This thread is just people naming games they like that are also highly regarded, I expected more controversial games that people like despite it all
Fair enough, in that case:
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Asura's Wrath
Action game heavily focused on cinematic experience and loaded with quicktime events. The game caught a lot of flak for having the game's actual "ending" locked behind DLC (dick move, Capcom). Despite this, I love this game for the stylistic blend of ancient Asian mythology and sci-fi, as well as the over-the-top fights. The whole game feels like watching a movie. One of the few games where I feel watching a Let's Play serves the same experience as playing it, sans the button mashing.
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Anarchy Reigns (Max Anarchy for EU)
3D brawler/fighter made by PlatinumGames that takes place in the MadWorld universe. The playerbase for the game dwindled quickly after launch, but I thoroughly enjoyed it for that short time span. Combat was relatively simple and easy to pick up, which may have factored in to people leaving. Overall good character designs and soundtrack.
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Battleborne
A MOBA released by Gearbox around the same time as Overwatch. Sets itself apart from Overwatch by having modes other than payload pushing and zones captures and plays more like a conventional MOBA (minion pushing, towers, power/skill gain on level up). Massively overhyped and potentially sunk by Randall Pitchford (obligatory "fuck you Randy"). Fun and unique character designs, but was unfortunately plagued with bugs and bad map design (ranged heroes being able to use elevation on slopes to shoot into "safe areas", some weird clipping issues on terrain, etc.)
WildStar
Space/sci-fi MMORPG that opened in 2012 and ended service a year or so ago. This game had all the staples of a MMO, but what kept me playing was the almost Ratchet and Clank-styled aesthetic and the depth of all of the systems. The game had a great housing systems, fun mounts, and PvP that was actually rewarding for your character. Most skills were aim-based as opposed to just clicking on something and unloading. Overall, a fun MMO that consumed my younger days.
Ninja Gaiden 2
Second entry in Team Ninja's NG franchise. I hear a lot of people dog on this game for being "too easy"(compared to the first game anyways), but I find it plenty challenging, especially compared to today's difficulty standards. It's also a common sentiment that game isn't much of an improvement over the first, which honestly isn't saying much because the first Ninja Gaiden is a classic. Don't fix what isnt broken. I'd argue this game has the best weapon variety of the series; every weapon is both practical in use and stylish in application. The combat is extremely fluid and quickly showers the arenas in blood and viscera. Story is kind of mediocre, but the plot has never been a strong area in these games. I don't play Team Ninja games for story, I play them for titties, tight gameplay, and gore.
HONORABLE MENTION
Xfire
Although not a game, this was the go-to application in the olden days for connectivity. Xfire had messaging, play time tracking, video sharing, voice chat, and the ability to quick-join games and servers from the client. This may sound like pretty standard affair to most modern gamers, but pre-Steam and Discord days, most people ran a combination of Xfire and Ventrilo/TeamSpeak. I definitely feel like I'm showing my age with this one, but the old heads will understand.
You were a good ship, Xfire. RIP