Last Updated on 3 September, 2024
The timeline from idea to release in game development can feel like an eternity. Sure, there might be worlds to create and NPCs to conjure up, but when your favorite developer is already hyping up their new game with gameplay footage, teaser trailers, and posters that have you overanalyzing every single detail, it only becomes harder to wait.
Months or years later, the game gets released, and imagine your dismay when it’s nothing like you anticipated. In these scenarios, it’s not uncommon for gamers to turn back to old classics or get with the times to find the best slot sites online. Since 2020, we’ve been blessed with a range of out-of-this-world titles, but there has also been no shortage of disappointments. Here are a few of them.
Saints Row (2022)
The Saints Row series has existed since 2006 – and people either love it or hate it. Because it has such a chaotic concept in an open world, sort of like Grand Theft Auto, it’s no surprise that it doesn’t cater to everyone. The franchise’s overall premise revolves around the street gang, the 3rd Street Saints, with gameplay hinging on action-adventure role play – driving, shooting, interacting with characters, and a whole load of pop culture references and humor.
When the reboot of Saints Row came out in 2022, fans were undoubtedly excited after a lack of content for 9 years. Unfortunately, the game ultimately received a mixed reception. The developers kept the fantastic open-world city that people loved, but it was full of bugs and had a weak storyline that didn’t capture the original feel that Saints Row once had.
Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
Although Cyberpunk 2077 has redeemed itself since its initial release, it certainly had one of the clumsiest releases of all time. With a lengthy 10 years of buildup, the game was one of the most sought-after video games of the era. However, the many delays, in tandem with all the buzz being created through Funko Pop! releases and advertising made people unhappy, and the company even received death threats.
Naturally, they worked to release the game as soon as possible, but that would come at the cost of unsightly characters and environments, crashes and glitches, and technical issues that wouldn’t quit. The amount of mockery Cyberpunk received online was relentless, and they eventually attempted to refund unhappy players. Many have since revisited the game and were pleasantly surprised by all the changes, sparking an improvement in their Steam rating to a 9/10.
Overwatch 2 (2022)
Overwatch effectively introduced the “hero shooter” genre to the world, with its cool cast of characters that had their own unique abilities and styles. People quickly fell in love with the diversity and inclusivity, and a huge community and fanbase developed as a result. You’ll see cosplayers, artists, hobby writers, and esports gamers indulging in Overwatch, making it a huge part of their identity.
In response to this, Overwatch 2 attempted to up the ante, and it was met with generally positive reviews at first. Later on, however, it became the worst-rated Steam game ever after review bombing for non-game-related reasons, as well as unhappy fans who criticized the season pass, lack of free story mode, and other unfavorable changes from the original Overwatch.
Battlefield 2042 (2021)
There are probably over 50 titles in the Battlefield franchise, with 12 main installments spanning from 2002 to 2024. Battlefield 2042 is number 12, a purely multiplayer video game with cross-platform capabilities. While critics picked out more of the positives to the game, players were highly critical of its gameplay changes, technical issues, and lack of features. As a game developer, it’s hard to know what new features to introduce and what mainstays to keep the same, and 2042 is a clear example of this tug-of-war.
Critics were able to see the good in the new Specialist system and other modes, saying it opened up new opportunities for gameplay, but the game ultimately failed to reach its potential due to its technical issues and uninspiring developments.
CrossfireX (2022)
CrossfireX is a prime example of a game not living up to the hype. Trailers and sneak peeks depicted it as a first-person shooter similar to CS:GO, but it ended up being a laughingstock in the saturated world of shooters. From the poor controls and buggy UI to the microtransactions and weird map layouts, people were left wondering why they weren’t just playing one of the classic FPS titles instead.
Single-player mode didn’t do much to save the game either, as it suffered from the exact same issues found in multiplayer mode. Adding in a shallow storyline and awful enemy AI, players quickly realized that there was nothing special about CrossfireX at all – it was pretty much a mirror of every military shooter made in the past.
Gotham Knights (2022)
Ever thought there would be a Batman game that didn’t involve Bruce Wayne himself? Well, Gotham Knights focuses on his support cast of characters, Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, and Red Hood – each with their own playstyles and abilities, a concept popularized by Overwatch. The storyline revolves around these characters restoring justice to Gotham City after Batman’s death and dealing with two other secret organizations who are seeking control of the city.
Despite the premise sounding exciting and dynamic, it received mixed reviews due to its dry storyline and unresponsive controls. For an open world, it was empty and lacking opportunities for exploration, which is a huge disappointment in terms of immersion.