are also different playstyles you can adopt depending on how you build your character.
Here are some of the core mechanics:
- Combat: Fast-paced action with a range of melee and ranged weapons.
- Exploration: Traverse shattered environments that change as you play.
- Narrative: A story told through a dynamic narrator and collectible lore.
- Customization: Upgrade weapons and choose different skills to suit your playstyle.
Bastion offers a unique blend of engaging combat, a reactive world, and a truly memorable narrator. It’s the kind of game that proves that smaller studios can create experiences with as much heart and polish as the big names.
9. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Released in 2011, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is a remake of a classic Super Nintendo strategy RPG. If you’re a fan of games where you move units around a grid, making tactical decisions to outsmart your opponent, this one is definitely worth a look. It’s a game that really digs deep into its genre, offering a lot of complexity for those who want it.
The story is a big part of what makes Tactics Ogre stand out. You play as Denam Pavel, a young nobleman caught in the middle of a brutal civil war. The choices you make throughout the game have real consequences, affecting not just the story’s direction but also which characters join your cause and even the fate of entire towns. It’s not just about winning battles; it’s about shaping the world around you.
Here are a few things that make this game special:
- Deep Tactical Combat: Battles take place on isometric grids, and positioning, unit abilities, and environmental factors all play a role. You’ll need to think carefully about every move.
- Meaningful Choices: The narrative branches significantly based on your decisions, leading to multiple endings and a high degree of replayability.
- Character Customization: You can recruit a wide variety of characters, each with their own classes and skills, allowing for a lot of flexibility in building your army.
This game doesn’t hold your hand. It expects you to learn its systems and make smart decisions. The learning curve might seem a bit steep at first, but the reward of mastering its intricate mechanics is immense. It’s the kind of game that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it.
While it might not have had the massive sales numbers of some other titles in 2011, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together offers a rich, rewarding experience for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted strategy game with a compelling story.
10. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Released in 2011, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a puzzle-adventure game that puts you in the shoes of Sissel, a recently deceased spirit with amnesia. Your goal is to solve the mystery of your own murder by manipulating objects and rewinding time. The game’s unique premise and engaging narrative make it stand out.
The core gameplay revolves around Sissel’s ability to possess objects and alter their state, creating chain reactions to save people from impending doom. This mechanic is used to solve a variety of environmental puzzles, often requiring precise timing and clever thinking. As you progress, you unlock new abilities and encounter a cast of memorable characters, each with their own secrets and connections to the overarching plot.
Ghost Trick is known for its distinctive art style, fluid animations, and a soundtrack that perfectly complements its mysterious and often humorous tone. The story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, with flashbacks and revelations that keep you guessing until the very end.
Here’s a look at some of the key elements:
- Possession Mechanic: Interact with objects in the environment to trigger events. This is your primary tool for solving puzzles and progressing the story.
- Time Rewind: You can rewind time to a specific point to correct mistakes or try different approaches to puzzles.
- Intriguing Narrative: The game features a complex plot filled with twists, turns, and a surprising amount of emotional depth.
The game’s structure, where you piece together events from different perspectives and timelines, is a masterclass in interactive storytelling. It rewards careful observation and experimentation, making each solved puzzle feel like a genuine accomplishment.
Wrapping Up 2011’s Hidden Gems
So, that wraps up our look back at some of the standout games from 2011 that might have slipped under your radar. It’s easy to get caught up in the big releases, the ones with massive advertising budgets and endless hype. But as we’ve seen, some truly special experiences can be found in the less-traveled corners of a gaming year. Whether it was a captivating story, unique gameplay, or just pure fun, these titles proved that quality isn’t always about popularity. Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas for games to check out if you missed them the first time around. There’s always more great gaming to discover, no matter the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were these games considered ‘missed’ in 2011?
Many great games from 2011 didn’t get the attention they deserved. Some had big games like ‘Skyrim’ or ‘Call of Duty’ come out around the same time, making it hard for them to stand out. Others just didn’t have a lot of advertising, so fewer people knew they existed.
What kind of games are on this list?
This list has a mix of different types of games. You’ll find action games, racing games, strategy games, and fun platformers. There’s something for everyone, even if you usually play different kinds of games.
Are these games hard to find now?
Since these games are from 2011, they might not be in stores anymore. However, you can often find them used online, or sometimes they are available as digital downloads on modern gaming consoles or PC stores.
Were these games good even if they didn’t sell well?
Yes, absolutely! Just because a game didn’t sell a lot doesn’t mean it wasn’t fun or well-made. Many of these games received high scores from reviewers and are still loved by the players who discovered them.
Can I still play these games on new consoles?
Some of these games might be playable on newer systems through backward compatibility or by being re-released. It’s worth checking the digital stores on your current console or PC to see if they are available.
What makes a game ‘special’ enough to be on this list?
Games on this list are special because they offer unique experiences, have great stories, fun gameplay, or amazing art. They might do things differently or just be incredibly well-made, making them memorable even if they weren’t the most popular at the time.
