Games That Looked Too Good To Be True (But They Were True!)

In the world of video games, it’s quite typical for developers to highlight advanced features, groundbreaking innovations, and captivating mechanics in an upcoming game to generate pre-orders and secure a strong initial release. However, some gamers have been disappointed when these promises don’t fully materialize, either due to overstated graphics or unrealistic claims about the size and depth of the game. These experiences can make skeptical players wary when a new game seems too fantastic to be true.

Occasionally, a game emerges that not only hints at greatness but actually surpasses expectations. At times, these games seem to exaggerate their quality, only to leave players pleasantly stunned when they discover the game exceeds even their highest hopes. Below is a list of some remarkable games that initially seemed too good to be true, yet turned out to live up to their marketing hype.

Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s Open-World Epic

The anticipation for Elden Ring prior to its launch was akin to a significant celestial phenomenon. The speculative theories, hidden narratives, and intricate analyses delving into every detail from every sneak peek or announcement were unprecedented, rivaling perhaps the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong‘s fervor.

The unique blend of an open-world design based on the FromSoftware template, infused with George R.R. Martin’s narrative prowess, ignited anticipation beyond measure, leading even Reddit users to advise caution before its launch to keep hopes grounded in reality. However, when the game was finally released, FromSoftware surpassed all expectations, offering a game that not only met but exceeded the hype surrounding it.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Dungeons and Dragons Brought to Life

The grandeur of Baldur’s Gate 3 was undeniable, and many found it hard to believe that Larian Studios could deliver such an extensive game as they had promised during pre-release promotions. However, the Act 1 demo helped alleviate some concerns. Yet, when Larian began discussing features like 17,000 fully voiced endings, endless replayability, and a CRPG experience unlike anything conceived before, skepticism ran high among gamers.

Upon the complete unveiling of Baldur’s Gate 3, all prior expectations were surpassed to an extent that left many unprepared. The game not only met but exceeded the set promises, selling over 10 million copies within a year of release. Its gameplay, inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, was polished to such a degree that it attracted players who had no prior experience with the widely recognized tabletop RPG. Larian Studios reigned supreme at the 2023 Game Awards, and rightfully so, leaving an indelible mark on gaming history.

Black Myth: Wukong

An Action RPG Phenomenon

Some players find it hard to believe that Black Myth: Wukong, due to its visually stunning pre-release trailers and sneak peeks, might not live up to expectations given Unreal Engine 5’s past tendency for looking great in promotional materials but disappointing in actual gameplay. This has led many to speculate that the game may follow a similar pattern.

Upon launching, Black Myth: Wukong amazed critics who previously expressed skepticism, offering one of the most impressive action RPG adventures of the year. Wrapped up in a polished, well-structured bundle, it catapulted the Chinese gaming industry into the spotlight.

World of Warcraft

The MMORPG That Defined the Genre

Reflecting back, the anticipation leading up to the release of World of Warcraft was extraordinary. Transforming the Warcraft universe into a dynamic, alive Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) seemed almost unattainable to some, and the grandeur and scale of the project appeared too good to be true. Moreover, given the subpar graphics of MMOs during that era, World of Warcraft’s promises appeared more like empty hype.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t hide the fact that World of Warcraft (WoW) has been unparalleled in its success since its debut. Though it might not hold the title of the longest-running live service game ever, there’s no denying it’s the most beloved. The player base for WoW remains colossal and fiercely loyal, a force that shows no signs of fading away any time soon.

Dune: Awakening

Funcom’s Best Survival Vision Yet

In the build-up to the launch of Dune: Awakening, there were extravagant claims made during the pre-release marketing stage that seemed almost too fantastic to believe. Given Funcom’s past struggles in the survival game genre and the apparent immense scope of the project, many skeptical fans were reluctant to commit fully to the upcoming release. Many believed that the actual product might fall far short of the hype surrounding it.

Upon unveiling, it became clear that the game “Dune: Awakening” exceeded expectations. The colossal desert landscape of Arrakis was stunning, the survival aspects captivated players, and there were ample resources for creating amazing base constructions – all while adhering to the authentic Dune universe. Though its endgame has some flaws, it’s still impressive that Funcom produced a largely complete product amidst skepticism, which deserves commendation.

Palworld

Pokemon With Guns

Prior to its release, many believed that Palworld was destined to fail, with some even expecting Nintendo to sue the game due to its similarities to Pokemon. However, once the game was actually played, it managed to win over players and survive the lawsuit filed by Nintendo.

In just a few days after its launch on Steam, Palworld attracted more than 2 million active players, and by the end of its first month, it had sold an impressive 25 million copies. This remarkable success places Palworld among the most successful independent games ever produced.

Red Dead Redemption 2

A Benchmark in Open-World Design

Before the launch of Red Dead Redemption 2, its gameplay trailers showcased an unbelievable level of refinement and care in every detail. The astonishing realism and immersive quality of the game’s world were so far beyond what was expected for that time, some even doubted its authenticity, thinking it was too visually stunning to be real.

With its release, Red Dead Redemption 2 silenced any lingering doubts, delivering a game so immersive it seems unbelievable it was released in 2018. Even today, the game remains impressive, outshining many contemporary titles significantly.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

A Historical RPG That Delivered

Before its release, Kingdom Come: Deliverance was met with cautious doubt, as there were several factors leading to this apprehension. For starters, Warhorse Studios wasn’t a well-known name back then, having just a few developers who aimed for realistic gameplay and complex mechanics that had been accomplished by only the most ambitious AAA games previously.

To make things even more intriguing, Kingdom Come: Deliverance (KCD) was primarily crowdfunded through Kickstarter, a platform notorious for deceptive game projects that collect money from unaware supporters without any genuine plans to achieve their stated objectives. However, it’s worth noting that unlike some other ventures on this list, Kingdom Come: Deliverance (KCD) did live up to its promises and exceeded expectations. Although it didn’t become a blockbuster hit like others in its category, the game eventually sold over 8 million copies, earning itself a passionate following reminiscent of a cult phenomenon.

2025-08-28 07:35