The 8 Video Games You Wish Had Never Been Made

Video games can be incredible, pulling you into new worlds with thrilling stories and clever mechanics. But not every game hits the mark—some leave you frustrated, disappointed, or just plain confused, making you wonder why they were ever created.

I’ve put together a list of eight games that, for one reason or another, I think the gaming world could have done without. From broken mechanics to misguided concepts, these titles missed the mark in ways that still sting. Let’s dive in, starting with the least offensive and working up to the one I really wish had stayed on the drawing board.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

This Atari 2600 game, tied to the beloved movie ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982), was rushed to shelves in just five weeks to cash in on the film’s hype. The result was a mess—confusing controls, repetitive gameplay, and a notorious pit mechanic that trapped players endlessly.

I remember trying to navigate E.T. through those pixelated screens, only to fall into pits over and over. It sold millions but was so poorly received that unsold copies were reportedly buried in a landfill, cementing its legacy as a cautionary tale of rushed development.

Superman 64 (1999)

Based on ‘Superman: The Animated Series’ (1996-2000), ‘Superman 64’ for the Nintendo 64 promised epic superhero action but delivered frustration. Foggy visuals, clunky controls, and those infamous ring-flying missions made it nearly unplayable.

I wanted to love soaring as Superman, but the game felt like a chore. Its rushed production and technical flaws turned a dream license into a nightmare, leaving players wishing for a hero to save the game itself.

Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing (2003)

This PC racing game is less a game and more a glitchy fever dream. With no collision detection, AI opponents that don’t move, and a ‘you’re winner!’ screen that became a meme, ‘Big Rigs’ feels like an unfinished prototype.

I tried racing those trucks, only to drive through mountains and win by doing nothing. Its lack of polish and basic functionality makes it a bizarre curiosity, not a game worth playing.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

Known as ‘Sonic ‘06,’ this game aimed to reboot the iconic franchise but stumbled hard. Glitchy physics, awkward controls, and a convoluted story with a human-Sonic romance subplot left fans baffled.

I hoped for a return to Sonic’s glory days, but the bugs and odd design choices—like loading screens for short levels—made it a slog. It’s a low point for a series that deserved better.

Aliens: Colonial Marines (2013)

Tied to the ‘Aliens’ franchise (1986), this first-person shooter promised intense xenomorph action but delivered broken AI, dated graphics, and a story that felt disconnected from the films. The hype from early trailers made the letdown even worse.

I was excited to battle aliens as a Colonial Marine, but the enemies barely reacted, and the campaign felt lifeless. It’s a missed opportunity that failed to capture the movie’s tension.

Umbrella Corps (2016)

A spin-off from the ‘Resident Evil’ series (1996-present), ‘Umbrella Corps’ tried to be a competitive shooter but ended up a forgettable mess. Clunky mechanics, uninspired maps, and a lack of the series’ horror roots alienated fans.

I wanted a fresh take on ‘Resident Evil,’ but this felt like a generic shooter with a tacked-on logo. It’s a misstep that didn’t even appeal to multiplayer fans.

Balan Wonderworld (2021)

From the creator of Sonic, ‘Balan Wonderworld’ promised whimsical platforming but delivered repetitive levels and a bizarre one-button control scheme. Its colorful world couldn’t save the dull gameplay or lack of depth.

I was drawn in by the vibrant art, but the samey costumes and empty stages bored me fast. It’s a game that sounds fun on paper but falls flat in execution.

The Day Before (2023)

This MMO survival game was hyped as a zombie-filled open-world epic but launched as a broken, empty shell. After years of slick trailers, it shut down just days after release due to bugs, missing features, and a tiny player base.

I fell for the hype, expecting a gritty survival adventure, but got a glitchy mess with barely any zombies. The developer’s closure shortly after made this one of gaming’s biggest disappointments.

Which game do you think should’ve stayed in the vault, or did I miss a title that let you down? Drop your thoughts in the comments!