Here Are The Video Games That Let Us Down in 2020
If nothing else, the year 2020 proved to us once and for all that video games are a force for good. Our favourite games were there for us when we needed them most, getting us through the darkest days and coming through when it seemed like everything else went to hell. But there were a few games that disappointed us — titles that just didn’t meet up to our lofty expectations when they released. Come along with us as we take a look at the most disappointing video games of 2020.
8. PGA 2K21
After the debacle that was Rory McIlroy’s PGA Tour, our reviewer Rhett was understandably excited to see his beloved golf get the AAA treatment that 2K promised. But this game was, sadly, a swing and a miss. Bland, uninspired visuals combined with generally sloppy production values made for an overall experience that just wasn’t fun. Then there were audio and even gameplay bugs that at best, pulled you out of the immersive aspects but at worst — for example, the complete loss of your backswing — made the game unplayable. Some of the modes might have the potential to be good in future, but this year PGA 2K21 really let us down.
7. The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon
The Outer Worlds, released in 2019, was a decent game but it was short and honestly, played things a bit safe. However, that was all supposed to be addressed in the game’s DLC, Peril on Gorgon, and we were hoping for a change of pace, a cool new direction and maybe even a few risks taken by Obsidian. Those hopes were dashed though, as what we ended up getting was merely another paint-by-numbers plot with the same enemies and the same predictable “twists” as the main game. Peril on Gorgon may have given players a big and solid all-new quest but we were hoping for so much more.
6. Madden 21
Ok, COVID-19 undoubtedly disrupted the development of some games and Madden 21 is probably one of those. But that excuse only gets EA so far as this was, in the words of our review, a glitch-filled and rushed disappointment. With stale retreads of the same annual features, and little progress on long-requested improvements, the whole thing just felt lazy. And to rub salt in the wound, the one attempt at adding something new — an arcadey 6-on-6 mode called The Yard — just came off as gimmicky, and another cynical way for EA to monetize the game. Put it all together and Madden 21 just didn’t make a strong case for purchase this year.
5. The Last of Us Part II
Yes, you read that right. Sure, Naughty Dog’s follow-up to the classic PS4 survival-horror The Last of Us was lauded by many, including our own reviewer, for its hard-hitting story and pull-no-punches realism. But it had lots of critics too, who derided what they saw as its heavy-handed political messages and its gratuitous violence. Then, there were some story decisions — particularly with one character’s fate — that left many fans feeling angry and even betrayed. While you have to hand it to Naughty Dog for going all-in on making The Last of Us Part II a provocative and unflinching artistic statement, this is undoubtedly a title that has divided players and will continue to do so.
Click thru to Page 2 to see the rest of our Most Disappointing Games of 2020!