10 Amazing Games That Actually Lived Up To Their Hype

Experiencing the thrilling instant when a fresh game unveiling captures your attention is not something we encounter frequently nowadays.

To put it another way, let me clarify that there are fantastic games everywhere you look. However, if nothing is holding your interest anymore, maybe it’s time to explore new genres or titles. After all, with so many amazing games being released constantly, it takes something truly exceptional to capture the interest of the entire gaming community.

I’ve compiled a list of 10 exceptional games, each one not only meeting but surpassing the enthusiasm and anticipation of their fan communities. These games truly exceeded the initial expectations they generated.

Among the numerous games spanning the last two decades related to this theme, I’ve selected a number of them. These choices are primarily influenced by my own experiences with the games and their enduring significance, which continues even after their initial release.

10. Super Mario Odyssey

An Adventure Worthy of Accolades

It’s hard not to bring up the popular, quirky, and lovable plumber character who is renowned for one of the most cherished and recognized video game series, given his fame.

As a gamer, I’d say that Super Mario Odyssey stands tall as a peerless gem in the 3D realm of the Super Mario franchise. It’s right up there with legends like Super Mario Galaxy and Mario 3D World.

Every realm within this game is brimming with awe and enchantment. It’s not surprising that the game, which drew many players (myself included), was among the key motivators for purchasing the Nintendo Switch initially.

Mario games are usually at least very good, but Odyssey faced an additional hurdle – it needed to be exceptionally remarkable to kickstart the Switch’s success in its debut year. This challenge resulted in a game that continues to be hailed by many as the finest 3D Mario adventure ever created.

9. Doom Eternal

Rip ‘N Tear

Discussing popular video game franchises, there was a great deal of anticipation surrounding Doom Eternal, following the triumph of its 2016 reboot which injected a refreshing vibe that resonated with long-time enthusiasts as well as new players.

In contrast to the 2016 version that leaned towards a more earthbound aesthetic, Eternal significantly amplified its adaptability in this release, focusing more on agility, complex level structures, and an expanded arsenal of weapons.

It further develops the solid base laid by Doom (2016) to create one of the most thrillingly enjoyable shooter games in gaming. Playing it on higher difficulty levels will definitely pump up your adrenaline.

Games from the Doom series by ID Software are consistently eagerly awaited, given their influential role in establishing and refining the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre.

This year, as the age of Doom: The Dark Ages approaches, there’s a great deal of excitement about how ID Software plans to outdo the beloved legacy of Doom Eternal in their upcoming creation.

8. God of War (2018)

We Must Be Better

Who wouldn’t remember the thrilling unveiling of God of War at E3 2016, when Kratos made his appearance on screen, causing the entire audience to erupt in cheers at the peak of their excitement?

Though I didn’t get to experience the actual event, the unforgettable moment was witnessing my friends’ exhilaration during the live broadcast. A significant milestone in my life was watching Kratos, the iconic character, return to gaming for the first time after a long wait.

One significant factor fueling the excitement surrounding God of War is the long-standing curiosity among fans about the sequel’s plot. More crucially, they were eager to discover if Kratos survived the events of the third installment.

Despite some criticism for its RPG features being somewhat forced in, God of War (2018) was simply astonishing upon release, with its captivating storyline, exceptional direction, and immersive gameplay – all crucial elements that earned it the prestigious Game of the Year award and even outperformed a gaming giant like Red Dead Redemption 2.

Regardless of my fondness for the original games, Santa Monica Studio has crafted an exceptionally memorable title that surpassed expectations upon its release, leaving gamers thrilled and eagerly anticipating the finale in God of War: Ragnarok.

7. Mass Effect 2

Back To The Normandy

Among my all-time favorite video games sit the Mass Effect trilogy, joining the ranks of Kingdom Hearts 2 and the complete Yakuza series. Naturally, I’d like to highlight one game that resonates deeply with many fans – Mass Effect 2, a role-playing game sequel that surpassed its predecessor in numerous aspects, offering enhanced mechanics (and a few debatable ones) for good measure.

During Bioware’s prime period, the initial Mass Effect was created, boasting all the elements that made it an unforgettable sci-fi game. This game paved the way for the eagerly awaited release of Mass Effect 2 a few years later, establishing itself as one of gaming’s most enduring sequels.

Besides making numerous technical advancements, ME2’s standout feature is its climactic finale, which unfolds as an intricate suicide mission. This mission is characterized by numerous intertwining factors that have the power to dramatically change the entire scene in unpredictable directions.

Moreover, enhancements were made to the hero or villain system, and the tension reached unprecedented levels. This time around, the Collectors and the Illusive Man entered the scene as well, creating a level of anticipation that was justified, as the game truly blew fans away with its intense action.

6. Resident Evil 4 Remake

Leon Still Rules

Acclaimed as one of the greatest video games ever created, the original Resident Evil 4, developed by the brilliant mind of Shinji Mikami and his team, showcased exceptional skill in the genre of action horror.

Despite opting for a more daring strategy by minimizing survival aspects found in earlier games, Resident Evil 4 was an incredible triumph following the successful remakes of RE1 and RE2. With high expectations surrounding its release, Capcom had a considerable bar to clear with the eagerly awaited remake of RE4.

Despite some differences between the original version and the Resident Evil 4 Remake, the anticipation leading up to its release was undeniably justified. The enhanced combat, fully developed and reimagined characters, overhauled levels, and numerous other improvements all contributed to a remake that felt truly unique.

The crucial aspect was ensuring that the remade game neither disturbed nor disrespected the original’s reputation. It aimed to achieve what a remake should, by paying homage to the original title while introducing its own innovative updates and enhancements.

It’s possible that members of the Resident Evil fanbase hold diverse views these days. Nevertheless, the general response has been favorable enough for new enthusiasts to appreciate the Resident Evil 4 Remake and explore more games within the franchise.

5. Portal 2

Torturous Yet So Glorious

Portal 2 continues to prove itself as the ultimate puzzle game in the industry, a title that will endure the test of time. Even though I wasn’t initially swept up in its pre-release excitement, it has undeniably left an indelible impact on gamers worldwide.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but sing praises for the groundbreaking experience that was Portal. It stood out with its intriguing narrative blend of darkness and humor, challenging me to approach gameplay in unconventional ways. The cherry on top? GLaDOS, who effortlessly stole the show as a witty antagonist, leaving a lasting impression on gamers everywhere.

One reason why Portal 2 was widely appreciated upon its release was the introduction of innovative gameplay elements, most notably a two-player cooperative campaign and complex puzzles. These features refreshed the game’s problem-solving aspects, incorporating mechanics such as Propulsion, Repulsion, and others.

Although developers have introduced innovative mechanics in the puzzle gaming genre, many players continue to use Valve’s “Portal 2” as a standard for modern puzzle games because of its exceptional execution across all aspects. Living up to the anticipation following the success of the initial game, it certainly did not disappoint.

4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Oblivion And Beyond

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, it’s no secret that The Elder Scrolls series by Bethesda was a renowned name in our industry. With Oblivion’s triumph and a massive marketing campaign, Skyrim found itself at the pinnacle of the most eagerly anticipated video games ever made.

In 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – a game that garnered attention through numerous re-releases spanning multiple console generations – was one of the most buzzworthy topics globally. Given its towering popularity, even those outside the gaming sphere found themselves drawn to discussions about it.

In its time, this game was as highly anticipated as Elden Ring. It caused a stir so much that people called in sick from work and teenagers hurriedly left school to immerse themselves in the captivating universe of Skyrim, spending countless hours exploring it and then sharing their experiences with friends the following day.

Above all, it’s worth noting that the community for modifying games in Skyrim is among the most extensive ever, demonstrating the incredible replay value this game has maintained over a decade following its initial release.

As a dedicated gamer, I can attest that Skyrim was under immense pressure to impress, and boy, did it ever! It’s not just another game; it’s a titan among video games, leaving an indelible mark on the industry for decades to come.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

All Aboard The Rollercoaster To Tahiti

Rockstar Games is widely recognized in the gaming industry for creating some of the most impactful open-world games ever made, so it seems fitting to feature what I believe to be their masterpiece, “Red Dead Redemption 2,” on this list.

In spite of a few setbacks, Red Dead Redemption 2 lived up entirely to the anticipation surrounding its launch. While Grand Theft Auto V and the first Red Dead were both significant milestones in their own rights, Red Dead 2 garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional storytelling and groundbreaking open-world gameplay, placing it at the pinnacle of many gamers’ all-time favorite games.

As I embarked on what I thought was a familiar gaming journey at first, little did I know it would shatter all my preconceptions. By the time I reached the climax, this game took me on an exhilarating emotional ride that left me breathless. The character of Arthur Morgan has undoubtedly earned a spot among my most cherished video game heroes.

In my opinion, what truly sets this open-world game among the best of our generation is its unparalleled ambition. From the richly detailed world and hidden secrets, to the continuous evolution, every aspect speaks volumes about the enduring greatness of this game within the gaming community today.

2. Halo 3

The Most Unlikely Team-Up Ever

_Halo 3 served as a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy by delivering an engaging continuation of the story left hanging in Halo 2, and added numerous gameplay improvements that made its anticipation worthwhile for countless gamers._

The groundbreaking nature of Halo 3 within the gaming community stemmed from its innovative features including Forge, Custom Games, Theater, and Ranked Matchmaking. Bungie spared no effort in this final installment, aiming to leave a lasting impact.

In addition, we included an exceptional solo mode where Master Chief joined forces with his unlikely ally, the Arbiter, to combat a shared adversary, even though they hailed from conflicting origins.

The tremendous achievement of Halo 3 can be attributed not only to its own hype but also to the widespread fame of its predecessor games, as well as the extraordinary marketing efforts by Microsoft and Bungie. Their campaigns featured a multitude of expensive advertisements, live stage events, CGI videos, and many other promotional strategies that surpassed expectations.

The marketing efforts for Halo 3 proved successful as it set a record for highest video game sales within a 24-hour span, generating approximately $170 million in the U.S. This game is frequently mentioned among those that truly justified the excitement built up by their promotions.

1. Elden Ring

Time Stood Still In The Lands Between

It’s no secret, and it’s been widely acknowledged – the game “Elden Ring” by FromSoftware was highly anticipated, with excitement building up like nothing else in recent times, that is, until the announcement of Grand Theft Auto 6.

Since its initial reveal at E3 2019, there has been a continuous build-up of excitement among players as they waited to learn more about the game’s progression over time.

Upon release, chaos erupted everywhere as Elden Ring swept through the gaming world like wildfire, eventually transforming into a cultural sensation thanks to its widespread acclaim.

I’ll always remember the initial month following the game’s launch, during which my friends and I were consistently amazed by the expansive map, the mysteries we uncovered, and the clips we compared online. The gaming community was swept off its feet with the release of this game, and even several months later, people would still be discovering new aspects of it.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but express my admiration for Miyazaki and his team at FromSoft when it comes to their meticulous crafting of “The Shadow of the Erdtree.” The level of care they put into this game is evident in every detail, and it continues to resonate with countless communities and fans. In fact, the anticipation surrounding its release was unparalleled among DLC announcements.

No matter if opinions change over time due to recency effect or differing perspectives on the game, Elden Ring will forever stand out as the title that exceeded expectations in an extraordinary manner and raised the bar for open-world Role Playing Games.

2025-04-04 17:11