Our Game of the Year awards are just around the corner, and there's little doubt that just about everyone's heard of most of the bigger contenders. Fallout 3, Spore, Soulcalibur IV, Prince of Persia, Grand Theft Auto IV, LittleBigPlanet, Metal Gear Solid 4... everyone and their cousins know all about 'em. They're great games with tons of publicity and they'll probably show up in our awards. Maybe. Possibly.

But this series is not for them. The Games Less Traveled will profile some of the highest-quality but lowest-profile games in the running this year, hopefully pointing you toward a title or two that you might have overlooked. We're kicking off with two entries, and check back over the next week for the rest! Remember, bigger isn't always better.



Pirates of the Burning Sea (PC) [New!]
Released too soon to modest acclaim, Flying Lab's underrated MMO keeps sailing the Spanish Main, pirate flag held high.


Echochrome (PSP)
If you didn't download Sony's M.C. Escher-inspired puzzle romp, you're missing out on one of the year's best handheld games.


Braid (360)
In a year of space marines, nuclear wastelands and carjackings, there was a little game that could twist your brain.


King's Bounty: The Legend (PC)
This beautiful remake from Russia demonstrates how love for a classic and faith in your mechanics can create an unexpected gem.


Valkyria Chronicles (PS3)
Is Valkyria Chronicles destined to become the best game that nobody played this year?



Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS)
This trip through the strange city of St. Mystere also doubles as a journey through centuries of classic puzzles.