Skies of Arcadia

Dreamcast, Gamecube

Publisher - Sega

2000

I was not a big fan of turn based RPGs before playing Skies of Arcadia, and Arcadia's ability to stack attacks by pressing a button at the right moment ruined me for 70% of the RPGs I have played since trying this gem of a game.

Arcadia might have had way-too frequent random battles, but it also had awesome air battles in flying ships, a great since of exploration in a semi-open world, memorable characters and a involving story.

The fact that Sega has not tried to capture this formula again, but sees fit to whore Sonic out every chance they get really makes me question the sanity of this publisher.

Earth Defense Force 2017

Xbox 360

Publisher - D3

2007

EDF 2017 is one of those games that was so close to greatness, yet just far enough away that a sequel really could have gotten the mix perfectly... if only developer Sandlot would get of their asses and make one! EDF was almost a pitch perfect translation of old-school arcade style play onto the more modern consoles, yet a few major flaws kept it from being as good as it could have been.

All that really needs to happen to make this one of the most fun games ever is to add online co-op, fix vehicle controls, and add some more variety to the enemy types.

Do it Sandlot... do it now!

Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem

Gamecube

Publisher - Nintendo

2002

Everything about this game screamed generic Resident Evil clone before the game released, but great scores and even better word of mouth had me buy the game in college. Boy, I sure was glad that I did too! This is still one of the freakiest games I have ever played, and while the controls were not the revelation Resident Evil 4 would offer, they were at least a very good evolution of the old RE tank control.

Silicon Knights is probably one of my favorite developers. Yeah, I actually even had a blast with Too Human.  Sue me! Even though they are my favorite developers, though, I have to question their sanity for not following this game up sooner.

I know there are crazy things going on in Dennis Dyack's head, but even a crazy person should know that sometimes it is smart to keep a good thing going.

Seaman

Dreamcast

Publisher - Sega

2000

OK, are we done laughing about this games name yet? Can we please move on and talk about its merits as a videogame... well, on second thought nevermind. While this game might not have a ton to offer, I had a blast leaving my Seaman on the TV while I studied in college, and I would love to whip my Seaman out again to play with. Umm...

I know this game got a Japanese sequel, but I think an Xbox Live Arcade version would be friggin awesome.

Just do it Sega! There has to be more freaks like me out there. Right?

Heavenly Sword

PS3

Publisher - SCEA

2007

Cards on the table- I thought Heavenly Sword was a massively over-rated game. While I thought the short length, awful final boss, repetitive enemies, and stiff combat all kept the game from earning the great scores massive hype bought the game, I do think that a sequel could have ironed out these wrinkles easily.

Sony not getting the ball rolling on a sequel to this is really a shame. Not only does this mean wasting all their hard work fostering the hype the game had, but it also means that we will not see more of this well envisioned world.

Legacy of Kain Series

Dreamcast, PS1, PS2, Gamecube, Xbox

Publisher - Eidos

1996 - 2003

I am a pretty huge fan of this series. I discovered it on a chance rental in college, and quickly became obsessed after a 6 hour, shroom fueled play to completion of Soul Reaver. I fell in love with its dark, gothic world and its deep story. While I could have left the rather meh combat aside at the time, I think that the advent of God of War shows a combar system that could really make a sequel or remake of this series great now.