The sad fact is that merit isn't always rewarded, especially in the gaming industry. Developers may pour their hearts and souls into an inspired idea, but consumers simply don't respond. Whether due to bad marketing or other reasons, the result is always a financial flop. That rings true for any console, including those under the PlayStation name. Sony's systems have seen countless titles that failed to make a widespread impact. Fortunately, there exists a silver lining.
After the initial release, loyal fans may continue singing a game's praises. This keeps the title in the public consciousness, albeit in a small way. As a result, one can't help but root for them as underdogs in a merciless industry. PlayStation has its own collection of such cult classics scattered throughout its history. Fans just have to know where to look, but these hidden gems are well worth the search.
7 Bushido Blade
This PS1 fighter set out to be different from others in its genre. It forgoes the flashy spectacles of its peers and places a greater emphasis on realism. If a blow lands on an arm, the combatant can't use that limb anymore. Ultimately, that approach proved to be the game's downfall.
The title didn't have the wider appeal of arcade brawlers like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat. In hindsight, though, players have looked kindlier on Bushido Blade, appreciating its commitment to authenticity. Even in today's crowded market, that devotion helps it to stand out.
6 Tearaway
Coming from the creators of LittleBigPlanet, Tearaway debuted on the PS Vita. That already puts it at a disadvantage since that handheld system soon became infamous for commercial disappointment. However, the game's specialized platforming mechanics earned praise from those who played it, leading to respectable sales by Vita standards.
That modest success was enough to spawn a remastered version on PS4, but this turned into an utter flop. On the upside, it caused many to reflect fondly on the Vita version. Gamers now had a greater admiration for how it implemented the handheld's distinctive touchscreen and motion control features into an organic and personalized adventure. Those scrounging for Vita titles should consider picking it up.
5 Super Dragon Ball Z
Games based on Dragon Ball are nothing new, but this odd duck comes from several Street Fighter alums. As expected, they bring their storied fighter expertise to the anime franchise with a surprisingly deep combat system. It rewards timing, positioning, and elaborate combos. These strengths are probably why the game was so successful in Japanese arcades.
Sadly, it failed to reach the fandom internationally. The game released amidst of the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai and Budokai Tenkaichi series. Players didn't really know what to make of this oddball standalone and, thus, overlooked it in favor of the franchise's more established fighters. In hindsight, though, fans have come to respect Super Dragon Ball Z for its slick, strategic take on the series' flashy fights. In many ways, it was the precursor to Dragon Ball FighterZ. It's not the only such precursor here...
4 Rygar: The Legendary Adventure
A remake of an NES title, Rygar is a hack-and-slash adventure about a warrior making his way through a world inspired by Greek and Roman mythology. At his side is the Diskarmor: a bladed shield which Rygar swings to and fro with a chain. All of that sounds eerily similar to God of War. In reality, Rygar came a few years before and enjoyed similar rave reviews, but it wasn't the same runaway success.
The Wii port in 2008 only dug the hole deeper. This version was maligned, thus tainting the brand that it was meant to revive. Still, Rygar is a respected part of the PS2's game library. Players just have to sift through the console's other classics to find it, but that may be more likely given the acclaim of its rival. Ironically, Rygar is a satisfying way to get one's God of War fix.
3 Shadows Of Rome
Speaking of Ancient Rome, the setting also inspired another hidden gem on the PS2. Shadows of Rome revolves around a gladiator and a senator working together to investigate Julius Caesar's assassination. That premise leads to a wide variety in gameplay, which lies at the heart of the title's praise. It sports a healthy mix of combat, stealth, and other mechanics to keep things interesting and provides enough depth to each one to make it engaging. The tragedy is that audiences didn't show up to this arena.
Shadows of Rome underperformed, and the developers reworked their proposed sequel into Dead Rising. With that weird metamorphosis, it seemed like gladiatorial game was well and truly buried. However, those looking into the history of its zombie successor (or seeking a game about the Roman era) occasionally come across this gem. Upon witnessing it conquer the competition, they're left to wonder what might have been.
2 War Of The Monsters
Another fighting title, War of the Monsters simulates the colossal battles seen in Godzilla flicks and other kaiju bashes. It ably captures that appeal with its wide selection of monster archetypes, impactful combat, and fully destructible cityscapes. Like other experimental fighters, though, it failed to stand out among the more recognizable names.
Kaiju films make up a niche genre outside of Japan. That was especially the case in the mid-2000s. Thankfully, the recent big-screen success of the MonsterVerse has revitalized Western interest in the genre. Possibly because of that, War of the Monsters has regained enough of a following to land on the PlayStation Store.
1 PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
PlayStation has many mascots which have become beloved staples of gaming. Sony sought to use this vast character catalog to capitalize on the popularity of crossover fighters like Marvel vs. Capcom and, more directly, Super Smash Bros. The resulting PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale was less a whirlwind of success and more of a light breeze. While the archaic gameplay was solid, the lack of content disappointed many fans. Because of that, the game didn't sell remotely enough copies to spawn a series like its contemporaries.
Despite this failure, devotees still dream about a sequel or successor. Some of that comes down to recent enthusiasm for Smash clones like Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl and MultiVersus. More instrumental, though, is the wealth of new PlayStation icons which have emerged since the game's release. Players would love to see this updated roster duke it out with the oldies.