What is the most forgotten game ever?

The title of the "most forgotten game ever" is subjective and can vary depending on who you ask, but many people consider games that were ahead of their time or had niche appeal to be largely forgotten. Some of these titles didn't get the recognition they deserved due to bad timing, limited release, or simply being overshadowed by more popular games at the time.

Here are a few examples of games that may fit the bill:

1. "EarthBound" (1994 - SNES)

Despite being critically acclaimed for its quirky humor, unique gameplay, and heartfelt story, EarthBound was a commercial failure in its initial release. Its offbeat style didn't resonate with many players at the time, and it became a cult classic only years later. Still, it remains somewhat forgotten outside of its dedicated fanbase, largely due to its limited release and the fact that it didn’t have widespread success during its original run.

2. "Psychonauts" (2005 - PS2, Xbox, PC)

Psychonauts is another title that earned critical acclaim but failed to become a commercial hit. It was praised for its creative world-building, funny writing, and unique design. However, it never gained a mainstream audience at launch. It later found a more loyal fanbase after its re-release and the development of its sequel, Psychonauts 2.

3. "The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge" (2004 - PS2, Xbox)

This is a fantastic example of a licensed game that had a lot of charm and a devoted fanbase (especially among fans of the film), but it remains relatively unknown or forgotten by many. Released for the PS2 and Xbox, it’s a 3D action-adventure that continued the story of Tim Burton’s "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Despite its cool atmosphere and fun gameplay, the game never became a big name in the gaming world.

4. "The Typing of the Dead" (1999 - Arcade, Dreamcast, PC)

A bizarre but beloved game, The Typing of the Dead was a quirky spin-off of the classic House of the Dead light-gun shooter, where instead of using a gun, players used a keyboard to type out words in response to on-screen zombies. It’s a cult classic, but it was certainly one of the more niche titles that faded into obscurity for many gamers.

5. "Oni" (2001 - PS2, PC)

Developed by Bungie (the creators of Halo), Oni was a blend of action and platforming with hand-to-hand combat and a unique art style. It didn't make much of a splash at the time of its release, which is surprising considering its developer pedigree. It's largely forgotten by many gamers today but remains a cult classic for its interesting gameplay and design.

6. "Toejam & Earl" (1991 - Sega Genesis)

Toejam & Earl is a funky, rogue-like action-adventure game with a unique sense of humor and design. It was fun and innovative for its time, but it never reached the popularity of other Sega Genesis titles like Sonic the Hedgehog. Although the game had a few sequels, it eventually faded from the mainstream, and many people forget about its existence today.


These are just a few examples, and there are certainly many more hidden gems or forgotten classics out there. Sometimes a game's obscurity is simply due to the timing of its release or a lack of marketing, making it easy for it to fade from memory despite its potential.

Back to blog