As video game enthusiasts and developers alike continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the medium, it can be easy to lose sight of some of the less successful ventures. While many games have garnered critical acclaim or cult followings, there are others that have been universally panned as some of the worst video games ever created. In this article, we will take a closer look at these unfortunate titles and attempt to understand what made them so unsuccessful.
The First Worst: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Undoubtedly one of the most infamous examples of a bad video game, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released in 1982 by Atari in an attempt to cash in on the massive success of Steven Spielberg’s iconic film. However, the game quickly became notorious for its difficult gameplay and frustrating experience. Players were tasked with guiding E.T. through various levels filled with obstacles, while also collecting items and avoiding being caught by the evil forces of Elliott’s neighborhood. Despite selling millions of copies, E.T.’s low score on websites like Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes is a testament to its poor reception.
The Case for Unfinished Games: Battletoads (1993)
Another game that has garnered notoriety for being unfinished is Battletoads, developed by Rare in 1993 for the NES and later released on other platforms. The game was initially planned to have four main characters, but only three were ever completed due to budget constraints and development issues. The game’s sloppy programming and rushed release led to a host of bugs and glitches that made it nearly unplayable. In addition, the game’s lack of innovation and creativity compared to other games from the era left players disappointed. Despite this, Battletoads remains a cult favorite among some fans of the franchise.
The Worst Multiplayer Game Ever: Phantasmagoria (1995)
Phantasmagoria, developed by Clive Barker and released in 1995, is widely regarded as one of the worst multiplayer games ever created. The game’s lack of balance between players and its focus on gore and violence made it an unpopular choice among gamers. In addition, the game’s poor performance and buggy code made it difficult to play and enjoy. Despite being praised for its storytelling and graphics, Phantasmagoria’s poor multiplayer experience ultimately led to its downfall.
The Case for Outdated Graphics: Aliens vs Predator (1998)
Another example of a game that has been criticized for its outdated graphics is Aliens vs Predator, developed by 3D Realms and released in 1998. The game’s low-resolution graphics and lack of detail made it difficult to distinguish between different characters and environments. In addition, the game’s limited multiplayer options and short lifespan left players feeling underwhelmed. Despite being praised for its fast-paced gameplay and innovative features, Aliens vs Predator’s outdated visuals ultimately led to its decline.
The Worst Educational Game Ever: Carmen Sandiego (1985)
Carmen Sandiego, developed by MicroLeague and released in 1985, is widely regarded as one of the worst educational games ever created. The game’s focus on memorization and repetition made it unengaging and unfun for most players. In addition, the game’s lack of depth and complexity made it a poor choice for educational purposes. Despite being praised for its innovative use of geography and travel-themed elements, Carmen Sandiego’s poor educational value ultimately led to its downfall.
The Case for Poor Storytelling: Silent Hill Homecoming (2008)
Silent Hill Homecoming, developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and released in 2008, is widely regarded as one of the worst games in the Silent Hill series. The game’s lack of a compelling story and weak character development made it difficult for players to connect with the game world. In addition, the game’s poor level design and repetitive gameplay made it unengaging and frustrating. Despite being praised for its graphics and atmosphere, Silent Hill Homecoming’s poor storytelling ultimately led to its downfall.
The Worst Sports Game Ever: NBA Street (2003)
NBA Street, developed by EA Games and released in 2003, is widely regarded as one of the worst sports games ever created. The game’s lack of balance between players and its focus on gimmicks and exaggeration made it difficult to take seriously. In addition, the game’s poor performance and buggy code made it difficult to play and enjoy. Despite being praised for its innovative features and colorful graphics, NBA Street’s poor sports simulation ultimately led to its decline.
The Case for Lack of Innovation: Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017)
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, developed by Machine Games and released in 2017, is widely regarded as a disappointment among fans of the Wolfenstein franchise. Despite being praised for its graphics and gameplay mechanics, the game failed to innovate on the series’ established formula. In addition, the game’s lack of depth and complexity made it unengaging and forgettable. While some players have defended the game as a fun romp through Nazi Germany, many have criticized it for its lack of originality and creativity.
The Worst Music Game Ever: GuitarFreaks Plus (2005)
GuitarFreaks Plus, developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and released in 2005, is widely regarded as one of the worst music games ever created. The game’s lack of variety and repetitive gameplay made it difficult for players to stay engaged. In addition, the game’s poor performance and buggy code made it difficult to play and enjoy. Despite being praised for its graphics and soundtrack, GuitarFreaks Plus’s lack of innovation and creativity ultimately led to its decline.
The Case for Poor Design: Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
Super Smash Bros. Melee, developed by Nintendo and released in 2001, is widely regarded as one of the worst video games ever created. Despite being praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and expansive roster of characters, the game’s poor design and lack of balance made it unengaging and frustrating. In addition, the game’s limited multiplayer options and short lifespan left players feeling underwhelmed. While some players have defended the game as a classic, many have criticized it for its poor design and balance.
Summary: The Worst Video Games Ever
In conclusion, while there are many great video games out there that have stood the test of time, there are also some titles that have been universally panned as some of the worst ever created. Whether it’s outdated graphics, poor storytelling, lack of innovation, or poor design, these games have left players feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. While some may find value in these games for nostalgic purposes, most would agree that they are best left forgotten.
