Okay, so maybe you've heard of a few of these, or even played them. But it's not all that likely, given that none of them have ever been released in the United States. But hey, if you can take the time to track them down, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Sometimes, you can just take an idea and run with it. In this top-down shooter collection, that idea is "Buzz": scraping the sides, but not the middle, of your ship against oncoming enemy fire and ships. Two very different versions of the same game in one package, Psyvariar is one of the most entertaining and challenging shoot-em-ups released in the modern era.

Planned for the US but never released, this game, based on the fifth JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga series, is one of those few games that immerses you to a point where you feel like you're playing a comic. Cel-shaded graphics, an oustanding story (never straying from the manga), simple controls, and challenging goals make this one worth playing and reading.

The third game in the Bust A Move (or Groove) series, Dance Summit 2001 is a fairly simple bash-the-buttons rhythm game, but behind that lies outstanding choreography, addictive tunes, great design, and a challenging little game as well. Almost more fun to watch than to play, but the game is luckily simple enough to allow you to do both at once.

Released everywhere but in the US, NaNaOn-Sha's vib-ribbon is the ultimate minimalist game. Simple vector graphics and even simpler controls mask what underneath is one of the best concepts for a rhythm game ever created: Roll your own. Insert your own CD into your PS, and match the rhythms of your favorite soundtrack, or just stick with the game's few but great songs.

One of the most bizarre hybrid games ever created, SHRB plays like a fast-paced combo-happy 2D fighter with 3D graphics. That is, until you pull off one of the game's Beat Combos, at which point it turns into a fast-paced mini-game of BeatMania: Hit the buttons with the beat as you bash your opponent to a pulp. The game's frentic music, wide variety of characters, and fantastic design make it worth hunting down.

Sure, it finally did come to the US on the PSP, but a small screen and ill-suited contoller took far too much away from it. On the Dreamcast, as long as you have a good ASCII joystick, it simply shined. No 2D fighter before or after has been as polished or as well animated.

Why, Namco, why? You may have had a chance to play the orignal or its sequels on the GBA and DS, but Drill Land is hands-down the best puzzle game ever created. Taking the original Mr. Driller formula and branching it out into strategy and RPG modes (while keeping the original charm), its difficulty is set so perfectly you're forced to keep coming back to it again and again.

Yes, it's the Holy Grail of gaming, and it's more than likely you've never actually had a chance to pick it up and play, which is a horrible shame. Not only is it simply the best top-down shooter ever created (with tons of weapon choices, an RPG-like power-up system, and an interesting story and characters), the extra mode for the Saturn gives it longevity beyond any other shoot-em-up.

Sure, you may have had a chance to pick up the Dreamcast version when it came out in the US, but the orignal N64 was by far the superior version. With a focus on powerups and strategy, the game featured perfectly tuned levels, lightning-fast action, a wonderful soundtrack, and horribly sore thumbs.

GaoGaiGar, Gaiking, Gunbuster, Ideon, Reideen, Mazinger. If none of those words mean anything to you, then you're probably not going to understand or comprehend why this is number one on my list. But, if you're a fan of Super Robot anime, love turn-based strategy, and know a little Japanese, then this is the game for you. SRW@3 is a fun unit and turn-based strategy game (Re: Advance Wars), with absolutely beautiful animated battles, geared toward fans of super robots. Challenging, fun to play, and even better to watch.

List by CJayC