To label an underrated video game as an underdog would be stretching it, but I often support a sports team that is considered in such terms, perhaps because I have a David and Goliath tendency. Anyway, there are a few games I play that are considered to be underrated, but that needs a little context. A bad online review by the likes of IGN, GameSpot, and others may sink a game, but very often such reviews are put together with hidden agendas or by staff who are not habitual gamers. The proof of the pudding comes from playing the game and immersing oneself in its world. But ultimately, whether you like a game or not is entirely subjective, so my opinion may vary wildly from that of other gamers.
Days Gone
Days Gone is a post-apocalyptic survival zombie shooter set in a beautiful Oregon open world and our protagonist’s only form of transport is a motorcycle. The objective is to liberate areas of both freakers (zombies) and humans using a variety of weapons, bombs, traps, and a certain amount of stealth.
Developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony for consoles in 2019, Days Gone finally made its way to PC in 2021. The console version at launch was a little buggy I’m told and I bought the PC version as soon as it was launched on Steam in May 2021, with so far no bugs to report from my end. However, the game was and still is criticised for many reasons which frankly defy belief – the bike running out of fuel, poor weapon controls and dodgy AI etc, etc. In fact, IGN slammed the game, describing it being set in a dreary and uninteresting world (Oregon is none of those things!) and an uneven and mostly toothless zombie game… blah, blah.
These critiques couldn’t be further from the truth in my experience – Oregon looks beautiful with rolling, forested countryside and high peaks and the freakers are very toothy! As for the motorcycle running out of fuel, that’s what bikes do if you don’t keep them topped up and this aspect of the game keeps it grounded and realistic. Fuel cans are liberally dotted around the world as are petrol stations, so there’s really no excuse to run empty.
Days Gone Gameplay
The storyline is engaging – a love story, biker camaraderie, conspiracy, and a search for the truth – and it keeps the game immersive. Combat can be hand-to-hand, melee with axes and other lethal objects, handguns, crossbows, shotguns, or long-distance with a sniper rifle.
Traps are laid by enemies, such as tripwires and sniper turrets and the RPG element is very well designed, allowing Deacon to craft dressings, bombs, repairs, and all manner of other items from what he finds scattered around in deserted buildings and encampments on his travels.
Survivor encampments can be found in the world, where they farm and do everything they can to keep the undead out, themselves in, and to make what they can of the world that’s been left behind. Our hero, Deacon, can use strongholds as trading stations, bike upgrades and earn credits.
As the game progresses, freakers can be found in hordes and these need to be tackled with patience and planning. Up to 500 freakers coming at you en masse is no joke and you need to use everything available in the environment and your weapon arsenal to defeat a horde. It’s possible, but very difficult without the right amount of stealth and cunning. Molotovs, napalm, proximity bombs, and mines, remote and pipe bombs can also be used and it’s important to collect all the required materials before a horde encounter.
Most fans of Days Gone simply don’t understand the negative reaction given to the game and for that reason, we believe it’s unfairly underrated and ironically will probably become a cult classic. I don’t play games at a rapid rate and like to take my time which is why in three years since acquiring Days Gone, I’ve played about 140 hours and have recently started Game+. This is where you start again but with all your previously earned weapons, bike upgrades, NERO boosters, skills, recipes, encampment trust and credits, collectibles, and trophy progress unlocked from the beginning. There aren’t many games that I’m inclined to start again, but this is definitely one of them because of its absorbing gameplay, production quality – it looks fantastic – and more than anything, the fun factor. Underrated maybe, but for me, money well spent.
- My Favourite Underrated Games – Part 1 ⬅ You are here
- My Favourite Underrated Games – Part 2 (Pending)
- My Favourite Underrated Games – Part 3 (Pending)
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