Too often we complain about how let down we are by games that are "overhyped".

But how about the other end of the spectrum? Which games did you not have too high hopes for but wound up totally blowing you away?

For me some games include:

Mass Effect: I knew this game would be good but DAYM the game had amazing graphics, great story, great voice acting, presentation, gameplay. And it was totaly original. I admit I wasn't expecting it to be that good. A little short but still very very good.

Dead Space: I was expecting another me too shooter with this one. Again like Mass Effect It had great voice acting cool story, great graphics, SCARY AS HELL. If you liked RE4 you will LOVE dead space.

Street Fighter 4: As a longtime streetfighter fan I thought the polygonal SF4 would be gimped. I was wrong, SF4 is fast responsive balaced and beautiful.

Super Mario Galaxy: The proof that Wii can really kick ass. I have always enjoyed Mario games but this one is to me by far the greated ever.

So how about you? 

None, I only buy games I know I'm going to love.

Okami.

I bought it because some nutcases at some odd website that was obsessed with sales thought it was good. Then, when I started it, it was kinda dull.

By the ending, I liked it more than half of the 3D Zeldas, which is kinda amazing considering Zelda is my favourite franchise and I consider 3D is the pinnacle of them.

It has the best ending in any game. Ever. And I thought I was going to dislike it...

It takes the price without a doubt.

Second? Toki Tori perhaps...

Dead space I thought it was going to be shit ,turned out to be good

REmake: I expected a somewhat improved version of Resident Evil 1, but then I realized I was playing one of the best games I've ever played in my whole life (and I've been playing since the Atari 2600)! Played through the whole thing at least 5 times already!

Tetris: I had seen it, but never actually had my hands on it. So when I bought the Original White GameBoy at launch, I fell in love with something that I can only describe as the best videogame I've ever played. Tetris is the definition of a videogame. It will stay with me forever. When I'm 90 years old and about to die, I will ask the priest if it's alright that I play it one last time. ..wait a sec, I'm atheist! Why would  I need a priest? "Get The FUCK OUT!!"

Sid Meier's Civilization: First I was like "meh". Then "Mmmm.. This is interesting". Enter addiction "Just one more turn!! Just one MOOOORE TUUUUURN"!!

Super Mario Bros. 1: So what do we have here? Everyone is talking about it. It can't be that good??"
It is THAT GOOD!! Then I realized a revolution had happened and that gaming was changed forever.

Mega Man 2: I played it a lot back in the days. A few years later I took a break from my Snes games and played it again. I played it a few more times in the late 90s. Now I play Mega Man 2 every other year. Mega Man 2 is the best platformer game ever made (Super Mario Bros. 3 is a close 2nd). It also has some seriously good music!

Baldur's Gate: "A D&D inspired WRPG? Judging from all the awful D&D games released in the 80s This can't be good." Best RPG ever made.

The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall I started out shipwrecked, trapped among rubble in a cave. Somewhat impressed by the cave/dungeon. Then I got out, up to the surface. Total Freedom! No game has ever replicated this grand achievement. Not TES: III, not TES: IV nor any other rpg (in terms of freedom in gameplay).

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past I enjoyed the first two Zelda games. I was looking forward to aLttP. Bought it at launch. A Link to the Past is second only to Tetris (in terms of quality gameplay). aLttP is rock solid! I really recommend this game. Just buy it! :D

Lost Planet

Metal Gear Solid 3.

No More Heroes

Mass Effect, I was not 100% sure about it when I got it, but I did love it
Ratchet Tools of Destruction, I hadn't really got into any of the PS2 Ratchets, but it was a fantastic game

Freshly-Picked: Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland

Dragon quest Rocket Slime

Medal of Honor Heroes 2

Onslaught