These spin-offs to some of the biggest video game franchises ever have all but been lost to time.
Yet, some forgotten video game spin-offs are far more interesting than others.
Some are quite good and deserve more recognition than theyll probably ever get.
Others seem like they should have been a bigger deal than they ultimately were.
Some estimates suggest over 120Mega Mangames have been released over the years.
The name alone will likely draw a worthwhile Huh?
from the majority of gamers.
Its quite good, and who doesnt love a game that lets you see things from a villains perspective?
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Pokemon: Catch the Numbers!
Never released outside of Japan?
Yes, this is aPokemongame released exclusively for a Sega machine.
It was even released in 2002; only a year after Sega officially discontinued the Dreamcast.
It is functionally a continuation of theResident Evillight gun spin-off series,Gun Survivor.
However, it is based on the stories of theDino Crisisgames and seemingly exists within the same universe.
Unfortunately, the rest of this game is not really that interesting.
Whatever potential may be there, though, just isnt realized in this thoroughly unremarkable game.
Suffice to say, most of them got lost in the shuffle.
Whats remarkable aboutWario Worldisnt that its obscure but rather it really shouldnt be nearly as obscure as it is.
After all, this was a 2003 GameCube title that got a global release and was developed by Treasure.
Yes, thats the same Treasure responsible for beloved action games likeGunstar HeroesandSin and Punishment.
So why have you probably never heard of this?
Still, this one has enough going for it to make it worthy of a re-release.
Calling this game a product of its time is generous.
Believe me, it was plenty awkward in its day.
Interestingly, the handheld version of the game fares slightly better.
Its a net positive.
However, its sequel,Metal Gear Acid 2, is actually quite good.
Crash Boom Bang!
Crash Bandicoot (2006)
Crash Boom Bang!is a Nintendo DS party game set in theCrash Bandicootuniverse.
On paper, thats an incredible idea.
This one falls apart the moment you attempt to play it, though.
At best, the games primary systems are poorly balanced.
See,Revenant Wingsis technically a sequel toFinal Fantasy 12.
So why havent you (probably) heard of this one?
Well, its probably because of absolutely everything else about the game.
Despite being a sequel toFinal Fantasy 12, this is considered to be a non-canonical entry in theFinal Fantasyseries.
The game itself is a pretty good time and an undeniably fascinating experiment.
Somehow,Sonic and the Black Knightis much worse.
Sadly, thats not what we got.
Unfortunately, I doubt anyone will get the chance to do this worthwhile concept justice anytime soon.
The fact it is officially associated with theDark Soulsfranchise is bewildering and appalling.
Gears Pop Gears of War (2019)
Gears Popwas revealed at E3 2018 alongsideGears TacticsandGears 5.