There are some games that we wouldn’t want to touch again with a 40-foot barge pole. They release amidst a bunch of negativity, they receive highly critical reviews, and they fail to meet sales expectations before fading into obscurity. But then there are other games we play that no one else in the world seems to enjoy, they face an immense backlash, and then we’re left as their lone defenders while the rest of the world does its best to forget about them. From Batman: Arkham Origins to Metal Gear Survive, our editorial team outlined the controversial games they like below.
As always, leave your own thoughts in the comments section, and we’ll feature our favorite in tomorrow’s Tell GR.
Paul Tamburro, executive editor: “Batman: Arkham Origins. Though it wasn’t as big a leap forward the series as City, it’s still the most cohesive story we’ve seen in an Arkham game. Origin stories are always a little dull as you more-or-less know where they’re going to end, but WB Games Montreal did a better job than Rocksteady of getting the most out of its characters. Crucially, Batman was made to be a much more interesting character this time around, with WB exploring his impact on Gotham’s crime, both good and bad. The Joker was also the best he’s ever been in a video game, even though Mark Hamill skipped this one.”
Jason Faulkner, senior editor: “Metal Gear Survive was actually a decent game and though Konami was kinda scummy for branding it as a Metal Gear game, I really enjoyed it. I think if they had marketed it as a new IP people would have been much more receptive. Unfortunately, it’s pretty much dead now, which is a shame because I really liked the multiplayer.”
Mack Ashworth, lead editor: “Though the sequel dropped the episodic format, I think the Hitman reboot’s tri-monthly content drops works well to keep myself, and the rest of the community, excited about the game. Of course, this was helped by the fantastic number of timed missions introduced between DLCs, encouraging Hitman fans to approach familiar levels in refreshing new ways.”
Michael Leri, features editor: “DmC Devil May Cry never deserved a fraction of the flak it got and it shouldn’t be a controversial game to like. Devil May Cry 4 was decent but had an archaic foundation and Capcom made the right decision to hand it off. The new direction was bold and most of the changes were for the better.
Lively, colorful levels and the attention to its story were highlights that addressed the main series’ weak spots. But that doesn’t mean combat was bad as the demonic and angelic mode made fighting incredibly deep and accessible. DmC was a victim of people going into it with a closed mind and it will always be a game I pity for being sacrificed unjustly.
Disclaimer: As you can tell from my thoughts on Devil May Cry 5, I also love the core series. It is possible to like both.”
Bradley Russell, news editor: “The opinion has obviously swung the other way now, but the backlash to Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker after its very first reveal was absolutely ridiculous, especially in hindsight. Not only is it one of the best-looking games of all time, it definitely felt like the origin of man-babies having a cry when they didn’t get something all edgy and cool. Celda > you. ”
Yesterday’s best comment
Question: Who is the worst video game character ever?
Alex Santa Maria: “I think Tiny Tina ranks pretty high up there? Borderlands has plenty of obnoxious characters, but to add in a storyline that makes you want to feel for her plight in a game where 85% of the rest of it is utter nonsense is a bit much.”
