In the realm of video games, not every title can become a beloved favorite. While some games manage to steal our hearts and spark our creativity, others leave us feeling let down, confused, or even furious. Here’s a look at some of the most disliked video games ever—those that have sparked outrage, debate, and endless arguments among players. Join us as we dive deep into 15 of the most hated video games ever, each with its unique reasons for earning the ire of the gaming community.
The Most Hated Video Games Ever: A Journey Through Gaming’s Biggest Disappointments
1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
One game, in particular, stands out for receiving widespread criticism and is often labeled as one of the most hated video games ever: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the Atari 2600. In a rush to match the movie’s release, the game ended up with poor graphics, confusing controls, and some major glitches. It was so poorly received that it played a significant role in the video game industry crash of 1983. Many gamers likely recall the frustration of falling into endless pits or simply the letdown of playing a game inspired by a movie that ultimately failed to deliver.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on retrogames
2. Superman 64 (1999)
Superman 64, which came out for the Nintendo 64, is often criticized for its terrible controls, lack of gameplay variety, and numerous glitches. Players were tasked with basic objectives like flying through rings or completing mundane chores, which hardly aligns with the excitement expected from a superhero game. The design feels intentionally frustrating, with control mechanics that really miss the mark, earning it a spot among the most hated video games ever. Many players have shared memories of their immense frustration trying to manage Superman’s awkward and unresponsive movements.
3. Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing (2003)
Read more: Most hated video games characters
This racing game, known as Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing, is infamous for being nearly unplayable and is often listed among the most despised video games out there. It hit the market in a beta phase, which led to a slew of glitches, questionable physics, and AI opponents that didn’t really move around the map. The game’s famously mocked “You’re Winner!” screen has taken on a life of its own and is now a legendary part of gaming culture. Many players fondly recall bursts of laughter, remembering how they could drive through buildings without a hitch, and there were pretty much no real challenges in a game that was meant to focus on racing.
4. Aliens: Colonial Marines (2013)
Aliens: Colonial Marines was released under the Alien franchise, and while there was a lot of hype surrounding it, it ultimately fell short. Many players were let down by the graphics, the poor AI, and the lackluster storytelling. The final version of the game didn’t live up to what was shown in the trailers, nor did it match the high hopes that fans had for such a well-known brand. Instead of delivering an immersive experience, it left audience members feeling dissatisfied, wanting something that felt more authentic.
5. No Man’s Sky (2016)
No Man’s Sky was a huge moment in the gaming world, but it didn’t quite live up to what many had hoped for. Players, in particular, were disappointed by things like the absence of multiplayer options, a lack of gameplay variety, and a bunch of bugs. That said, it’s worth noting that the developers have put a lot of effort into improving the game since its release. Many gamers can relate to that feeling of disappointment, especially when the game didn’t deliver the excitement it promised.
6. Fallout 76 (2018)
Fallout 76 had the potential to be a great addition to the beloved Fallout series, but its launch was plagued with issues, which turned it into one of the most hated video games ever. The game was riddled with bugs, faced server problems, and lacked any meaningful content that players typically expect. Not surprisingly, the feedback on this new iteration wasn’t very positive—fans of the franchise felt let down and cheated by what was offered. Many players shared their frustrations, highlighting how they could only enjoy the game for a short time due to constant crashes, or how it felt like a demo rather than a finished product.
7. Duke Nukem Forever (2011)
Duke Nukem Forever spent more than ten years in development before it eventually hit the shelves, but it didn’t quite captivate gamers as hoped. It’s clear why the game fell short compared to modern action titles like God of War and Halo; the control system felt awkward, the graphics were lacking, and the humor, while immature, just didn’t resonate with the typical gamer in the 21st century. Many gaming fans still recall the anxious anticipation leading up to its release, only to find that it didn’t live up to the thrilling experience it was promoted to deliver.
Duke Nukem Forever on steampowered
8. Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017)
Mass Effect: Andromeda had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, it fell short in several areas. Many players were frustrated by the game’s numerous technical issues, awkward animations, and a plot that felt flat. Reviews often touched on the irritation of facing game-breaking glitches and how hard it was to connect with the story.
9. Anthem (2019)
Anthem was meant to be a revolutionary title from BioWare, but it ended up being one of the most hated video games ever. Players had to deal with repetitive gameplay, a shortage of substantial content, and a bunch of technical glitches. The negative reaction came fast, with lots of gamers expressing that it just didn’t meet expectations. Many shared their frustrations about the endless loading screens and the overall sense of disappointment that came with a game that seemed half-baked.
10. Resident Evil 6 (2012)
Resident Evil 6 is another chapter in the famous Resident Evil franchise that got mixed reactions from fans. Many longtime supporters of the series voiced their frustration over how the game strayed from the classic survival horror vibe, leaning more towards action. The storyline also drew some criticism for being hard to follow. As a result, opinions about the game were quite divided, particularly from loyalists who believed it didn’t live up to the legacy of the series. A few personal narratives highlighted how annoying the game’s quick-time events (QTEs) can be and pointed out the lack of a cohesive story.
Resident Evil 6 on steampowered
11. Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
Sonic 2006, commonly called “Sonic ’06,” is often seen as one of the weakest entries in the franchise. This reputation mainly stems from its technical troubles, which include a host of bugs, clunky controls, and a confusing storyline. It’s well-known that Sega rushed the game’s release to cash in on Sonic the Hedgehog’s 15th anniversary. Fans of the series frequently recall the frustrating bugs they encountered and the disappointment of getting a game that didn’t live up to the excitement offered by many of Sonic’s better titles.
12. Daikatana (2000)
Daikatana, created by John Romero, turned out to be a huge disappointment for many players. Its poor level design, frustrating AI, and a slew of bugs left it on the list of most disliked video games. The overly aggressive marketing slogan “John Romero’s making you his bitch” only set the stage for backlash when the game didn’t meet expectations. A collection of personal stories reflecting on the experience of working on the game and the feeling of letdown that comes with wanting to buy what seemed like a promising title, only to be left feeling let down.
13. Ride to Hell: Retribution (2013)
One of the most hated video games ever, Ride to Hell: Retribution, has faced harsh criticism for its poor graphics, clunky controls, and shallow, violent, and racist themes. On top of that, a slew of glitches and bugs made the game nearly impossible to enjoy, leading to a wave of negative feedback from both players and critics alike. This is something many gamers recall, as they had to contend with a game that simply wasn’t enjoyable due to so many issues.
14. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 (2015)
When Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 was first announced, there were high hopes for a triumphant comeback for this beloved franchise. However, upon its release, the game turned out to be riddled with issues. Players quickly noticed the low graphic quality, clunky controls, and a host of annoying bugs. The feedback was mostly negative, as many fans felt it didn’t measure up to the previous titles in the series. It captures the frustration of dealing with the game’s numerous glitches and leaves players feeling like they were playing something that wasn’t fully polished.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 on amazon
15. The Culling 2 (2018)
The Culling 2 was a battle royale game that didn’t sit well with players. It faced criticism for its subpar graphics, clunky controls, and a lack of content. In fact, it was so poorly received that it got pulled from shelves just five days after its launch. Gamers seemed to remember all too well the frustrations it brought, from its many issues to the disappointing realization that it felt more like a half-hearted cash grab than an enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
These video games, often regarded as the most hated, serve as a clear reminder that not every title can win over players. We’ve witnessed some games make a slow comeback thanks to updates and improvements, while others are destined to be nothing more than cautionary tales in the gaming world. From the infamous flop of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to the unfinished chaos of Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing, each has left a mark on the gaming community. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, it’s still worth taking a look at these titles.
1. Why do some video games become so hated?
There are plenty of reasons why certain video games end up being disliked. Issues like clunky gameplay, a slew of bugs, lackluster graphics, and unmet expectations can all contribute. Often, when a game is highly anticipated but doesn’t deliver, it can stir up a lot of frustration among gamers. Additionally, when games stray too far from what fans love about their franchise or tackle controversial subjects, they can face heavy criticism.
2. Can a hated game ever redeem itself?
Absolutely! A game that’s gotten a bad rap can find a way to turn things around through updates, patches, and expansions that tackle players’ concerns. Developers who connect with their audience and show they’re dedicated to making improvements can sometimes shift public opinion. A prime example is “No Man’s Sky,” which, despite a rocky start, won back players with ongoing enhancements and new content.
3. How do developers handle the backlash from a hated game?
There are several ways developers tackle backlash when a game flops. They might issue public apologies, roll out patches to fix what’s broken, or even provide compensation to players who were let down. Some might reach out to the gaming community directly to get feedback and understand what changes need to be made. Open communication and a genuine effort to resolve issues can go a long way in easing negative sentiments.
