Introduction
Video games have come a long way since their inception, but not all games are created equal. Some games are so bad that they stand out as the worst of the worst in the industry. In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 worst video games of all time, based on poor gameplay, poor graphics, bugs, and overall negative reception from players and critics.
Criteria for the “worst” games
- Poor gameplay
- Poor graphics
- Bugs
- Negative reception from players and critics
The Top Ten
As we countdown the top 10 worst games, we will provide detailed explanations of why each game made the list and what specific aspects of the game contributed to its poor reception. But before we begin, it’s important to remember that for every bad game there are many great ones out there to enjoy. The industry is constantly evolving and improving, so there is always hope for better games.
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) for Atari 2600
Often cited as one of the worst video games of all time, “E.T.” was rushed to market in time for the holiday season and sold poorly. Its poor gameplay, repetitive design, and bugs led to the game being abandoned. The gameplay consisted of E.T. collecting phone pieces while avoiding FBI agents, scientists and other enemies.
The game’s repetitive nature and poor controls made it difficult for players to enjoy and resulted in poor sales. In addition, the game’s graphics were considered primitive and unappealing by the standards of the time. The game was so poorly received that Atari, which was already struggling financially, took a significant financial loss. The game’s poor reception, combined with Atari’s financial troubles, led to the game being buried in a landfill in New Mexico.
“Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing” (2003) for PC
This racing game was criticized for its poor graphics, non-existent collision detection, and the ability to drive through buildings and off the edge of the map. The game’s physics engine allowed players to drive at impossible speeds, and even drive off the edge of the map and continue racing, as there were no boundaries in the game. The game also featured a “you’re winner!” message when the player came in last place.
The poor graphics, unresponsive controls, and lack of boundaries made it difficult for players to enjoy the game and resulted in poor sales and negative reception. In addition, the game’s overall lack of polish and attention to detail was a major contributor to its hideous reception.
“Ride to Hell: Retribution” (2013) for PS3 and Xbox 360
This biker-gang game was panned for its atrocious controls, glitchy graphics, and nonsensical storyline. The game’s combat system was poorly executed, with clunky and unresponsive controls making it difficult for players to engage in combat effectively. The game’s graphics were also highly criticized for being poorly optimized, with many glitches and graphical errors present throughout the game.
The game’s storyline was also criticized for being nonsensical and poorly written. The game also featured offensive and sexist content. Ultimately, the combination of these factors resulted in the game receiving overwhelmingly negative reviews and poor sales.
“Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5” (2015) for PS4 and Xbox One
When it comes to the worst games of all time, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5” (2015) for PS4 and Xbox One may take the cake. This entry in the beloved skateboarding series not only fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessors but also manages to tarnish it with its subpar gameplay, buggy graphics, and lack of content.
The graphics in “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5” are a nightmare to look at. The game’s low-resolution textures and the character models are poorly animated, making it difficult even to enjoy the game’s art style. The gameplay is a complete mess, with the game’s physics engine failing to simulate skateboarding accurately, resulting in a clunky and unresponsive control system. The game also suffers from a severe lack of content, with few levels and characters available at launch, and a heavy reliance on microtransactions to expand on the game’s offerings.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 is nothing short of a disaster.
“Aliens: Colonial Marines” (2013) for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC
This first-person shooter based on the Alien franchise was developed by Gearbox Software, whose CEO is Randy Pitchford, a toad most famous for leaving a USB stick full of porn in a Medieval Times Restaurant.
Colonial Marines was criticized for its poor graphics, artificial intelligence, and unbalanced gameplay. The game’s visuals were highly ripped for being poorly optimized, with many glitches and graphical errors present throughout the game. The game’s AI was also highly criticized for being unresponsive and buggy, making it difficult for players to engage in combat effectively.
The game’s overall lack of polish and attention to detail significantly contributed to its poor reception. The game also did not live up to the hype generated by its prolonged development and marketing campaign. The game was a major disappointment for fans of the Alien franchise and video game enthusiasts alike.
“Duke Nukem Forever” (2011) for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC
When it comes to the worst games of all time, “Duke Nukem Forever” (2011) for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC is a prime example of what not to do in game development. This long-awaited sequel to the 1996 classic “Duke Nukem 3D” was highly anticipated by fans, but what was eventually released was a game that was a complete and utter failure.
“Duke Nukem Forever” is a game plagued by poor level design, tedious gameplay, and a complete lack of polish. The game’s visuals are dated, and the character models are poorly animated. The gameplay is also a complete mess, with repetitive and uninspired missions that fail to capture the original game’s spirit. On the whole, it suffers from a severe lack of innovation, relying almost exclusively on nostalgia to carry the game.
“Daikatana” (2000) for PC
This first-person shooter was developed by Ion Storm and led by John Romero, one of the co-creators of the first-person shooter genre.
The game was heavily advertised with the slogan “John Romero’s about to make you his bitch,” however it was heavily criticized for its poor gameplay, level design, and bugs. The game’s AI was also highly criticized for being unresponsive and buggy, making it difficult for players to engage in combat effectively. The game also suffered from a severe lack of polish, with many glitches and graphical errors present throughout the game.
The game’s overall lack of polish and attention to detail was a major contributor to its poor reception and it was considered a commercial failure.
“MDK2” (2000) for Dreamcast
“MDK2” is nothing short of a disaster. The game’s poor graphics, tedious gameplay, lack of innovation and poor execution make it a complete waste of time and money. The game is a clear cash grab, relying on the popularity of the MDK franchise to sell copies while delivering a subpar experience. The game should be avoided at all costs, and the MDK franchise deserves much better than this nightmare of a game.
It’s a prime example of a game that fails to live up to its potential. Fans highly anticipated this sequel to the 1997 cult classic “MDK”, but what was eventually released was a game that was a complete and utter disappointment.
“Superman 64” (1999) for Nintendo 64
“Superman 64” (1999) for Nintendo 64 is widely considered one of the worst video games ever made. The game was criticized for its poor graphics, unresponsive controls, and nonsensical gameplay. The game’s visuals were highly criticized for being poorly optimized, with many glitches and graphical errors present throughout the game.
The controls were also highly criticized for being unresponsive and difficult to use, making it difficult for players to control Superman and complete missions effectively. The game’s storyline and missions were also criticized for being nonsensical and poorly written. The game also featured poor collision detection and an overall lack of polish.
Overall, “Superman 64” received overwhelmingly negative reviews and is considered one of the worst games ever made.
“Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust” (2009) for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360
Box Office Bust was highly criticized for its offensive and sexist content, with some reviewers noting that the game’s humor and writing was not only unfunny but also offensive. The game received overwhelmingly negative reviews and sold poorly.
Overall, “Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust” is considered a trash-tier game, due to its poor graphics, unresponsive controls, nonsensical gameplay, offensive and sexist content, and lack of polish. The game is not well-regarded by fans or critics and is considered a low point in the Leisure Suit Larry series. A series that is already dubiously regarded at best.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the video game industry has its fair share of failures and disappointments. However, it’s important to remember that the industry constantly evolves and improves. While these games may be considered some of the worst of all time, they serve as a reminder of the importance of quality and attention to detail in game development.
In contrast, countless great games are available to explore and enjoy, across a wide range of genres and platforms. It’s important to remember that the industry is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of storytelling, graphics, and gameplay.
While it’s fun to dwell on the failures of the past, let’s also look forward to the exciting future of the video game industry and the many great games yet to come. As gamers, we can support and shape the industry by investing our time and money in high-quality games that push the boundaries of what is possible.
