As gamers, we’ve all been there – dropping a significant chunk of cash on a new release, only to be left wondering what we just got ourselves into. The gaming industry is notorious for churning out mediocre titles that promise the world but deliver little more than frustration and disappointment.
From poorly designed gameplay mechanics to cringe-worthy storytelling, there are plenty of games out there that are just begging to be avoided. In this post, we’ll shine a spotlight on 10 bafflingly bad games that’ll waste your time and money, and highlight what you can learn from their mistakes.
1. Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing (PC, 2003)
This infamous truck racing game is often cited as one of the worst games of all time. With its laughable AI, atrocious physics, and poor graphics, it’s a miracle anyone bothered to finish the game. The kicker? The game’s developer, Scott Kiczek, even went so far as to say that critics who gave the game low scores were “jealous” of his creation.
Lesson learned: Even the most well-intentioned developers can miss the mark. Don’t be afraid to listen to criticism and make changes to improve your game.
2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600, 1982)
This infamous Atari 2600 game is often cited as one of the reasons for the North American video game crash of 1983. With its convoluted gameplay and poor controls, it’s no wonder this game was left in the dust. The game’s creators, Howard Scott Warshaw and David Crane, have since spoken out about the game’s rushed development and poor design choices.
Lesson learned: Rushed development can lead to subpar games. Take the time to test and refine your game before releasing it to the public.
3. Postal 2 (PC, 2003)
This dark comedy game was criticized for its excessive gore, poor writing, and frustrating gameplay. Despite its promise of a satirical take on modern society, the game’s tone was often off-putting and alienated many players. The game’s developer, Running With Scissors, has since gone on to create more successful titles, but Postal 2 remains a cautionary tale.
Lesson learned: Tone is everything in game development. Make sure your game’s tone aligns with your target audience and is executed well.
4. Bubsy 3D (PlayStation, 1996)
This 3D platformer was touted as a “next-gen” experience, but its poor controls, awkward level design, and cringeworthy writing made it a laughingstock. Despite its promise of a fun, lighthearted experience, Bubsy 3D is still widely regarded as one of the worst games of all time.
Lesson learned: 3D gameplay is not a guarantee of quality. Make sure your 3D gameplay is smooth, intuitive, and fun.
5. Sewer Shark (Sega CD, 1992)
This FMV (full-motion video) game was meant to be a interactive adventure, but its poor storytelling, awkward controls, and cringe-worthy acting made it a disaster. The game’s developer, Digital Pictures, has since gone out of business, but Sewer Shark remains a relic of the FMV era.
Lesson learned: FMV games are a thing of the past. Stick to more traditional gameplay mechanics for a better experience.
6. Superman 64 (Nintendo 64, 1999)
This Superman game was meant to be an epic adventure, but its poor flying mechanics, awkward level design, and cringe-worthy acting made it a mess. The game’s developer, Titus Interactive, has since spoken out about the game’s rushed development and poor design choices.
Lesson learned: Even the most beloved franchises can be mishandled. Make sure your game stays true to the spirit of the source material.
7. Epic Mickey (Wii, 2010)
This platformer was meant to be a bold, innovative take on the Disney franchise, but its poor controls, awkward level design, and convoluted storyline made it a disappointment. The game’s developer, Junction Point Studios, has since been shut down by Disney.
Lesson learned: Innovation is not a guarantee of success. Stick to what works and make sure your game is fun, first and foremost.
8. Breadwinner (Genesis, 1993)
This bizarre action game was meant to be a humorous take on the classic “beat ’em up” genre, but its poor controls, awkward level design, and cringe-worthy writing made it a mess. The game’s developer, Probe Entertainment, has since gone on to create more successful titles, but Breadwinner remains a curiosity.
Lesson learned: Be careful not to prioritize novelty over gameplay. Make sure your game is fun, first and foremost.
9. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Nintendo Entertainment System, 1992)
This platformer was meant to be a spooky, atmospheric take on the classic novel, but its poor controls, awkward level design, and cringe-worthy writing made it a disappointment. The game’s developer, Toho Company, has since gone on to create more successful titles, but Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde remains a cautionary tale.
Lesson learned: Stay true to the source material. Make sure your game is faithful to the spirit of the original work.
10. Zoo Keeper (Nintendo DS, 2006)
This puzzle game was meant to be a fun, lighthearted experience, but its poor controls, awkward level design, and cringe-worthy writing made it a mess. The game’s developer, Taito, has since gone on to create more successful titles, but Zoo Keeper remains a curiosity.
Lesson learned: Puzzle games require careful design. Make sure your puzzles are clever, challenging, and fun.
There you have it – 10 bafflingly bad games that’ll waste your time and money. By learning from their mistakes, you can create games that are better, more enjoyable, and more memorable.