Some people claim that the PS3 game library is weak compared to the Xbox 360, but this could be due to the fact that many titles are being completely overlooked by consumers.  I can think of many games that are either underrated or unappreciated for one reason or another.  Here’s my list of the five most underrated and/or unappreciated PS3 games:

Folklore (Underrated by 10%)

Folklore is one of the best RPGs on the PS3 and nobody seems to care about it. Folklore was released in the Fall of 2007 and almost instantly vanished from the minds of gamers. This is also one of the few games to take advantage of Sixaxis in a memorable way. It’s only about 15-17 hours long but it has an amazing look and quality presentation value.  I believe that Folklore was simply released at the wrong time and received some less than favorable reviews.  The only possible reason I can see not to buy it is the lack of trophy whore support, but if you don’t care about trophies, there’s no reason in the world not to buy this game.  I saw it in a Wal-Mart not too long ago for $15.  Folklore currently has a 75/100 metascore, but deserves something closer to 85/100.

Folklore is a unique, dark fantasy adventure inspired by western fairy tales. Set in the mysterious town of Doolin, two strangers, Keats and Ellen, are drawn together to uncover a mysterious legend in a remote village that exists on the border between dreams and reality. They soon learn that the town serves as a gateway to fantastic realms, full of creatures, spirits and monsters. In order to solve the mystery of the town, and their past, the pair must journey through these worlds to uncover its secrets. [SCEA]

Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty (Underrated by 9%)

Despite being a short game, I found myself wanting to keep playing it over again.  Some reviewers knocked the game for being too “kiddie” but this isn’t the case at all.  R&C: QFB is enjoyable for gamers of all ages.  GameSpot claimed “its strict adherence to the series’ formula won’t bring in new fans”, which isn’t entirely true either.  If more people would give this game a chance, they may find themselves interested in the rest of the series for the first time.  The game currently has a metascore of 76/100 but deserves an 85/100 in my book.

[Playstation Network] The swashbuckling action in Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty begins one year following the intense ending in Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. Ratchet’s desperate search for Clank resumes with a bang as he finds himself engulfed in ship-board combat — only to be cast adrift and washed up on the shores of a remote island on the planet Merdegraw. Our Lombax hero must overcome life-threatening challenges, encounter hostile new alien races and even form an allegiance with dreaded Captain Slag’s first mate, Rusty Pete. All in the pursuit of clues that lead Ratchet to the treasure of Captain Angstrom Darkwater, Slag’s former commander and keeper of the only known link to the mysterious Zoni: the Fulcrum Star. Push, pull, and manipulate objects as you solve various puzzles using Ratchet’s new wrench. New Light/Dark gameplay: Illuminate dark areas and use your wits to survive encounters with enemies that live in the dark. New Pirate Puzzles: Mix brew, manipulate shadows, and play tunes to find hidden booty. [SCEA]

Burnout Paradise (Underrated by 8%)

Burnout Paradise may be one of the best cross-platform titles of this generation. For $20, it may also be one of the best buys out there.  Few games are as complete and offer replay value like this one, yet most reviews seemed a bit low for the package you receive.  Even at $60, Burnout Paradise would still be a great deal.  The game currently has an 87/100 metascore, which is really good but should be much higher. I currently have around 90 hours logged on the game and will probably continue playing the title for years to come.

Burnout Paradise proves that crashing is awesome! Next generation technology has enabled an unprecedented level of crash deformation allowing you to experience the most explosive pile-ups in the series’ history. Now the development team can realize their original vision for the Burnout franchise: an open world environment where you can do anything, anywhere, anytime. Feel the adrenaline course through your veins as you take to the road for the first time in Paradise City, where the action is all around you. Explore the city, discover events, and look for the best opportunities to crash, jump and pull signature takedowns. In Burnout Paradise you’re given the keys to the city, but it’s up to you to earn the keys to the meanest and most dangerous cars on the street, and earn your Burnout license. [Electronic Arts]