In the world of gaming, critique is omnipresent, particularly in today’s social media landscape where platforms like Reddit amplify discussions around even the subtlest imperfections in beloved titles. While we often engage in this scrutiny, it’s essential to recognize that no game is flawless; each has its own set of quirks. This raises a tantalizing question: is there truly such a thing as a perfect game? Although that conversation is better suited for another day, it’s worth exploring some outstanding RPGs that possess a pivotal flaw.
10 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Combat Leaves Much to Be Desired
Often heralded as one of the greatest games ever, The Witcher 3 excels in storytelling, graphics, quest design, and character development. Its immersive world is undoubtedly among my top five favorites. Yet, a notable drawback persists: the combat system. While it initially offers an engaging experience, it lacks a sense of evolution as players progress. The combat mechanics feel stagnant from the first hour to the eightieth, with only minimal enhancements to Sign spells and a mere couple of new sword techniques introduced throughout the game.
This stagnation in combat mechanics has led me to seek modification through the W3EE mod, as I believe a more dynamic battle system is vital for such a combat-heavy game. Thus, this aspect prevents it from achieving perfection.
9 Starfield
An Almost Galactic Triumph
Though opinions may vary, I found Starfield largely delivered on its ambitious promises—except for one glaring flaw: its procedural generation. Initially, the vast exploration across galaxies feels riveting, but eventually, the repetitive nature of environments sets in, as players confront the same cryo labs and similar structures across innumerable planets. This repetitiveness ultimately detracts from the experience, reducing exploration to a somewhat futile endeavor.
Despite stellar combat mechanics and generally engaging quests, the absence of unique, handcrafted locations impairs the immersive sense of discovery that players anticipate from Bethesda games. This compromises the essence of being a space simulation.
8 Cyberpunk 2077
Where’s the Antagonist?
Cyberpunk 2077 captivates players with stunning graphics, thrilling combat, and a rich narrative intertwining choices and consequences. However, the game falters in its portrayal of antagonists. While Yorinobu Arasaka is initially introduced as the main villain, his role remains largely peripheral throughout the game. This absence deprives players of a compelling adversary to confront during the storyline.
The expansion, Phantom Liberty, attempts to amend this with new characters, but the main plot lacks a strong villain to drive the narrative conflict. The result is a diluted experience where climactic tension feels absent. Players deserved a more robust opposition to highlight the protagonist’s journey.
7 Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
A Disappointing Conclusion
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided shines brightly throughout its duration, showcasing excellent combat mechanics and character progression. Nevertheless, the ending leaves much to be desired. Upon reaching the final boss, players may feel as if they’ve merely reached a midpoint in the narrative rather than a satisfying conclusion. Plot threads remain unresolved, and the game simply concludes without providing closure.
While various elements are superbly executed, the abrupt ending is frustrating and leaves the series’ future uncertain, given its unfinished feel.
6 Ring of Fire
A Dilemma of Weapons
As a modern masterpiece, Elden Ring is often lauded for its compelling gameplay and exploration. However, one issue persists: the overwhelming need for weapon upgrades. Players often find themselves clinging to their upgraded weapons, rendering newly discovered tools ineffective unless they undergo extensive enhancement. This leads to a feeling of redundancy—a level 0 weapon with a flashy ability pales in comparison to a well-upgraded one.
This creates frustration, especially when facing fierce foes, as the sense of reward from finding new gear is diminished. Despite this flaw, its superb elements firmly establish it among the pinnacles of the RPG genre.
5 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
You’re Breaking My Flow
Breath of the Wild impresses with its open-world design and innovative mechanics. Yet, the infamous weapon-breaking system casts a long shadow over an otherwise flawless experience. This mechanic is profoundly frustrating, especially as players work hard to gather powerful gear only to watch it shatter within minutes.
While the game offers exquisite exploration and imaginative combat scenarios, the constant fear of weapon fragility forces players into a tiresome cycle of saving their strongest weapons for seemingly powerful enemies, often resorting to using basic sticks for minor encounters.
4 Mass Effect 3
Where’s the Crew?
When considering Mass Effect 3, many fans recall the heated discussions surrounding its ending. Personally, my concern lies with the roster of characters. The shift from 12 selectable characters in Mass Effect 2 to only 8 in the final installment felt like a substantial regression, especially during such a pivotal moment in the series.
While beloved characters return as part of the storyline, the reduction of active party members diminishes the richness and diversity in combat scenarios. The excellent combat mechanics and compelling narrative just amplify the missed potential of seeing more iconic characters battling alongside Commander Shepard.
3 Dragon Age: Origins
The Fade Dilemma
Dragon Age: Origins represents a high point in Bioware’s storytelling capabilities, featuring a multi-layered narrative and engaging combat. However, a significant hurdle arises in the form of The Fade segment, where players are stripped of their party and equipped with unfamiliar abilities—a jarring shift from the established gameplay.
This portion drastically alters the experience, frequently elongating gameplay as players grapple with the challenging mechanics without guidance. Many enthusiasts of the title regard this section as a low point, often favoring mods that allow for its bypass. While impressive in its entirety, The Fade significantly detracts from an otherwise remarkable game.
2 Vampire
A Unique Yet Flawed Experience
Vampyr sought to carve a distinct niche in the RPG genre, almost achieving greatness. Its combat offers an interesting mixture of melee and supernatural abilities, yet this ambition is undermined by clunky mechanics. While there are moments of impact and finesse, the combat often feels floaty and lacking in satisfaction.
This flaw is particularly disheartening for a game that revolves around the vampire narrative, as the exhilarating power fantasy is compromised by the ease with which players can find themselves overwhelmed. Despite its shortcomings, Vampyr excels in narrative depth, strong voice acting, and intriguing moral choices, making it clear why players hope for a sequel.
1 NieR: Automata
The Repetitive Grind
NieR: Automata stands as one of Platinum Games’ crowning achievements, yet achieving its full narrative depth demands a commitment to multiple playthroughs. Players must navigate through the game three times to unlock the true ending, a decision that can feel burdensome after completing the narrative once, particularly considering that the second protagonist, 9S, lacks the same appeal as the initial character, 2B.
While the ultimate playthrough reveals the most enriching experience of the game, the undertakings for the first two journeys can be tedious. Future iterations could benefit from alternative methods of revealing narrative elements, such as thoughtfully hidden side quests. Despite these hurdles, NieR: Automata‘s innovative design grants players a uniquely compelling experience, making it a title worth diving into multiple times.
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