As someone who’s not immersed in game design, I can only surmise that every successful video game begins with a singular, compelling concept. It often starts with a simple question: “What if you could explore this world and engage in this activity?”Throughout the years, I’ve encountered innovative ideas for games that sparked my imagination and enthusiasm.
Unfortunately, the journey from concept to execution can be fraught with challenges. Countless games boast intriguing and novel premises, yet when the time comes to bring these ideas to life, many fall short of expectations. The disappointment is magnified when a game with such promising potential fails to deliver, leaving players with half-hearted experiences instead of the rich, engaging gameplay they anticipated.
10 Nefarious
Playing As The Boss Sounds Good On Paper
I’ve always had an affinity for the villains and bosses that populate video games. Characters like Bowser remain favorites of mine, and the idea of experiencing gameplay through the eyes of a typical antagonist is an enticing one. The indie game Nefarious attempts this premise but struggles to fully capitalize on its potential.
In this sidescrolling game, players step into the shoes of Crow, a villain tasked with kidnapping princesses from genre-typical heroes. While the core levels offer a somewhat generic platforming experience, it aims to shine during its “reverse boss fights” where players control a large vehicle to confront the heroes. While this concept sounds exciting, poor execution mired by clumsy hitboxes dampens the experience.
9 Hotel Barcelona
Cool Vibes Can’t Hide Jank
I have a deep appreciation for eccentric games designed by unique visionaries. One of my favorites is Goichi “Suda51” Suda, known for titles like No More Heroes and Killer7. The announcement of his collaboration with SWERY for a roguelite titled Hotel Barcelona excited me, yet sadly, the finished product feels undercooked.
The game resembles a sidescrolling roguelite akin to Dead Cells, imbued with Suda and SWERY’s signature eccentricity and horror references. Although captivating, the gameplay lacks polish. Stiff combat mechanics and a hodgepodge of irrelevant features detract from the overall experience, earning it a fairly low review score.
8 Let It Die
Microtransactions Strike Again
Grasshopper Manufacture, Suda51’s studio, has developed intriguing games even without his direct oversight.Let It Die, teased with quirky visuals like a skateboard-riding grim reaper calling you “senpai, ” had the makings of a bizarre adventure. However, it sadly devolved into a frustrating freemium experience.
The game blends elements of roguelike and soulslike genres, offering unique visuals alongside relentless resource gathering. Yet, its monetization structure soured the experience, requiring real money for key features and creating nuisances like real-time waiting for in-game tasks. In its core design, Let It Die struggles to justify its free-to-play model.
7 Splatterhouse (2010)
No Substance Under The Splatter
The late 2000s heralded a wave of reboots, revamping forgotten franchises. When the 2010 reboot of Splatterhouse was announced, I eagerly anticipated its blend of heavy metal aesthetics and ultraviolence, complete with a memorable voice performance from Jim Cummings. However, it ultimately lacked depth.
While the game presented an appealing package, gameplay itself proved lackluster, with unengaging mechanics and a weak storyline. The aesthetic elements couldn’t mask the forgettable experience, leaving little impression beyond the novelty of its gruesome visuals.
6 Yooka-Laylee
Too Committed For Its Own Good
For many 90s kids, the nostalgia for 3D platformers like Banjo-Kazooie remains vivid. When former staff from Rare joined forces to crowdfund a spiritual successor named Yooka-Laylee, hopes for a nostalgia-driven adventure soared. However, the title faltered under the weight of its own ambition.
The game allowed players to explore vibrant worlds akin to its predecessor, yet it was hindered by outdated mechanics of a bygone era. Clunky controls and misleading objectives detracted from the overall enjoyment. While Yooka-Laylee has since seen improvements in its remake, Yooka-Replaylee, the original left much to be desired.
5 Resident Evil: Resistance
No One Can Be Evil Like A Real Wesker
Upon completing the Resident Evil 3 remake, many were keen to dive into Resident Evil: Resistance, a multiplayer spin-off bundled with the game. This asymmetric experience, pitting a single “Mastermind” against four survivors, presented an interesting premise but ultimately fell flat.
The gameplay mechanics struggled with balance and suffered from numerous technical issues. This poor execution led to a lackluster experience, in some cases resulting in the game’s removal from digital storefronts, leaving fans disappointed.
4 We Happy Few
Beautiful Design, Mishmashed Game
The establishment of a captivating aesthetic with unique themes can mesmerize players.We Happy Few initially grabbed attention with its depiction of a dystopian society governed by enforced happiness. However, upon release, it fell short in execution.
The concept of blending survival, crafting, and sandbox mechanics resulted in a convoluted experience lacking clarity. While subsequent DLCs focused on linear narratives have garnered more favor, the base game’s identity crisis undermined its reception.
3 Agents Of Mayhem
How Did They Mess Up Saints Row G. I.Joe?
Capitalizing on the absurdity of its predecessors, the Saints Row franchise embraced a zany direction with later entries.Agents of Mayhem, aiming for a fresh take on the series, sought to embody a G. I.Joe theme. However, it lost the identity that made its predecessors appealing.
The absence of the franchise’s hallmark chaos made the game feel like a run-of-the-mill hero shooter. The expansive yet empty world coupled with recycled missions rendered the gameplay forgettable, leading to a lack of memorable moments.
2 Marvel’s Avengers
Should’ve Been An Easy Layup
Like many fans, I enjoy the Marvel universe, and the prospect of a game centered on the Avengers intrigued me. The initial trailers promised engaging action and character dynamics, presenting a concept that should have easily translated into a successful title. Unfortunately, it quickly devolved into a poorly executed live-service ordeal.
While starting strong with character introductions and an orderly progression, the game later inundated players with unnecessary crafting systems and random missions. What fans craved was straightforward, enjoyable gameplay, not an overload of repetitive tasks and convoluted mechanics.
1 Spore
Loses Its Identity Midway Through
This might spark some controversy, but I argue that the initial allure of Spore pales in comparison to its overall structure. The excitement surrounding the Spore Creature Creator was palpable prior to launch, allowing players creative freedom in designing bizarre creatures. However, the full game introduces a journey starting from the microbial stage, eventually venturing into tribal and civilization stages, where it diverges from its core essence.
Once the gameplay transitions to city-building and resource management, the title shifts away from the unique creature design aspect that drew many players. This deviation left some longing for the original gameplay concept that excited them in the first place, feeling more like a conventional approach to simulation than a creative exploration.
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