The Unpopular Opinion 3: Games We Liked That Many Did Not

The staff at SuperPhillip Central loves games. We live them, we breathe them, we bathe with them, etc. However, we sometimes go outside the norm with our reviews, bashing titles that many others enjoyed, and heralding other games that have received poor scores or negative feedback within the gaming community. This article focuses on the latter type of games. As the title suggests, this is our second go at representing the games that a sizable chunk of gamers and critics lambasted yet we still enjoy. To check out the first and second articles, click this link and this link. After you're done reading our choices, why not list some of your own?

Knack (PS4)

A new IP that launched with the PlayStation 4, Knack received a lot of criticism for being too linear and not fully realizing the potential of its biggest gameplay feature. However, we're of the opinion that Knack delivers just enough accessibility, joy, and foundations of solid gameplay concepts to make the game worthwhile and enjoyable to play. Its drop-in/drop-out co-op allows players of ages to join one another on a charming journey.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS)

Perhaps it was fatigue with the franchise or something else, but longtime Nintendo fans hold New Super Mario Bros. 2 in contempt in some regards. While it didn't reinvent the wheel by any means, it showed to us at SuperPhillip Central that the next generation of developers that Nintendo has employed (after all, it was the new guys who made the levels for the game) are more than capable of continuing the legacy of the Super Mario franchise. The level design offers clever twists on old concepts while throwing in some fresh level obstacles to keep the game feeling fresh. It's not Mario's grandest 2D adventure, but it is incredibly competent and entertaining.

Yoshi's New Island (3DS)

Many have called Yoshi's New Island, the most recent game on this installment's list, too easy. However, we take the stance that it's only "too easy" if you simply blaze through the game. Through getting 100% completion on each and every level, especially the dreaded S levels, is no small task, and it quite simply boosts the longevity of Yoshi's New Island considerably. Perhaps our only gripes with Yoshi's latest are the forced gyro vehicle transformation sections, the reliance on one melody for the majority of songs in the game, and some obtuse design when it comes to some secrets. Other than, Yoshi's New Island gives us a warm feeling of familiarity with some new ideas tossed in like Yoshi would chuck an egg.

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures (Multi)

Now, here we're talking about the console versions of Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures, the game based off of the new Disney XD cartoon series of the same name. We have yet to experience the Nintendo 3DS 2D version. Anyhow, while the newest Pac-Man isn't the most innovative game out there, it really does showcase some interesting and logical level design, offering some inventive concepts. The game is on the easy side, but it can now be find at even more budget-y price than it already was at, so there's very little to lose when trying out this overlooked 3D platformer.

Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS)

There was plenty of disappointment to go around when Paper Mario: Sticker Star released on the Nintendo 3DS. For one, it made battles relatively worthless, no longer offering experience points or leveling up. Another issue was using stickers for combat. Then there's the lack of partner characters, new characters, or an interesting story to sink one's teeth into. Finally, boss battles relied on having the right sticker and using it at the right time. Many of these uses were obtuse, so how in the world did any of us enjoy the game? Whether it was the charm, the brilliant music, or the fact that we had a guide as we played, Paper Mario: Sticker Star wasn't the massive disappointment that is was for so many fans of the RPG franchise.

Mega Man X5 (PS1)

We know Bean doesn't like this entry in the Mega Man X series, and like him, others believe Mega Man X5 is the turning point of the series. It started the downhill slide of quality the franchise suffered through. However, while the rest of us (all two of us) agree that X5 wasn't as polished and fantastic as its predecessors, we find that the game is still of a great quality. It contains some challenging levels, each with their own personality, Mavericks that are mighty formidable, more secrets to find than ever before, and a sensational soundtrack to complement the entire experience. While Mega Man X5 falters in ways that prior Mega Man X games did not, it is still very much a fun and playable game.

Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity (Wii, PS2)

The Sonic Riders series has a cult following-- well, except that Xbox 360 Kinect exclusive one. Regardless, the majority of reviewers find the games lacking in several regards. To us, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity makes for an innovative racer that uses gravity as its main mechanic featuring a wide cast of Sonic the Hedgehog characters to unlock and play as. Of course, if you're playing the Wii version, stay away from the gimmicky motion controls and proudly rock a GameCube controller. From perfectly executing sharp turns without losing speed with the power gravity to performing a high scoring trick in mid air, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity isn't for everyone, but it is certainly a game for us.

Dynasty Warriors Gundam series (PS3, 360)

The majority of the SuperPhillip Central staff don't generally care for the majority of Dynasty Warriors games. It's not because we don't like the gameplay or anything like that, it's just that we aren't really interested in Japanese history all too much. Names of warriors we can't spell, much less pronounce don't really do anything for us, but giant freaking mobile suits that look awesome and can fly? Sweet. Sure, the Dynasty Warriors series is known for being repetitive, and adding Gundams to that doesn't change anything, but the Dynasty Warriors Gundam trilogy allows us to feel like bad asses, slashing, slicing, and shooting thousands of foes into space dust.

Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop (Wii)

Calling the Wii version of Capcom's Dead Rising a port would be folly. It's more of a re-imagining, as it uses a completely different structure to it. While Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop is essentially a poor man's version of the Xbox 360 original, it is still a game that we enjoyed and recommend. Using the Resident Evil 4 engine, developer Tose created shooting that feels so much better than what was found on the 360. Yes, there's much less polish to be found, much less zombies, and a more linear progression, but Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop delights us to this day. It's just awesome to point the Wii Remote at the screen and pick off zombies, parrots, and poodles.