EA is a company that gets plenty of criticism, whether it's for its use of microtransactions or its yearly releases of full-priced sports games that are basically the same as previous years. However, there are reasons why EA is one of the biggest video game companies in the world, and they aren't all negative ones.
8:26 Related26 Most Underrated Games Of The 21st Century
These titles are usually overlooked but each one offers an incredible and often unique gameplay experience.
PostsThe company has developed and published plenty of brilliant games over the years. However, not all of them have gotten the respect they deserve. There are plenty of titles that should have sold better or were overly criticized upon release. Here are some notable examples.
The games in this collection have either been developed or published by EA.
8 Shadows Of The Damned
Shadows of the Damned is a fun third-person action-adventure game about a demon hunter who goes to the City of the Damned in order to save his girlfriend from the Lord of Demons. That premise alone tells you that the game is gothic and punk rock.
The presentation and visuals match these themes, which makes the game look different from most other titles in the genre. The game's weapons are different, too, as there's a shotgun that uses demon skulls as ammunition and an SMG that uses teeth. So, it's a unique and creative title that should have sold better.
7 James Bond 007: Everything Or Nothing
James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing
Third-Person Shooter Released February 17, 2004 Publisher(s) EA Developer EA Redwood Shores, EA Canada, Griptonite Games Powered by Expand CollapseEvery James Bond game released after 1997 struggles to escape from GoldenEye 007's giant shadow. It's understandable because that title was a classic. That said, 2004's Everything Or Nothing is also one of the best James Bond games ever.
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PostsIt's certainly a good tribute to the movie franchise, as the game plays out like an action flick. This is because one minute, you're engaging in cover-based shootouts, while the next, you're rappelling down the side of an exploding building, and after that, you may be participating in a high-speed chase. It's all very action-packed and exhilarating.
6 The Simpsons Game
The Simpsons Game
Platformer Shooter Action-Adventure Fighting Released October 30, 2007 Developer(s) EA, Visceral Games, Rebellion Developments Publisher(s) EA, Visceral Games, Rebellion Developments Powered by Expand CollapseGames based on TV shows or movies aren't always winners. In fact, there have probably been more bad licensed games than good ones. Yet, the action platformer known simply as The Simpsons Game doesn't deserve to be in the bad category. It didn't get a great reception upon release, but it is a solid title.
The game allows you to play as Homer, Marge, Lisa, and Bart as you make your way through plenty of diverse and creative levels. Each character plays a bit differently, as they all have their own abilities. So, there is plenty of variety in the gameplay. Plus, there is a lot of humor, as the title includes The Simpsons' signature brand of comedy.
5 Mirror's Edge Catalyst
The original Mirror's Edge game was released to a bit of fanfare, but its sequel, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, went under the radar. This is unfortunate since Catalyst is a decent game in its own right.
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PostsIt's a delightful first-person action-adventure game. You could also call it a platformer, as much of the game revolves around leaping all over the place, as parkour is a key part of the experience. Thankfully, it's also the strongest aspect of the game, as the running, swinging, and climbing is very fluid and feels satisfying. This makes the open-world environment a lot of fun to traverse.
4 Army Of Two: The 40th Day
As an entire series, Army of Two is slightly underrated, as the first two games are solid third-person shooters, particularly the second one, AKA The 40th Day. The story takes place in China, as the two protagonists, Salem and Rios, attempt to stop a large terrorist attack. The game is really built for co-op, so both characters feel like significant parts of the story. Plus, there are various co-op moves and actions you can do during gameplay.
Speaking of gameplay, the cover-based shooting feels very nice and is all the more exciting because of the in-depth weapon customization system in the game. You can really make guns that suit you, both functionally and visually. The game doesn't get enough appreciation, especially when talking about top co-op shooters.
3 Def Jam: Fight For NY
Def Jam: Fight For NY certainly falls into the 'cult classic' category. However, it should be seen as a 'mainstream classic' or something close to that because it's an excellent 3D fighting game.
It's very different from the likes of Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter, as there is a heavy amount of wrestling in the game. Yet, it isn't like WWE 2K, either. This is a unique title with plenty of style and a great soundtrack. The best part, though, is that the playable fighters are famous hip-hop artists and celebrities. The likes of Li'l Kim, Ice-T, Snoop Dogg, and many more feature in the game. Seeing them go toe-to-toe never gets old.
2 The Saboteur
The Saboteur
Action-Adventure Open-World Released December 8, 2009 Developer(s) Pandemic Studios Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Powered by Expand CollapsePlenty of great games take place in France. One of the best is The Saboteur, which deserved better review scores than it got. The game is set in German-occupied Paris during World War 2. You join the French Resistance in an effort to liberate the country. You do this by participating in gunfights, fist fights, and using stealth. All of it is enjoyable. Your character also has parkour skills, so you can climb and run around rooftops in the open world.
When you aren't climbing or fighting, you can enjoy the unique visuals. Most of the character models and environment are in black-and-white to signify the darkness of the Nazi occupation. Yet, little bits of light stand out among the darkness and create a powerful visual.
1 Dragon Age 2
Dragon Age 2
RPG Released March 8, 2011 Developer(s) BioWare Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Powered by Expand CollapseThe Dragon Age games are generally highly regarded by both critics and players. The second game received some significant criticism upon release, though. Some of the complaints were fair, as the environments in the game are fairly small and uninspired.
That said, it's still a wonderful RPG with an engaging story revolving around the adventures of your customizable protagonist, Hawke. It's well-written and contains several excellent characters, including Varric, who has become a series favorite. The combat is pretty good, too. It doesn't have a tremendous amount of depth, but it's stylish and entertaining. So, overall, Dragon Age 2 doesn't deserve the amount of hate it gets.
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