Game Over: The Biggest 2020 Gaming Disasters You Won’t Believe

2020 was a year many of us would love to forget, and the video game industry was no exception. While there were some hits that kept us entertained through lockdowns and social distancing, there were also some spectacular flops. These games left players scratching their heads and reaching for refunds. Was it the rushed releases, buggy gameplay, or just plain bad design choices? Let’s dive into the biggest gaming disasters of 2020.

1. Fast & Furious Crossroads

firstly, a game based on the hugely popular Fast & Furious franchise should have been a surefire hit, right? Wrong. “Fast & Furious Crossroads” was an epic fail. Fans expected high-speed racing and thrilling action, but they got outdated graphics, clunky controls, and a totally uninspired storyline. It felt more like a bad movie tie-in from a decade ago. In addition, the multiplayer mode failed to deliver any excitement, leaving players with a lackluster experience overall.

2. Warcraft III: Reforged

also, Blizzard’s attempt to reforge a classic turned out to be a disaster. “Warcraft III: Reforged” promised to bring updated graphics and new features to a beloved strategy game. Instead, it delivered broken promises and technical issues galore. Players were frustrated by missing features that were present in the original, and the overall lack of polish. Moreover, the new graphics were underwhelming, leading fans to wonder why they bothered in the first place.

3. Crucible

Similarly, Amazon Games’ “Crucible” was supposed to be their grand entrance into the competitive shooter scene. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a prime example of what happens when ambition exceeds execution. The game was plagued by uninspired design, lack of cohesive direction, and a multitude of bugs. Consequently, it was so poorly received that Amazon eventually pulled it from the stores entirely, promising to rework it. As a result, the grand entrance turned into a quiet exit.

4. XIII Remake

Additionally, the remake of “XIII” brought the charming and unique 2003 cel-shaded shooter back into the limelight for all the wrong reasons. Fans were excited to revisit the quirky art style and intriguing storyline. However, they were met with a product that stripped away the game’s original charm. In contrast to the original, the remake felt lifeless and void. The new graphics lacked character, the controls were clunky, and the bugs made it nearly unplayable. “XIII” is a prime example of a remake done wrong.

5. Marvel’s Avengers

Finally, considering the massive popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, expectations for “Marvel’s Avengers” were sky-high. Above all else, players wanted to feel like superheroes. Instead, they got repetitive missions, grindy gameplay, and a game that felt incomplete. Performance issues and bugs only added to the frustration. The ambitious live-service model never hit its stride, leaving even the most ardent Marvel fans disappointed. Despite some decent character moments, the game overall fell flat of its potential.

In an industry as fast-paced as gaming, not every title can be a winner. The worst games of 2020 serve as a reminder that big-budget titles still need solid design and execution to succeed. These flops, while frustrating, also offer valuable lessons for developers and publishers moving forward.

1. Kotaku on Crucible
2. GameSpot Review of XIII Remake