10. Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts
Platforms: Xbox 360
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Rare
Approximate Global Sales: 310,000
US sales tanked at 140,000 according to NPD. Sales overseas kept it from being a total disaster. The thing is, Nuts and Bolts is a really, really good game and not just kiddie platformer fare. In fact, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts could very well be the biggest missed gem of 2008. The departure from classic platforming results in a more creative direction that has you building crazy vehicles to complete a wide range of tasks. Customizing your rides with parts found through half a dozen kooky levels is a blast. Here is a game that strikes just the right balance between customization and accessibility, allowing you to jump right in and play without having to fuss too much with complicated parts and designing. Online multiplayer extends play time too, which isn't even necessary given the bulk of the single player game. You get all of this for a low price of $39.99.
Nuts and Bolts
9. Tales of Vesperia
Platforms: Xbox 360
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Developer: Namco Bandai Games
Approximate Global Sales: 290,000
Smartly following in the trend of Eternal Sonata in crafting its own gorgeous cel-shaded graphics, Tales of Vesperia gains the notoriety of a long-running and beloved role-playing series. Rather than dramatically overhauling what already works, this newest installment does just enough to bring the series up to speed for high-definition play while keeping that classic feel. Criticism of some antiquated elements is justified, yet that doesn't prevent Tales of Vesperia from being an enjoyable experience for those craving a traditionally-styled role-playing game.
8. Chocobo’s Dungeon
Platforms: Nintendo Wii
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Approximate Global Sales: 240,000
Yet another Wii game that received fairly good press only to tank at the cash register. It's a basic dungeon crawl but it looks cute, has the Final Fantasy named attached to it, and you would think on those facts alone it would sell 500,000 units. Cole Jones, our writer who reviewed the game said, "As a gamer that has been burnt out by excessively cruel and repetitive dungeon crawlers in the past, the game never left me feeling overly drained and worn out. Chocobo’s Dungeon deserves at least a few hours of any adventurous Wii gamer’s time." Many people didn't listen.
Chocobo’s Dungeon
7. Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice
Platforms: Xbox 360
Publisher:NIS America
Developer:Nippon Ichi Software
Approximate Global Sales: 210,000
Tactical role-playing was a staple of the last generation, but Disgaea 3 carries the torch practically by itself in this current one. Low sales could point to a declining interest in these time sinks, yet there's no debate to be had regarding the stellar design of this newest installment. The antiquated graphics belie a game packed with tough tactical battle, in-depth character development, and a great sense of humor. Whereas Valkyria Chronicles represents a new type of strategic role-playing, Disgaea 3 is a nod to tradition that deserves more play than it's currently getting.
6. Culdcept Saga
Platforms: Xbox 360
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Developer:OmiyaSoft
Approximate Global Sales: 150,000
Now this is just a damn shame. Sure, Culdcept Saga is a niche title suited to a specific audience, but this board game-meets-Magic: The Gathering mash up is sheer brilliance. A little time spent learning the basic rules of this card-collecting game will pay off in hours of addictive gameplay. Changing virtually nothing from the PlayStation 2 original, the sequel does add a few new cards, a bunch of arenas, online matches via Xbox Live. It's definitely not for everyone, but if the mix of cards and competition piques your interest than this is a must-have.
Culdcept Saga
