10 Video Games That Didn’t Live Up to the Excitement
Video games can spark massive anticipation with flashy trailers and big promises. But sometimes, they fall flat, leaving players feeling let down after all the buildup.
I’ve put together a list of ten games from the past decade that generated huge expectations but stumbled at launch. These titles, across different genres, show how even the most promising projects can miss the mark.
10. ‘Mighty No. 9’ (2016)
‘Mighty No. 9’ was meant to be a love letter to Mega Man, led by its creator Keiji Inafune. Its Kickstarter campaign exploded, raising over $4 million from eager backers.
The final game was a letdown with stiff controls, dull levels, and outdated graphics. It felt like a pale imitation of the classic series, frustrating those who funded it.
9. ‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ (2017)
‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ promised an immersive Star Wars experience with a single-player campaign and epic multiplayer battles. Its visuals and iconic settings had everyone excited.
A predatory loot box system overshadowed the launch, sparking outrage. Bugs and a shallow story further dimmed its shine, despite later improvements.
8. ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5’ (2015)
The Tony Hawk series defined skateboarding games, so ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5’ had fans pumped for a nostalgic comeback. Trailers showed off tricks and vibrant arenas.
The game launched with glitches, poor graphics, and awkward controls. It felt like a rushed cash-in, tarnishing the franchise’s legacy.
7. ‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ (2017)
‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ aimed to expand the beloved sci-fi series with a new galaxy and fresh characters. BioWare’s reputation fueled sky-high expectations.
Clunky animations, weak writing, and repetitive missions disappointed players. It lacked the depth and charm of the original trilogy, leaving a sour taste.
6. ‘The Last Guardian’ (2016)
After years in development, ‘The Last Guardian’ captivated with its emotional story of a boy and his giant creature companion. Its trailers were pure magic.
Frustrating controls and a finicky camera marred the experience. The long wait made its flaws feel even more glaring, despite its heartfelt narrative.
5. ‘Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite’ (2017)
‘Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite’ promised to revive the iconic fighting series with a cinematic story and new mechanics like Infinity Stones. Fans were ready for epic battles.
The game’s roster skipped beloved characters like the X-Men, and its visuals were lackluster. It felt like it catered more to casual players than diehard fans.
4. ‘Fallout 76’ (2018)
‘Fallout 76’ took the Fallout series online, promising a shared wasteland adventure. The idea of exploring with friends thrilled longtime fans.
A buggy launch, sparse content, and missing NPC depth made it feel hollow. It strayed too far from the series’ roots, upsetting players.
3. ‘Anthem’ (2019)
BioWare’s ‘Anthem’ wowed with its stunning world and flying mech suits. It aimed to compete with top live-service games like Destiny.
Repetitive gameplay, a thin story, and technical issues tanked it. BioWare’s later decision to abandon updates sealed its fate as a missed opportunity.
2. ‘No Man’s Sky’ (2016)
‘No Man’s Sky’ promised a near-infinite universe with endless planets to explore. Its trailers painted a picture of boundless adventure and discovery.
The launch lacked promised features like multiplayer and felt repetitive. Updates have since improved it, but the initial disappointment was huge.
1. ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)
‘Cyberpunk 2077’ was hyped as a revolutionary open-world RPG from CD Projekt Red, with a sprawling city and deep story. Expectations were through the roof.
It launched riddled with bugs, especially on consoles, and missing features. The backlash was intense, though patches later improved the experience.
Which game’s letdown hit you hardest, or is there another title I overlooked? Share your picks in the comments!
