Video games often carry high expectations with them These are fueled by strong PR marketing, players’ hype, and promises that seem otherworldly. However, not every game lives up to those promises, leaving players feeling let down and questioning whether their purchase was worth the cost.
This sentiment often stems from many things, including a buggy release, underwhelming, repetitive gameplay, and lackluster overall content and story that doesn’t justify a hefty price behind the title. These five games are prime examples of over-promising and under-delivering.
5. Aliens: Colonial Marines
Developed by Gearbox Software and published by Sega, Aliens: Colonial Marines was a first-person shooter released in 2013 for PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360.
Players would take on the role of Colonial Marines fighting infamous Xenomorphs and mercenaries in a campaign mode that could be taken on solo or in a cooperative mode.
Unfortunately, the game was a complete failure due to an unoriginal story that still failed to capture the feel of the original material.
Aliens came in familiar form, but technical shortcomings resulted in abysmal critique, combined with low-resolution textures, poor lighting, and even some glitches that contributed to the feeling that Aliens: Colonial Marines wasn’t worth the price tag.
4. Gotham Knights
Developed by WB Games Montréal and published by Warner Bros. Games, Gotham Knights is a 2022 action RPG released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. Players control one of four Bat-family members, Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, or Red Hood as they fight off Gotham villains following Batman’s unfortunate demise.
While the game did try a different angle on the popular franchise, it failed miserably. It was criticized for repetitive combat, an underwhelming story, and a focus on the grind that isn’t that rewarding. While the game featured stunning graphics and was praised for its gameplay, it wasn’t enough to lift it from the depths of despair.
Ultimately, the game struggled to live up to the high standards set by the Arkham series which left many players disappointed, rendering the game not worthy of its price tag.
3. Anthem
Developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, Anthem is an online multiplayer action RPG released in 2019 for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. Players take control of exosuits known as Javelins, which come with skills and abilities and are used to explore a world threatened by monstrous creatures and fight for humanity’s survival.
The game was praised for bringing visually stunning environments to screens, but it wasn’t enough to compensate for an underdeveloped story, repetitive gameplay, and a lackluster endgame experience.
The loot-driven progression is what made fans angry at BioWare, which resulted in game servers shutting down less than two years after the release.
2. Redfall
Redfall desperately tried to be liked by everyone but ended up being hated by almost everybody. Even Microsoft’s Phil Spencer came forward to express his disappointment with the game, saying it fell short of expectations.
Redfall was developed by Arkane Austin and published by Bethesda Softworks, is a first-person shooter released in 2023 for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.
Players assume the role of one of four characters, each with unique abilities, to combat vampires and cultists in the open-world setting of Redfall, Massachusetts.
Unfortunately, the lack of character depth and empty, though visually stunning open-world, Redfall failed to capitalize on its potential, making players and critics dissatisfied with the game.
1. Marvel’s Avengers
Despite strong initial sales, Marvel’s Avengers ultimately disappointed both players and critics, leading to the discontinuation of support in September 2023. Developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Square Enix in 2020, Marvel’s Avengers is a live-service looter-shooter that couldn’t focus on one genre and ultimately failed at every.
Players control iconic Avengers, including Iron Man, Hulk, and Captain America among others in a single-player campaign, while it also offered co-op modes with deep customization options for both characters and gear.
While the game had everything to succeed, post-launch content underdelivered with a focus on heavy grind, technical issues, and an endgame to forget, repetitive missions didn’t add to its value, making it one of the most forgettable games in recent Marvel history.
Not every game lives up to expectations prior to its launch. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an example of a different spectrum as the game delivered on every aspect it promised and changed the gaming industry for good in May 2023.
What are some games you played that underdelivered for its price tag? Let us know in the comments below.
