Maybe It's Not So Bad
Remember those games everyone seemed to hate? Turns out we might have been a bit too harsh on them. Gaming history is filled with fascinating stories of titles that got swept under a wave of unjustified criticism. After some time, we've been able to go back and reassess these perceived disasters and truly see them for what they are. So, here are 20 games that notoriously flopped but just needed some more time to shine.
Cyberpunk 2077 — Official Cinematic Trailer | E3 2019 by GameSpot
1. Final Fantasy XIV
Square Enix's complete rebuild of their failed MMO in 2013 showed incredible dedication as director Naoki Yoshida transformed it into one of gaming's greatest comebacks, reaching 10 million players by 2023. The revival brought an epic storyline, a flexible class system, and some of MMO gaming's most rewarding raid content.
FINAL FANTASY XIV: ENDWALKER Full Trailer by FINAL FANTASY XIV
2. Duke Nukem Forever
After 15 years in development hell, this 2011 shooter actually delivered what fans wanted. With cheesy one-liners and over-the-top action, it sold 3.5 million copies despite critic reviews. Behind the controversy, players found clever level design and satisfying combat that stayed true to Duke's spirit.
3. Mass Effect Andromeda
Looking past those infamous facial animations, the space opera revolutionized the series' combat. The jetpack-enhanced battles and deep skill customization created the most dynamic fights yet. Players even discovered that Andromeda's alien worlds and 30-hour story actually gave everyone a worthy Mass Effect adventure.
MASS EFFECT™: ANDROMEDA Official EA Play 2016 Video by Mass Effect
4. No Man's Sky
Hello Games achieved gaming's greatest turnaround through pure dedication. After a rocky 2016 launch, 20 free updates delivered everything promised and more. Today's version of No Man's Sky offers multiplayer, base building, living ships, and an endless universe that turned a "flop" into a beloved masterpiece.
No Man's Sky Worlds Part I Update Trailer by HelloGamesTube
5. Cyberpunk 2077
Behind 2020's technical troubles lay an incredible dystopian story filled with unforgettable characters. Night City's branching narratives, Keanu Reeves' performance, and rich cyberpunk lore created something special with Cyberpunk 2077. Also, post-launch fixes revealed the masterful RPG that was always there beneath the surface.
6. Fallout 76
When Fallout 76 was out in 2018, it felt empty without NPCs. Through expansions like Wastelanders and Steel Dawn, Bethesda filled Appalachia with life. Now, the game offers welcoming multiplayer communities, creative base building, and regular events that keep millions exploring the wasteland.
Fallout 76 – Official E3 Trailer by Bethesda Softworks UK
7. Star Wars Battlefront II
EA's 2017 shooter got a lot of heat for its loot boxes but totally turned things around with upgrades. They ditched the pay-to-win stuff and rolled out a bunch of free content. The final version even nailed the Star Wars vibe, giving players epic battles from all three film eras with jaw-dropping graphics.
8. Evolve Stage 2
In Evolve Stage 2, monster hunting became an art form. This innovative multiplayer experience permitted each hunter class to play a critical role—trappers tracked beasts, medics kept the team alive, the support provided shields, and assault dealt damage. The changing monster mechanics led to some intense games of cat and mouse.
The Ultimate Predator - Evolve Stage 2 2024 Gameplay by uhemi
9. Assassin's Creed Unity
While Paris 2014 stumbled at launch, it secretly altered the entire franchise. The game's one-to-one scale recreation of Revolutionary France still amazes people today. Unity brought in seamless cooperative play, deeper stealth mechanics, and those amazing murder mysteries that let you channel your inner detective.
ASSASSIN'S CREED UNITY Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME (4K 60FPS) No Commentary by Shirrako
10. Street Fighter V
Everyone attacked Capcom's 2016 launch for bare-bones content, but they missed the fighting masterpiece underneath. In addition to cross-platform multiplayer and character-specific play styles, the game debuted the groundbreaking V-System mechanics. After years of updates, Street Fighter V became one of the biggest success stories in combat games.
11. Rainbow Six Siege
Nobody expected this tactical shooter to become one of gaming's biggest esports sensations because the player count hit rock bottom shortly after its launch in 2015. Through constant updates and community feedback, Ubisoft developed a distinct experience where destruction mechanics and operator abilities made endless strategic possibilities.
RAINBOW SIX SIEGE Outbreak Ending by GameClips
12. Fortnite Save The World
Epic's zombie survival game unexpectedly birthed gaming's biggest phenomenon. While the original tower defense mode took a backseat, the free battle royale spin-off grew globally. Today, Fortnite hosts million-dollar prize pool tournaments, collaborates with celebrities, and even holds live virtual concerts that attract massive audiences.
Fortnite: Save the World - Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 - Stonewood (PC) by ZackScottGames
13. Perfect Dark Zero
With Perfect Dark Zero, Rare took bold risks in reimagining the iconic franchise for the Xbox 360 launch. They showcased the next-gen power with stunning particle effects and destructible environments. The game’s redesigned multiplayer, featuring jetpack combat, bot battles, and counter-operative modes, allowed up to 32 players to dive into chaotic, fast-paced action.
Perfect Dark Zero Game Movie (All Cutscenes - 4K) by XCageGame
14. Watch Dogs
Well, Chicago's surveillance network turned into a playground when this hacker thriller came out. Players manipulated traffic lights to create chaos, infiltrated gang hideouts using security cameras, and disrupted police chases with raised bridges. The dark narrative looked into surveillance culture's real-world implications.
Watch Dogs #1 - Blackout by Lomadiah
15. Knack
PlayStation 4's unlikely launch hero literally grew from a tiny robot to a towering titan. Intense battle situations and ingenious environmental problems were produced by the size-changing mechanics. The gameplay systems in Mark Cerny's passion project were complex, with multiple character forms and special abilities being powered by hidden trinkets.
Knack 2 - PS4 Trailer | E3 2017 by PlayStation
16. ReCore
Between sand-swept ruins and mysterious technology lay an unforgettable adventure. The seamless blend of shooting, jumping, and puzzle-solving brought genuine joy alongside unique robot companions. Plus, Far Eden's secrets revealed themselves through clever platforming challenges and heartfelt moments of friendship.
RECORE Launch Trailer + Gameplay by ONE Media +
17. The Order 1886
Victorian London never looked more atmospheric than in Ready at Dawn's cinematic adventure. Here, werewolves stalked fog-filled streets while Tesla-inspired weapons crackled with electricity. The game's lovely facial animations and cloth physics pushed PS4 hardware, making an immersive alternate history experience.
The Order 1886: New Gameplay - 15 minutes 1080p by EurogamerPortugal
18. Ryse: Son of Rome
Beneath accusations of shallow gameplay lay an interesting tale of revenge in ancient Rome. Players commanded legions through Britain's untamed wilderness, mastering a combat system that rewarded timing and tactics. The gladiator arenas also offered brutal multiplayer challenges with historically inspired team objectives.
Welcome to the Jungle | Ryse Son of Rome - Part 2 by Hollow
19. Aliens: Colonial Marines
Gearbox's 2013 shooter became infamous for misleading trailers, but the actual game packed serious Xenomorph action. Players found tense cooperative missions, authentic pulse rifle combat, and cool references to the films. After patches fixed the AI, Aliens: Colonial Marines became a solid entry in Alien's gaming history.
Aliens: Colonial Marines All Cutscenes (Game Movie) Full Story 4K 60FPS by NRMgamingHD
20. Anthem
Flying through alien canyons in those Javelin suits was an absolute thrill. BioWare truly nailed it with super smooth flying controls and explosive combat, making for some epic aerial action. The stunning world was just begging to be explored as players smoothly connected mid-air moves with ground attacks.
