True hidden gems that you have NEVER heard of!

[jfe2]

We've all seen these topics pop up here before, and the "Hidden Gems" guides are what brought me to this site in the first place, but I wanted to make this topic as a tribute to a few games that I would classify as true hidden gems. These are games that I never see anyone talk about. Seriously, Google some of these... the lack of relevant results is a bit sad!

First up, I want to bring up Arkedo Series 03 - Pixel! Pixel is the third game in developer Arkedo's XBLA Indie title series, following platformer Jump! and puzzle game Swap!, which are both hidden gems in their own right. Arkedo Series 03 - Pixel! is a platformer with puzzle elements. The graphics have a very retro style to them, with everything in the game, including the main cat character and the various anthropomorphic enemies, being rendered in pixel art. The gameplay is fun, the music is catchy, and the visuals are a retro gamers dream come true.

Arkedo Series 03 - Pixel! gameplay video

Next I want to talk about a game that I have already been pimping here on the boards a bit as of late, Knight 'n' Grail for the Commodore 64. Psytronik Software developed this game and released it earlier this year for the Commodore 64 on disc and as a digital download. It is a Metroidvania style platformer that would have been HUGE if it had been released back in the '80s. The graphics push the console to its absolute limits and the music is hauntingly beautiful. The titular Knight moves at a slow, deliberate pace, but it actually fits in with the style of gameplay that is presented. You never feel as if the game is plodding along... quite the contrary, in fact. This game is actually very hard to put down!

Knight 'n' Grail gameplay video

The Legend of Princess is more of a tease than anything, but it is still an impressive and nostalgic take on what could have been. This game poses a simple question, intentionally or otherwise, of "What would Zelda II: Link's Adventure have been like as a 16-bit game?" The simple answer is "AWESOME!" Sadly this homage to Zelda is only one level long, but what is there is brilliant stuff. This game was developed by Joakim Sandberg and released as a free download on his website. The graphics are gorgeous, the music is amazing, and the addicting gameplay will have you playing through the games one and only level many times over.

The Legend of Princess gameplay video

[Dinog11]

Just played Legend of Princess and it is AWESOME! But if the hand gets the box, the game stops working.

[AppleQueso]

Legend of Princess is indeed awesome, I played it back when it came out. Joakim Sandberg makes plenty of great stuff, I really liked Chalk and Noitu Love 2.

[Gamerforlife]

Just checked this out on youtube, looks awesome. And apparently, the game is FREE! Awesome. Definitely worth a download

[jfe2]

Just checked this out on youtube, looks awesome. And apparently, the game is FREE! Awesome. Definitely worth a download

Which one did you check out?

[bacteria]

That Zelda wannabe game looks fantastic.

Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBudDIkd ... re=related

[jfe2]

That Zelda wannabe game looks fantastic.

Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBudDIkd ... re=related

I just wish he would have made a few more levels, or maybe a sequel... it's SOOO good!

[jfe2]

Legend of Princess is indeed awesome, I played it back when it came out. Joakim Sandberg makes plenty of great stuff, I really liked Chalk and Noitu Love 2.

I just played Chalk up to the 5th level and REALLY enjoyed it.

I also downloaded Noitu Love and the demo for Noitu Love 2 to check those out as well. I'm very impressed with Joakim Sandberg's work!