11 Badly Reviewed Multiplayer Games That Are Actually Pretty Good

Corporate ambition holds significant sway, and it has managed to exert influence even within the realm of multiplayer games.

Because a live service game can be a significant money-maker, numerous publishers with available funds have attempted to create the next big multiplayer sensation. To describe the outcomes as merely varied would be an understatement.

Despite being grouped with games that rely heavily on microtransactions, some other games may receive harsher criticism than they deserve. In reality, these games might be superior to their reviews imply.

Let me share with you some underrated multiplayer games that despite their poor reviews, offer a fun experience when played with friends. Enjoy!

To ensure a clear focus and provide insightful reviews, we’ll limit our analysis to multiplayer games rated 70 or lower on OpenCritic. Additionally, we’ll take a look at certain games that are no longer playable or set to close down.

11. The First Descendant

Far From A Destiny Killer

Let’s begin by discussing the game that has the least points among those listed, yet boasts the most polished gameplay, top-notch production quality, and a hooking game mechanic found in all the games mentioned.

People found several similarities between The First Descendant and Destiny, which they felt made The First Descendant a blatant imitation. Additionally, it seemed to intentionally create a challenging gameplay experience to tempt players towards its pay-to-win features.

Despite having controversial backstories and optional paid features, the game offers a lot of fun, featuring diverse character classes for mastery, smooth shooting mechanics, effortless multiplayer functionality, and a tale that may not break records, but certainly delivers some intriguing scenes.

This game isn’t something that will replace Destiny, and it doesn’t value your time highly. However, despite these points, there are many aspects about this free-to-play title that are worth appreciating. Any fan of looter-shooters is likely to find a few enjoyable hours in this game.

10. Gang Beasts

Wobbly Battle Royale

Reflecting on how popular Gang Beasts has become within the casual multiplayer gaming segment on couches, it’s somewhat surprising to think about the fact that the game initially received less attention when it was first launched.

This is due to the fact that the game seems shallow in terms of complexity, and I can’t disagree with that assessment. However, for those looking for instant, unfettered enjoyment, complexity isn’t likely to make much difference.

You’re seeking out games featuring physical comedy-style fights, random map changes, and quick, unpredictable shifts in the game outcome – and Gang Beasts delivers exactly that!

It’s much like an intense, over-the-top bar brawl, cranked up to the maximum level. Although it may become less exciting after repeated play, it’s still a fresh, entertaining experience that you might revisit occasionally for some hilarious friendly fights.

9. Brawlhalla

A Smashing Smash Alternative

As a passionate gamer, I must admit that while titles like Super Smash Bros have undeniably made waves in the gaming world, the platform fighter genre remains relatively obscure, with not many new releases hitting the market annually. Yet, when a fresh one does emerge, it’s usually packed with thrilling chaos, a polished finish, and an overall fun experience that keeps me hooked.

Contrary to what some reviews may suggest, Brawlhalla stands out as a well-crafted and entertaining alternative to Smash games. Featuring a vast array of characters for players to select, consistent updates to maintain its appeal among competitive multiplayer brawlers, and smooth gameplay that is both balanced and user-friendly.

Brawlhalla provides a more challenging and tactical gameplay compared to Smash, which is designed more for parties. If you’re looking for a fresh group of warriors to conquer, then the competitive edge in Brawlhalla might be just what you need!

Not to mention, this game is free. So, there’s no reason not to dive into the action.

8. Foamstars

Sudzy Splatoon

Square Enix typically delivers at least one disappointing live service game annually, and Foamstars was seemingly destined to be the next on the list for cancellation. Unlike many of their failed multiplayer games, I surprisingly felt that this one had potential, as it catered to a specific market niche.

Essentially, the game that inspired

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that Splatoon, for me, hasn’t become the worldwide gaming sensation many had hoped for. Consequently, it was inevitable that this clone wouldn’t reach even a fraction of the success that Splatoon achieved. While it’s a decent imitation and offers a fun gaming experience, it simply failed to generate the buzz needed to thrive, and now, sadly, it finds itself amongst the growing pile of forgotten live service games.

7. XDefiant

Defiant To The End

Speaking of failed live service games, let’s not forget about Square Enix, but we should also highlight Ubisoft since they have a reputation for being the leaders in prematurely ending live service titles.

Instead of bringing up titles such as Skull and Bones or Hyperscape, which possessed certain positive aspects, it’s unfortunate to note that XDefiant stood out as the game that ultimately failed the most in my opinion.

In this game, you’ll find elements reminiscent of the traditional Call of Duty style, yet it introduces a unique twist by incorporating Ubisoft intellectual properties as characters in the battlefield. Each map is designed to reflect these IPs’ themes or settings.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, the firefights were intense, the levels were meticulously crafted, and the game mechanics were perfectly balanced. But here’s the thing: despite all its strengths,

Regarding its quality and production standards, XDefiant certainly earns top grades. However, having high-quality features doesn’t automatically guarantee popularity. Unfortunately, it seems that XDefiant might end up as an outdated artifact, like many games before it.

6. Human: Fall Flat

Floppy Fun

Occasionally, critics dismiss a game due to it possibly not appealing to their personal preferences or not fitting the category they had in mind prior to playing it.

Here’s my take on the situation: The game Human: Fall Flat, known for its deliberately challenging controls and a whimsical sandbox design in every stage, seems to have been designed this way. Moreover, its multiplayer feature serves to amplify the humor during gameplay.

This game might not offer a complex, sophisticated, or intricately designed gaming experience. However, it’s quickly apparent why young gamers are drawn to it. It’s unapologetically simple, silly fun, and there’s no shame in enjoying its straightforward charm.

The game isn’t particularly innovative visually; it can be confusing and aggravating, and the challenges aren’t truly mentally stimulating. However, for those who enjoy the chaos unfolding before them, this game is a joy.

5. Secret Ponchos

An Ill-Fated Gem

The experience with Secret Ponchos wasn’t so great for many players because it was launched in less than optimal condition, featuring problematic matchmaking, frequent save deletions, and other issues. This could be seen as a contentious point due to the game’s poor performance.

Nevertheless, I believe it’s worth pointing out that when the game functioned flawlessly, it offered an incredibly enjoyable, distinctive, and immersive experience among twin-stick shooter games available.

Offering a delightful mix of fast-paced action, engaging multiplayer conflict, user-friendly game mechanics, and sheer chaos, this game boasts Spaghetti Western aesthetics and dynamics in its twin-stick shooter format.

Although these days the western areas of Secret Ponchos are virtually deserted, don’t let that fool you. If you manage to gather enough gun-toting cowboys for a game, believe me, it will not disappoint you.

4. That’s You

All You Need Is A Phone

In the past and now, I’ve been, and remain, an ardent admirer of the compact group of PlayStation Link games we received in earlier times. These games were essentially Sony’s endeavor to mimic the winning formula created by Jackbox, enabling anyone with a mobile phone to participate in the game.

While each game offered remarkable experiences, none seemed to receive the recognition it merited in my opinion. Among the three, Hidden Agenda, Knowledge is Power, and That’s You, the latter stands out as the one that fosters the best teamwork among players.

This particular game, surprisingly enough, serves as an entertaining icebreaker. It encourages drawing, sharing jokes, and expressing oneself openly, resulting in a chain of amusing and frequently laugh-out-loud moments among the group.

As a gamer, I can tell you that playing That’s You is almost like being in a Jackbox game without directly participating in Jackbox. It’s an outstanding party game because everyone already knows how to work their phone. Sadly, this game didn’t receive the recognition it deserved.

3. Tricky Towers

Stack ‘Em High

Many games have attempted to replicate and modify classic game structures with varying results, and among the timeless, none are as renowned and flawless as the structure of Tetris.

Stacking and collapsing the classic Tetris blocks remains just as captivating today as it did years ago, with some arguing that it doesn’t require any improvements. However, I strongly believe otherwise, as I find Tricky Towers to be incredibly enjoyable.

In simpler terms, Tricky Towers is a game that blends the concept of building towers from Tetris with the classic game Jenga. The aim is to construct a tall and speedy tower to secure victory by competing against other players.

This game is just as easy to grasp, naturally appealing, and hard to stop playing as Tetris, though it didn’t receive the fame it deserved. However, if you’re searching for an exhilarating multiplayer experience on the couch, this one could be a great alternative.

2. Dead By Daylight

80’s Slasher Action

dead-by-daylight-2-1.jpg

After thinking about including Friday The 13th on the list, I recalled that the widely successful game Dead by Daylight had been met with a negative response. So, I realized that just one horror-based multiplayer game was suitable for representing the genre in this case.

Dead by Daylight has long been viewed as the natural evolution of the multiplayer vs. player (PvP) aspect found in Left 4 Dead. In this game, players assume the roles of terrifying monsters or resourceful survivors, with the ultimate goal being to determine who emerges victorious.

Initially, when this game first dropped, many reviewers pointed out some rough edges and a scarcity of content. But thankfully, those problems have been addressed and now, regardless of the character I choose to play, it’s an endless, thrilling bloodbath of fun!

As a gaming enthusiast with a knack for the chilling, I must say, this game’s got a serious grind factor and requires some serious skills to master. But if you can push through the initial challenge, it becomes an ode to horror aficionados, offering an exceptional multiplayer experience that’s truly captivating.

1. Palworld

Nintendo Lawsuit Pending

Although Palword is still considered as Early Access, it has received enough comprehensive reviews from users that justify its inclusion on this list as a potential rival to Pokémon.

Initially, I believed that the concept of a ‘Pokemon with Guns’ would not succeed. However, swallowing my pride, I acknowledged my mistake and wholeheartedly joined the global fanbase of this popular open-world survival game just like everyone else.

This game excelled in multiple areas: it thrived as a crafting-survival experience, a creature-taming adventure, and an expansive open-world sandbox. What leaves me puzzled is why it has received generally tepid responses overall.

Although the combat isn’t mind-blowing and there isn’t much of a narrative to speak of, it’s worth noting that these aspects aren’t what make this game stand out. It offers an exceptional experience with frequent, large-scale updates that keep things fresh and exciting. Despite its current average rating, it surpasses expectations in many ways.

2025-03-21 16:43