As we approach the end of 2023, its always a good idea to look back at some of the games that have been released this year, whether they are big or small. Because of this nostalgic feeling, we are going to be looking back at the 10 worst games of the year, according to Metacritic.
All of the games that are listed below have been reviewed by Metacritic and have been given a certain rating based on a few different factors. For obvious reasons, this list is a warning that if you are looking to purchase these games, they are considered the worst games of the year by Metacritic, and if you are willing to take the chance, then enjoy the chaos they bring.
Please keep in mind that each of these game ratings is subject to change as more reviews are published on Metacritic, whether they are by gamers or reviewing companies.
10. Flashback 2 Metacritic rating: 35/100
The first game on this list, which is arguably one of the worst games of the year, is Flashback 2, as Metacritic has given it a rather low score of 35. Flashback 2 was a sequel to the original Flashback, which was released back in 1992 and was received incredibly well by the gaming community.
Even though this positivity wasn’t enough to get the game a sequel back when it was first released, it still had many gamers wondering for over 30 years whether they would ever see a sequel to this long-awaited game, and many gamers wished they never did as the 3-D side-scrolling shooter was sadly a flop with gamers hating the game upon its release back in November.
9. The Lord Of The Rings: Gollum Rating: 38
For many reasons, The Lord Of The Rings: Gollum has been placed on this list, especially due to its poor score of 38 on Metacritic, which is most likely going to get worse as more players begin to play it, which is very sad as the game has a rather interesting story and stealth mechanics that would be really fun.
However, the numerous glitches, poor dialogue, even by Gollum standards, and graphics left the game a complete mess, as gamers both laughed and cried at the horrible character designs and glitches. Which essentially made the game unplayable for those who are unlucky, or maybe lucky, depending on your point of view.
8. Greyhill Incident Rating: 38
If you’re looking for a good and/or bad horror experience, Greyhill Incident might be a good place to look, with a Metacritic score of 38. Players are tasked with exploring a neighbourhood with just a baseball bat and a revolver while being hunted by aliens.
The story and graphics behind this game are really strong, as the player has to explore the surrounding neighborhood in search of answers while constantly being hunted by aliens. Unfortunately, the rather funny aliens chase you while looking like they barely move a muscle, and the terrible-looking humans just take away from the fear as those who played the game were laughing the whole time.
7. Quantum Error Rating: 41
This is a rather rare game, and it is sad to see it be one of the worst games of the year, as Quantum Error is both a first-person and third-person shooter that allows the player to become a space fireman as he attempts to solve numerous mysteries while also blasting a hole in some rather detailed and scary-looking aliens.
Even though this is a rather unique game with an intriguing concept, many of the players were sadly left wanting more as the enemies became repetitive and weren’t very scary, the dialogue was very boring, and the firefighter aspects of the game were unfortunately either unnecessary or felt forced.
6. Testament: The Order Of High-Human Rating: 41
The next game on this list is a rather obscure one, as Testament: The Order Of High-Human received a rather middling score on Metacritic. Ignoring that the game looks like a cheaper version of Immortals Of Aveum, there are some unique puzzles, combat, and story opportunities within this game.
Unfortunately, the chaotic combat, poor dialogue, and messy puzzles look both confusing and simple at the same time. Even though this game scored quite low, there are some redeeming factors, as the graphics are amazing within the game, but the graphics sadly don’t save a game like this.
5. Gargoyles Remastered Rating: 47
For those old enough to remember the Gargoyles game, there is good news: there is a remastered version. The bad news is that it is sadly one of the worst games of the year. Even though this game is only a remaster and cannot be improved by a large amount, there are some who believe that some improvements could have been made to make this game a bit more pleasing.
As much as the Gargoyles Remaster works so hard to improve the game’s graphics, including a new rewind feature that allows gamers to rewind to perfect a jump or allowing gamers to replay the game on new generation consoles, it sadly didn’t save the game from only being loved by a few gamers.
4. Loop8: Summer Of Gods Rating: 49
As of recent years, there haven’t been many games like Loop8: Summer Of Gods, as it follows the story of a new resident in a village during the 1980s who has the ability to turn back time. Throughout the game, you are encouraged to make relationships, talk to the numerous characters that are included, and explore the village.
One thing that was sadly done rather poorly in the game is the combat, which is a turn-based combat system that uses your relationships with the other characters to boost your fighting skills. Sadly, the developers barely included the combat and focused more on the socialising aspect of the game, which has caused such a low rating on Metacritic.
3. Xuan-Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond The Mountains Rating: 52
The Xuan-Yuan Sword games are some of the most highly rated games in certain areas of the world, as they tell a rather unique story with some interesting gameplay aspects for players to enjoy. Unfortunately, the most recent game in the franchise hasn’t been able to reach the high expectations of its fans.
This is due to the fact that it has received a rather middling score of 52 on Metacritic and has received a lot of negative reviews from the gaming community. Even though the combat looks rather good, especially for a turn-based game, it is the slow story and boring gameplay that sadly bring the game down, as players find it tedious and grindy.
2. Crime Boss: Rockay City Rating: 52
Sadly, Crime Boss: Rockay City is also one of the worst games of the year, as it attempts to steal the Payday heist crown and just misses the mark. This is down to the lackluster gameplay, boring heists, and the numerous famous stars who look like they are just there to make a quick bit of money and leave.
Even though Crime Boss: Rockay City has received a lot of negative reviews, it is still rather middling with its Metacritic score, as the game has been receiving a lot of updates since its initial release, bringing in new heists and locations for players to enjoy.
1. Unholy Rating: 52
If you’re looking for a really good horror experience, Unholy is rather close, as it requires the player to explore two different worlds as they attempt to find their missing child. Even though the game looks rather good graphically, the experience falls flat with the poor combat that the player needs to engage in.
Although the story does redeem the game and the puzzles are rather simple, which doesn’t slow down the progress, the obvious jump scares tend to ruin the mood and take away the horror, but overall, it can be a good experience if you allow it.
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