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I will start with...
Unsolved Crimes / DS / 2008
Website: http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/Oc ... SNKQSDI3by
Unsolved Crimes was released in 2008, and I think I'm the only person who actually played it. Obviously not really, but it seems that way, given I've never seen anyone talk about it on any gaming forum well, ever. Other than me anyway. Maybe it was the generic cover, maybe the boring name, but for whatever reason it seems like everyone overlooked this game, even adventure game aficionados. Here's a basic description from Wikipedia:
"The game is set in New York City. The player is a rookie detective from the homicide division. There are eight cases in the game, and one larger case divided into sections. In this case, a model named Betsy Blake goes missing. She is the sister of the player's partner, Marcy Blake. The DS offers a variety of things on the touch screen. Memos, evidence, profiles of suspects and movements are done through the touch screen. In almost every case players must answer queries. These are often multiple-choice. If the player answers wrong they lose confidence from their partner. The game is over when Marcy loses trust in them completely, or when all cases are solved."
What did I enjoy about it? That it was a mature, reality-grounded detective story that starred a strong female protagonist. The cases were interesting, the queries fun, and the game's atmosphere remained consistent. Environments are 3D and interesting to explore, and the plot ends on a great twist that draws the protagonist into things on a personal level. Also the puzzles often utilized the DS stylus in creative and intuitive ways.
Screenshot gallery:
If you enjoy adventure games and own a DS/3DS, give Unsolved Crimes a chance. It's more believable and mature than Phoenix Wright or Professor Layton, falling closer in line with Hotel Dusk (though much darker than Kyle Hyde's own experience). And while Unsolved Crimes isn't as polished as the games I just mentioned, it was certainly entertaining enough that I finished it quickly, and still have fond memories of playing it back in 2009.
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Anyone else care to recommend an unknown or underrated game?
(EDIT: Added "unknown" to the quantifying concept.)