The Overlooked & Underplayed column allows us to recommend top notch games that, for one reason or another, failed to capture the public’s imagination. Don’t miss these forgotten gems.

Turn based strategy is often considered the lesser cousin of real time strategy. However, over the years we’ve seen some rippers in this genre. One such game that slipped through the cracks in 2008 on Xbox Live Arcade was Commanders: Attack of the Genos.

With smooth art deco graphics and 15 unique levels, this accessible, but addictive game provided hours of fun (spiced with moments of frustration). You had the choice of playing eight over-the-top commanders whose charge was to defeat genetically engineered aggressors known as the Genos.

The easier levels engendered an air of arrogance to make you believe that you could actually command your own real-life military operation. The more challenging levels would have you sweating on every move. There was a decent variety of troops, as well as ground level and aerial combat units to assist you in your cause.

Commanders: Attack of the Genos was a wonderful example of the genre. It didn’t receive much fanfare and, if you were to mention the name to most, they probably would say “huh?” Maybe it got lost in the early years of Microsoft’s download service. Who knows? What is known is that you should try out this game that not many people are talking about.

Don’t waste another minute! Commanders: Attack of the Genos is available for download from XBL.

Searching for more Overlooked & Underplayed classics?  View additional entries here.