I’ve spent countless hours playing Theme Park by Bullfrog, which is not only my favorite simulation game but also ranks among my top three games ever. While many rave about its gameplay, I think the three modes often get overlooked, especially Sim Mode. The Sandbox Mode is quite basic, offering a simple setup without many challenges, while the Full Player Mode is notoriously tough, requiring players to manage every financial detail. Personally, I find Sim Mode to be the most balanced, combining fun gameplay elements like research and employee negotiations without feeling overwhelming. I’m curious if anyone else has come across lesser-known game modes in other games that are equally enjoyable but rarely talked about?
8 Answers
Puzzle Kombat in Mortal Kombat Deception was my jam! It’s so addictive, and my friends and I spent hours battling each other. It’s like a twist on Columns that never gets old!
It’s basically a clone of Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo, right? I’m not sure how they pulled that off legally.
Burnout 3’s Crash Mode is undeniably one of the best side modes out there! It’s just pure destruction and chaos, which is why I love it. And anyone who hasn’t tried the Time Trial mode in Super Punch-Out is missing out; that’s so much fun!
Survival mode in the first Driver game is a gem! I preferred it over the main story mode because it was just endless car chaos. It’s the kind of mindless fun I love when I’m in the mood for some vehicular mayhem.
Scavenge mode in Left 4 Dead 2 was my favorite! I loved the tense atmosphere of gathering fuel in that confined space. It definitely offered a different edge compared to the usual gameplay.
I’m with you on Theme Park! I enjoy the full mode, but it can get chaotic if you forget to manage your resources! And I swear I’ve logged more hours playing darts in Shenmue than actually progressing the main game.
I feel you! So many folks overlook FPS campaign modes in favor of multiplayer. COD’s campaigns are action-packed and super entertaining! It’s a shame they don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Don’t sleep on Double Dragon’s Mode B! It was an early one-on-one fighting setup, which was a blast playing with friends. Plus, it was the only way to play simultaneously on that NES version. Lots of nostalgic fun!
One that always stands out is the Counter-operative mode in Perfect Dark. It adds a fun twist where one player completes objectives while the other becomes a random enemy trying to take them down. It’s surprising more games haven’t adopted something like that because it makes for such an engaging experience.
Totally! Alpha Protocol had something similar where you could jump in as an enemy in someone’s game. Really cool concept!
Man, I used to love Puzzle Kombat! It’s crazy how much fun that side mode was.