Without fail first-party releases are always some of the most important video games of the year. The right exclusives can be the selling point on why a gamer chooses to buy one console over the other, so there is always a lot riding on these titles. Typically this means that the console manufacturers make sure that any game with their logo on the box is a game worth playing.
That isn’t always the case, though. Even first-party studios put out some clunkers, and all three console makers have put out some stinkers and disappointments in 2015. We’ve put together an unranked list of 10 of the worst first-party published games in the past year. Check out the games below, and let us know in the comments what your least favorite first-party title was in 2015!
Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival
Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival is by far the worst game on this list, and that is really saying something. This board game, which only really exists to give those adorable Animal Crossing amiibos something to do, has very little depth, and is just a boring game to play. While Animal Crossing’s charm still manages to shine, this is one game you’re better off avoiding.
The Order: 1886
It’s not that The Order: 1886 was a bad game per se, rather, it’s a really pretty, mediocre shooter that ends super abruptly. It honestly feels like the first act of a game which makes it a solid rental, but anyone who spent $59.99 on the 6 hour game probably felt ripped off. There is a lot of potential in the series, but after some lackluster sales it’s doubtful we’ll see the story conclude.
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash’s gameplay is the best in the series’ history, but that is all Camelot’s latest sports title has going for it. There are no tennis tourneys to compete in, no career mode to speak of, and you can’t even play with friends online. It’s beyond disappointing how many features are missing from Ultra Smash since it could’ve been a great game. Instead, it’s one that you’ll get bored with almost immediately if you don’t have local mates to play with.
Gears of War Ultimate Edition
The original Gears of War was a landmark game in 2006, and it ended up influencing several genres with its innovative cover system. In 2015, Gears of War isn’t nearly as impressive. In fact, it’s pretty miserable playing through a campaign that has aged terribly. If the game was to be remade, it could’ve used some of the mechanics that made its sequels much better games.
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer
It has been a rough year for Animal Crossing fans. Nintendo’s cute life simulator received one awful game, and another that is just dull. Happy Home Designer is the dull one, and despite a promising premise (designing homes is super fun in Animal Crossing) it manages to fall flat. Some challenge in the home designing process would’ve gone a long way in making this seem like a worthwhile time investment.
Click on thru to page two for five more of the worst first party games of 2015…