The Worst Games From 2012

While 2012 delivered some true gems in the gaming world, it also offered a few less-than-stellar titles. For every “The Walking Dead” or “Dishonored,” there were games that, despite their promise, fell short. Here’s a deep dive into the games that missed the mark in 2012.

1. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City

Reimagining the classic Resident Evil franchise for multiplayer sounded like a fantastic idea. However, “Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City” managed to alienate fans with its lackluster gameplay, clunky controls, and absence of the franchise’s signature horror atmosphere. The shooter mechanics felt stiff, and the ai was frustratingly poor. Critics and players alike struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this chaotic misadventure.

2. Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor

If there’s a game that exemplifies the troubles with motion controls, it’s “Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor.” Released for the Xbox 360 Kinect, it promised an immersive experience piloting a mech. Instead, players encountered unresponsive controls that marred the gameplay. The frustratingly inconsistent motion detection turned what could’ve been an exhilarating experience into an exercise in patience and disappointment.

3. 007 Legends

James Bond has been a beloved character for decades, but “007 Legends” failed to deliver an adventure worthy of its namesake. The game attempted to string together iconic moments from various Bond movies but ended up with a disjointed narrative. Add to that bland shooting mechanics, dull level design, and uninspired multiplayer modes, and you have a recipe for a lackluster spy thriller.

4. Medal of Honor: Warfighter

Following the successful reboot in 2010, “Medal of Honor: Warfighter” was expected to further rejuvenate the series. However, it sank under the weight of high expectations. The game struggled with technical issues, a forgettable campaign, and multiplayer that couldn’t compete with industry giants like “Call of Duty.” It made fans of military shooters yearn for the glory days of the genre.

5. Amy

“Amy” had so much potential with its unique premise and survival horror elements. Yet, it quickly degraded into tedium and frustration. The game’s escort mission mechanics were poorly executed, with clunky controls and a confusing story. The survival horror genre demands a fine balance of tension and gameplay, but “Amy” managed to miss the mark on both, leaving players more annoyed than afraid.

Looking back at these titles, it’s clear that even the most promising concepts can falter if the execution isn’t right. 2012 may have had its disappointments, but those missteps have provided valuable lessons for developers and gamers alike.

1. Metacritic: Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City
2. IGN: 007 Legends Review
3. Kotaku: Amy’s Horror is a Flawed Horror