While some may argue against it, 2011 has been a fairly good year for games across the board. With only a few months left in the year, the heaviest hitters for the calendar year are just about to launch. While everyone is focusing on on bigger titles such as Modern Warfare 3 and Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, there’s quite a few titles that aren’t getting the love from fans that they truly deserve.
The purpose of this list isn’t to take away from the games that rightfully deserve the spotlight, but to shed light on the titles that deserve just as much consideration. Below, we’ve listed our picks for the five most overlooked titles remaining to launch in 2011.
5. Need for Speed: The Run
Platforms: PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360
Release Date: November 15, 2011
Why: While the series may receive a good bit of criticism for releasing quite a few titles in the past year or two, the series always boils down to being fun. Need for Speed: The Run looks to take players out of the car, for the first time in the series, with quicktime events. While it’s a rather odd move to put in the series, fans can be reassured that Black Box will be delivering your favorite road gripping action you’ve come to love with the series. Fast cars and dangerous tracks? We’re game.
4. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations
Platforms: PC, Playstation 3 & Xbox 360
Release Date: November 15th, 2011
Why: Assassin’s Creed, we just can’t quit you. While the first title in the series was solid, it became entirely too repetitive to fully enjoy the experience. The two titles that have since launched have delivered fantastic stories, great experiences, and more climbing than you can possibly imagine. The release window for the game surrounds it with juggernauts, which will inevitably hurt the sales for the title. If the previous titles are anything to go by, we’re experiencing another fantastic experience with Revelations. While the Assassin’s Creed faithful will definitely pick it up, the audience that needs to be exposed to it just may overlook it.
3. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
Platform: Xbox 360
Release Date: November 15th, 2011
Why: For anyone who owned an original Xbox, it’s more than likely safe to say that the original Halo lives in a special place within your heart. The original Halo started a phenomenon, and after years of fans clamoring for it to be remastered, the HD version of the title is almost here. After a rather large buzz initially, the title has seemed to fall by the wayside with very little chatter. Adding maps to your copy of Halo: Reach and allowing you to relieve one of your favorite stories should be an experience recaptured by all this holiday season.
2. Saints Row 3
Platforms: PC, Playstation 3 & Xbox 360
Release Date: November 15th, 2011
Why: In what we’re now noticing is an odd coincidence, Saints Row 3 is the fourth title in our countdown to launch on November 15th. While Grand Theft Auto may be the series that’s become overly popular, we’ll be damned if the Saints Row series isn’t full of ridiculous amounts of fun. Taking the “not so serious” approach, Saints Row has become a cult hit and is gaining ground in the industry. While there have been a plethora of videos and screenshots released so far, the title still isn’t generating the buzz it deserves. Not sold on Saints Row 3? We have a video to help change your mind.
1. Uncharted 3
Platform: Playstation 3
Release Date: November 1st, 2011
Why: With a series that’s had so much polish, it’s hard to believe that fans aren’t camping outside of their local retailers already. If you’ve never had the pleasure of playing an Uncharted title, you’re severely missing out. Top notch voice acting, animations, story, and gameplay can all be expected within the series. Naughty Dog has crafted two of the best titles to date on the Playstation 3, and Uncharted 3 should pick up where the other two have left off. If you’ve yet to check any videos in regards to Uncharted 3 yet, be sure you’re sitting down first.
What do you think about our list of the top five most overlooked games left in 2011? Are there any titles that you disagree with or believe that another title should be there in its place? Be sure to let us know what you think by leaving us a comment below, or sound off in our forums!