Lost Worlds: Forgotten Fantasy Games You Should Play

24 October 2025

Let’s be honest—we’ve all been swept up in the whirlwind of big-budget fantasy games like The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim or The Witcher 3. These giants have dominated the genre for years, dazzling us with their sprawling open worlds and intricate storylines. But, lurking in the shadows of these AAA titans, there are forgotten gems—fantasy games that, for some reason, didn’t get their due. These "lost worlds" are every bit as enchanting, mysterious, and rewarding as their more famous counterparts. If you're a fan of dragons, magic, and epic quests, then buckle up—here’s a journey into the hidden corners of gaming history where these forgotten titles await.

Why Do Games Get Forgotten?

Before we dive in, let’s address the elephant in the room: why do perfectly good games fade into obscurity? Sometimes, it’s bad timing. A solid game might release in the same month as a blockbuster title (looking at you, Skyrim). Other times, it’s poor marketing, lack of funding, or even bad luck. Heck, some games were ahead of their time—they introduced innovative mechanics or ideas that players weren’t ready to embrace.

But these forgotten games are far from irrelevant. In fact, replaying them now can feel like stepping into a hidden treasure chest filled with nostalgia, innovation, and, occasionally, a little chaos. So, grab your sword and staff—let's unearth these underrated fantasy gems!

1. Arx Fatalis: The Dungeon Crawler That Time Forgot

Arx Fatalis is an underappreciated masterpiece that brought a gritty, dark tone to the fantasy genre. Developed by Arkane Studios (yep, the same team that made Dishonored), this game was like Dark Souls before Dark Souls. Released in 2002, it combined dungeon crawling with immersive RPG mechanics and a spellcasting system so unique you’ll feel like a wizard-in-training.

Why was it forgotten? Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by bigger names like Morrowind when it launched. But here’s the thing—Arx Fatalis offers a level of environmental interactivity that would make modern titles blush. Want to bake bread? You can do that. Want to draw runes to cast spells? You bet. It’s the kind of game that rewards experimentation.

If you're into atmospheric worlds and love the idea of surviving in an underground labyrinth where each corner hides danger or discovery, this is your jam.

2. Silver: The Forgotten Underdog of the Late '90s

Ah, Silver. Talk about a game that deserved so much better. Released back in 1999, this action RPG had the misfortune of competing against heavy-hitters like Final Fantasy VIII. But don’t let that fool you—Silver is an absolute charmer with its fast-paced combat and engaging story about a young warrior rescuing his kidnapped wife. Classic? Sure. Predictable? Kind of. Fun? Oh, 100%.

One of the coolest features of Silver was its intuitive mouse-driven combat system. Think of it as a precursor to today’s action-based RPG mechanics. Plus, the game has a colorful cast of characters and stunning (for its time) pre-rendered environments. It’s a time capsule, but in the best way possible.

3. Drakan: Order of the Flame: Fantasy Meets Dragon Riding

If your dream has ever involved riding a dragon into battle, then Drakan: Order of the Flame is the game you never knew you needed. Released in 1999 (yep, another victim of late-'90s overshadowing), this action-adventure game lets you play as Rynn, a warrior who forms a bond with a dragon named Arokh. Together, you embark on a quest to save Rynn’s kidnapped brother. Spotting a theme yet? Yes, “kidnapped loved ones” were the bread and butter of fantasy plots back in the day.

Drakan shines with its seamless blend of on-foot combat and aerial dragon battles. It was basically the precursor to games like Divinity: Dragon Commander, but with way more old-school charm. The freedom to soar through the skies on Arokh’s back felt revolutionary at the time—and, honestly, it’s still ridiculously cool.

4. Albion: A Sci-Fi Twist on Fantasy

When you think of fantasy games, your mind probably goes straight to knights, elves, and medieval vibes, right? Well, Albion doesn’t fit that mold—it’s a fantasy game with a splash of sci-fi. Released in 1995 by Blue Byte, this RPG starts with a spaceship crash and ends up taking you on a journey through an alien world full of magic, mystery, and strange creatures.

The game’s blend of futuristic tech and ancient mysticism feels like something plucked from the dreams of Dune fans. And its blend of first-person exploration and top-down combat was innovative for its time. Sadly, Albion was overshadowed by genre juggernauts like Baldur’s Gate. But for those who like their fantasy served with a side of "what the heck is even happening," it doesn’t get much better than this.

5. Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos: A Masterclass in Classic RPGs

Let’s go back to 1993 for a second. Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos is what I like to call “comfort food” for fans of old-school RPGs. Developed by Westwood Studios (the same folks who gave us Command & Conquer), this game is all about dungeon crawling, party management, and gorgeous pixel art that oozes charm.

Think of it as a spiritual successor to Eye of the Beholder, but with more polish and personality. The voice acting (yes, it had voice acting in 1993!) was top-notch, and the game’s story—while straightforward—was engaging enough to pull you in. It’s a love letter to the golden age of RPGs. If you can get past the dated graphics, you’re in for one heck of an adventure.

6. Severance: Blade of Darkness: The Dark Souls Before Dark Souls

Way before FromSoftware made us smash our controllers in frustration (and joy), there was Severance: Blade of Darkness. Released in 2001, this hardcore action RPG was brutal, unforgiving, and a total blast to play. It’s a game that rewards patience, skill, and, let’s be real, a high tolerance for failure.

The combat system in Severance is its crown jewel—it’s precise, tactical, and oh-so-satisfying. Choose from four different characters, each with unique abilities, and hack your way through a dark, bloody world that doesn’t care about your feelings. Fair warning: this game isn’t here to hold your hand. But if you’re looking for a challenge, it’ll scratch that itch.

7. Summoner: The Cult Classic That Deserves Better

Summoner is the awkward stepchild of fantasy RPGs—often overlooked, but deeply beloved by those who gave it a chance. Developed by Volition (yes, the studio behind Saints Row), this 2000 game is a mix of ambition and jankiness. The storytelling is surprisingly deep, with plot twists and character interactions that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

The game’s unique summoning mechanic lets you call forth powerful creatures to fight alongside you, making for some truly epic battles. Sure, it has its flaws (let’s just say the graphics haven’t aged gracefully), but for fans of narrative-heavy RPGs, Summoner is an underrated treat.

Why Should You Play These Games Today?

So, what’s the appeal of these forgotten worlds? For one, they offer a refreshing break from cookie-cutter modern gaming experiences. These titles weren’t afraid to take risks—to experiment with gameplay mechanics and storytelling in ways that’ll surprise even the most seasoned fantasy fans. Plus, there’s a certain charm to revisiting older games; it’s like peeling back the layers of gaming history and finding something timeless underneath.

Think of these games as hidden gems in a treasure chest you didn’t know you had. Sure, they’re a little rough around the edges, but isn’t that part of the fun? These aren’t polished jewels—they’re raw diamonds waiting to be rediscovered.

Final Thoughts

Alright, adventurer, the ball’s in your court. If you’re tired of the same tried-and-true fantasy games, stepping into these lost worlds will not only scratch your nostalgia itch but also remind you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place. From dungeon crawlers to dragon-riding epics, there’s something here for everyone.

Dust off those old discs, fire up your emulator, or scour Steam for hidden treasures—you might just find your next favorite game hiding in plain sight.