The gaming industry often falls prey to skepticism, especially surrounding the launch of new titles. With social media amplifying voices, a single glitch in a trailer can spark backlash even before a game hits the shelves. Furthermore, the hype surrounding game announcements can lead to inflated expectations, and when the reality doesn’t match, disappointment ensues.
Nevertheless, there are instances where a game, initially deemed dubious or set up for failure, manages to defy the odds. These hidden gems often surpass the lofty expectations that their trailers set. Surprisingly, this phenomenon occurs more frequently than one might expect. Below, we explore several games that many anticipated to flop, yet ended up exceeding expectations.
10 Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
A New Fantasy
At first glance, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 appeared too promising, with its captivating visuals and intricate turn-based combat featuring interactive elements. As a debut from an inexperienced studio, I couldn’t help but think, “If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.”
Initially, I presumed it would be an average indie game, receiving minimal recognition while failing to live up to its ambitious trailer. I was completely mistaken.
What I encountered was a rich, immersive RPG experience that stands as one of the best games I’ve played in the last two decades. Clair Obscur not only met its promises but surpassed them with profound combat mechanics, a twist-laden narrative, and stunning visuals complemented by exceptional voice acting.
9 Helldivers 2
Who Played Helldivers 1?
Helldivers 2 emerged as a surprise sequel to the original Helldivers, an isometric shooter from nearly a decade ago that made little impact.
With minimal enthusiasm preceding its announcement, skepticism prevailed, but upon release, it stole the spotlight in 2024.
The game shifted to a third-person perspective, boasting a significantly increased budget. Its explosive gameplay and chaotic action set it apart from other shooters, especially when played cooperatively, providing a thrilling experience.
This evolution demonstrates that a franchise can revive itself with fresh ideas and innovative gameplay.
8 Lies of P
A Copycat Legend
Lies of P faced considerable backlash at its announcement, sparking claims that it was merely a “Bloodborne clone, ” which incited passionate negative reactions from the Soulslike community.
Although I shared that initial skepticism, the full game revealed a remarkable twist on the Pinocchio narrative, exploring dark themes while integrating inventive gameplay mechanics that offered a sense of genuine progression.
The combat was both challenging and enjoyable, featuring formidable bosses that elevated it beyond its inspirations. This unexpected hit from an unfamiliar studio is likely to foster a successful franchise.
7 Guardians of the Galaxy
An Impressive Rebound
Following the lackluster performance of Marvel’s Avengers in 2020, skepticism ran rampant over Square Enix’s follow-up project, Guardians of the Galaxy, developed by Eidos Montreal.
Many were doubtful about a single-player experience and questioned the purpose of pursuing a similar concept. Yet, the result was a highly enjoyable game that perfectly encapsulated the fun of the Guardians universe through engaging combat that cleverly utilized team dynamics.
Despite a warm reception, the shadows of Marvel’s Avengers lingered, and many players remained hesitant to invest in another title from the same team, even as Guardians of the Galaxy emerged as one of the superior superhero games available today.
6 Divinity: Original Sin 2
An Era-Defining Experience
Revitalizing a genre is no small feat, and when Larian Studios announced Divinity: Original Sin 2, doubt clouded public opinion due to the first game’s underwhelming performance. Critics often described the original as overly goofy and noted the lackluster storyline and voice acting.
The sequel took a darker direction, enriching its narrative and creating a more immersive world. The combat system emerged as one of the best in the CRPG genre, providing unprecedented freedom during battles.
The inclusion of both couch and online multiplayer further amplified its appeal, ultimately leading to its success and spearheading a renaissance in mainstream CRPGs, paving the way for the legendary Baldur’s Gate 3.
5 Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Franchise Revival
After the success of the first Deus Ex, subsequent titles faced scrutiny, with Deus Ex: Invisible War failing to resonate with audiences. As time passed, the series seemed to falter until the announcement of Deus Ex: Human Revolution sparked renewed skepticism.
With a new protagonist and a darker storyline, anticipation grew cautiously, aware that ten years had passed since the franchise’s last triumph.
Ultimately, Human Revolution became a monumental success, catapulting the narrative and gameplay experience into the spotlight, and establishing Adam Jensen as one of gaming’s iconic protagonists in a captivating sci-fi narrative.
4 Marvel’s Spider-Man
The Trend Setter
While superhero characters seem ideally suited for video games, only a handful have been recognized as truly exceptional, such as titles from the Arkham series and a few others over three decades.
Marvel’s Spider-Man presented both excitement and caution; the initial reveal generated significant buzz, but concerns over meeting high expectations loomed. Fortunately, this game delivered on its promise, establishing itself as one of the best superhero games of all time.
It seamlessly wove together the story of Spider-Man and Peter Parker, showcasing a rich narrative while maintaining a fresh perspective on familiar characters. Since its release, many superhero games have tried to replicate its success, yet few have come close.
3 Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
A Spinoff That Works
Spinoffs tend to elicit skepticism, often perceived as inferior to their franchise counterparts. However, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, crafted by Platinum Games, perfectly merged insanity with the stealth action of the Metal Gear Solid series.
Despite some disjointed storytelling, the exhilarating gameplay stands as one of the finest action experiences ever, centering around Raiden’s transformation into a cyborg ninja capable of slicing everything in his path using a novel combat system.
This title emerged unexpectedly but ultimately earned its place as a worthy entry in the Metal Gear franchise, proving itself capable of standing independently.
2 Mad Max
Apocalyptic Delight
Licensed games often receive a bad rap, typically failing to capture the magic of their source material. Mad Max, while not a direct movie adaptation, was strategically launched alongside the popular film featuring Tom Hardy.
Unexpectedly, the game exceeded expectations with its engaging Arkham-style combat and robust vehicular mechanics. Its graphics matched the gritty aesthetic required for a Mad Max universe, and the storyline respected the established lore.
Despite possessing some conventional open-world elements, Mad Max could have achieved greater acclaim had it not been overshadowed by the high-profile release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
1 Horizon Zero Dawn
Not Just a Tech Demo
Upon its announcement, Horizon Zero Dawn mesmerized audiences with stunning visuals, leading many to suspect it was merely a flashy tech demo. Such concerns were warranted, considering past experiences where graphics overshadowed gameplay.
Would its story be coherent enough to support its premise of robotic dinosaurs in a compelling narrative arc? Thankfully, Horizon Zero Dawn dispelled those fears, emerging not just as a tech demo but as a groundbreaking title.
The gameplay was exceptional, bolstered by breathtaking visuals, while the intricate plot captivated players and offered one of the most immersive lore experiences in gaming. This combination of elements solidified its status as a major hit.
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