7 Bethesda Games That Surpassed Expectations

Bethesda is a studio often held to lofty standards by fans. With a storied history in the gaming industry, fans anticipate exceptional quality from their titles. Consequently, games like Fallout 76 and Starfield appeared disappointingly ordinary when compared to some of the all-time great video games. However, these RPGs are impressive games in their own right, but their brilliance is overshadowed when judged against the greatest video games ever made.

From time to time, I find myself utterly blown away by the exceptional games that Bethesda manages to release. Most of these gems are born from their publishing endeavors, and it’s impressive to see how they nurture some of the most stunning surprises in gaming.

7. Indiana Jones And The Great Circle

Surprised Players And Became The Best Video Game Featuring This Lovable Archaeologist

Enthusiasts of the Indiana Jones series can now celebrate with the release of The Great Circle, a game that not just claims but rightfully earns the title of best Indy-centric title. This game has been under close observation by both fans and critics throughout its development process.

Initially, some fans questioned whether MachineGames was capable of managing such an iconic IP (Intellectual Property) due to the first-person perspective and previous setbacks in “Wolfenstein: Youngblood”. However, all these doubts were swiftly dispelled upon its release, as fans were immersed in a thrilling journey featuring a character who uses a whip, which many consider superior to any recent Indiana Jones films.

6. Hi-Fi Rush

A Shadow-Dropped Game With Amazing Combat And Charming Visuals

The bold move by Tango Gameworks, in partnership with Bethesda, to secretly release one of the standout action games of 2023, Hi-Fi Rush, added an extra layer of excitement to its unveiling. This delightful cel-shaded game surpassed Ghostwire: Tokyo and proved that this team continues to excel at their craft.

In simple terms, the action in Hi-Fi Rush offers captivating gameplay aspects similar to rhythm games, creating an amazing audio-visual experience. If you’re seeking a game that delivers enjoyable gameplay, fantastic music, intense combat, and stunning visuals, then you’ll be thrilled by what Hi-Fi Rush has to offer!

5. Prey

Despite Its Lack Of Fame, This Is Arguably The Best Arkane Game

It was unfortunate and ill-advised to attach the “Prey” IP to an otherwise immersive sci-fi simulation game, as it may have diminished the excitement this game could have generated if released independently. The difficulty in finding information about this game makes players assume that “Prey” is insignificant, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Nurtured under the protective guidance of Bethesda, Arkane Studios poured their heart and soul into crafting what could very well be their finest video game masterpiece – quite an achievement indeed! Unfortunately, Prey didn’t manage to capture the masses, but it deserves a place in every gaming enthusiast’s collection if they seek an unsettling, immersive experience that blends action, exploration, and stealth into a fun package.

4. Doom (2016)

A Reboot That Was Way More Compelling Than Fans Expected

Initially, fans were just hoping for a bit of nostalgic fun with the return of DOOM. However, what they received exceeded their expectations, turning out to be one of the top first-person shooter games ever crafted. This game offered refined gameplay mechanics and a subtle, engaging narrative style that spoke volumes without excessive explanation.

In 2016’s DOOM, a thrilling battle experience was combined with unrestricted exploration, resulting in a game that beautifully balanced action and adventure. Fans were astounded by the game’s stunning visuals, while the intense Glory Kills and classic power-ups kept the gameplay dynamic and captivating throughout its duration.

3. Wolfenstein: The New Order

Another Classic FPS Series Made A Stellar Comeback Under Bethesda’s Watchful Gaze

One more renowned FPS series, Wolfenstein, experienced a comeback under Bethesda’s guidance. The players, eager for an action-packed and brutal shooting experience, weren’t looking for hand-holding this time around.

What surprised them was a storyline so captivating that even die-hard Wolfenstein game enthusiasts found themselves setting aside their controllers to immerse themselves in this game’s compelling narrative. This unexpected twist proved to be a smart move, as the narrative and characters of The New Order became among its most notable aspects… not forgetting the exhilarating gameplay, naturally.

2. Fallout 3

The Transformation Of This Beloved CRPG Series Into An Open-World Game Was Astoundingly Good

Transitioning the role-playing game (RPG) universe of Fallout to an open world was not going to be a walk in the park, as many fans were concerned Bethesda might miss the mark. However, the captivating exploration and unforgettable quests in Fallout 3 quickly won over fans’ hearts, making them fall head-over-heels for this game.

In the journey of The Last Survivor to find his dad, there are numerous shocking discoveries made. Meanwhile, players get involved with a variety of optional missions throughout this adventure. Some extraordinary events like encountering a ghoul changing into a tree and obliterating an urban area are among the many memorable instances in Fallout 3, which solidifies its position as a game that significantly impacted the Fallout franchise.

1. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

The Evolution Made By This Franchise Was Out-of-this-World And Set A Foundation That Later Titles Would Build Upon

Instead of anticipating a significant enhancement from Daggerfall, Elder Scrolls enthusiasts were taken aback by the unexpected nature of Morrowind. A transition to a novel engine and a meticulously crafted smaller world ensured that Morrowind would leave a deep imprint on the memories of fans.

This game significantly boosted the popularity of “The Elder Scrolls” series, making it a well-known title in many homes, and laid the groundwork for Bethesda games to come. Fans have held high expectations for Bethesda games since “Morrowind” was released, as it left them awestruck with its exceptional exploration, quest design, and storytelling.

Read More

2025-07-27 10:34