8 Bad Games That Are Great With Mods

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A long-lasting custom in the world of video games remains valid even today. It goes like this: If a game fails to meet expectations or lacks certain features, dedicated fans often take it upon themselves to improve or enhance the game on their own.

If a game has a playable PC version that supports modifications, or offers an alternative means for personalized gameplay, it’s likely that there are enhancements the developers haven’t implemented yet.

I find it heartwarming when fans show extraordinary dedication towards games that were left incomplete, and I thought it would be interesting to discuss some of the most commendable attempts to enhance disappointing experiences, make games playable again, and rectify poor porting jobs.

Games that are often considered poorly made or have subpar PC versions due to their mods, can be part of the discussion. My focus here is on eight exceptional fan-made projects that I particularly admire.

8.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Slippery Slope

Even though I’m quite fond of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the competitive community found it unusually slow and peculiar, which prompted necessary adjustments to be made.

Project M represents an exceptional transformation of Brawl, making it resemble its ancestor more closely, yet preserving the newly introduced characters after some adjustments and revisions.

Currently, Project+ is considered the superior mod for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, as it provides significantly enhanced physics and an abundance of fresh content.

It syncs exceptionally well with the competitive gaming scene, and I’ve witnessed it in action at both local and online competitions. For competitive players who once found Brawl dull, it has transformed the game into something fresh and exciting.

7.
Sonic Adventure DX

Hastily Made

You may be curious as to how a fan of Sonic Adventure like myself could include it in this list. In layman’s terms, the PC version of Sonic Adventure is quite poorly done.

Initially, the two Adventure games were fairly well adapted from the Dreamcast to the Gamecube. However, that version had several bugs when it was moved to the Xbox 360, and these issues became even more pronounced as it was further transferred to the PC, resulting in a decline in quality.

These days, playing these timeless games is easiest via the least enjoyable method, but by obtaining the Dreamcast Revival mod, you can transform the PC version into an almost identical facsimile of the original gaming experience.

Beyond resolving most of the bugs that occurred across the three ports, it also reinstates some of the questionable choices made in the Gamecube versions. For instance, it restores the original models that were inherited from Sonic Adventure 2 in a strange manner.

6.
The Sims 3

Ultimate Enhancement

It’s amazing to see how effectively The Sims series has continued to thrive, considering that any devoted fan would confirm that the games become even more captivating when enhanced through mods.

The Sims 3, produced during a time when computer versions of games weren’t as well-made, is no longer compatible with Windows 11. You’ll need to make some adjustments to run it.

Initially, it’s essential to install a user-created update for the game just to get it running. However, since you’re already there, why not take a look through the extensive guide outlining all potential fixes that might be beneficial to your gaming experience?

In essence, there is a great deal more to discuss about this topic, but modifying (modding) will significantly improve the issues with the PC version and bring life to your community, instead of everything remaining static or unchanging.

5.
Garry’s Mod

Holding It Up

It’s quite possible that Garry’s Mod wouldn’t be as significant if not for its modding community. Without them, it would simply be a collection of sandboxes to play around in, offering little else in terms of worth or value.

When someone says that Garry’s Mod is a fantastic experience, what they really mean is that it becomes an incredibly fun time once you fill it with numerous mods, effectively transforming it into a whole new video game altogether.

It was designed to allow endless customization, transforming it into a bustling center of numerous imaginative mini-games. Some players were so innovative that they laid the groundwork for

(a community-created game mode similar to GMod Towers).

It appears that all modifications have minimal impact on performance, yet they create a remarkable gaming experience. It’s highly likely that this is why the game has not been released beyond PC platforms.

4.
Fallout: New Vegas

The Wasted Land

If you have doubts about this information, why not try running the original version of Fallout: New Vegas on a current-day computer? If you encounter issues within a few hours, please share your experience with us again.

Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to play the PC version of New Vegas smoothly without installing at least one mod to avoid continuous crashing, as Bethesda seems disinterested in updating or fixing the game.

Since you’re already installing modifications, it wouldn’t hurt to add some that enhance the texture quality, smooth out character models to avoid the “uncanny valley” look, and incorporate a few gameplay adjustments as well.

Specifically, Project Nevada significantly enhances the diversity of weapons, armor, and overall introduces even more diversity to make gameplay more engaging, aiming to make multiple playthroughs much more captivating.

3.
Spore

The Wild West

Although there’s a sentimental attachment to the rough and unpolished game, Spore, it’s clear that the massive promise it held was unfortunately squandered by Electronic Arts’ questionable business tactics. This situation has always been somewhat sad.

Incidentally, I don’t generally appreciate it when moderators use “better” in titles, as it sets an unattainable standard for themselves. However, there are exceptions, like with BetterSpore, where they truly live up to the claim.

This modification significantly upgrades the user interface for easier navigation, incorporates unused creature creator components, thoroughly revamps the Creature and Space stages, and enhances the overall gaming experience noticeably.

The game seems as though it might have reached its full potential with the additional development time it deserved. Regrettably, I can’t help but feel that the other stages didn’t receive as much attention as the major overhauls, but these enhancements to the two primary aspects undeniably make the entire gaming experience more enjoyable.

2.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl

A Remake Remade

It’s clear that many Pokémon enthusiasts haven’t been thrilled with the latest releases, and this dissatisfaction is particularly noticeable in the response to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the remakes of Generation 4.

A different group created these games, opting for less favorable adaptations of timeless classics rather than the highly acclaimed ones from Platinum. The visual aesthetic they used stirred up a lot of contrasting opinions.

Fortunately, numerous mods are available to address the main problems with these subpar remakes, such as the mod known as “Renegade Platinum,” which incorporates elements from Platinum named Luminescent Platinum.

If it doesn’t suit everyone’s preferences, rest assured, you can still enjoy significant enhancements. For instance, you’ll notice drastic frame rate improvements, such as 60 FPS, faster-paced gameplay for those tediously slow battles, and the ability to modify character models according to your liking with custom mods.

1.
Starbound

Underbaked Space

Initially playing Starbound can be enjoyable despite its flaws, leaving one impressed. However, upon subsequent launches of the original version, the repetitive planet designs and unengaging progression system may quickly lead to feelings of boredom.

This game resembles what would happen if all the criticisms from the initial launch of No Man’s Sky were incorporated into a duplicate of Terraria, but it feels quite rough around the edges and isn’t particularly enjoyable to play. However, on a positive note, it does offer Steam Workshop support.

This tool enables you to incorporate numerous modifications that introduce a plethora of fresh alien lifeforms, diverse vegetation, and exotic wildlife into otherwise dull worlds. It also significantly alters the advancement process and movement mechanics, ultimately transforming the gaming experience into something entirely unique to your preferences.

Without mods, the gameplay feels monotonous and dull, but with them, each corner presents a fresh discovery, keeping the experience exciting and ever-evolving, as there’s always room for more modifications.

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2025-05-22 17:13