Overhated Video Games That Didn’t Deserve the Criticism

It’s become common for people online to unfairly criticize video games, often focusing their negativity on titles that don’t deserve it.

It’s not always true that even bad games have something going for them, but it’s frustrating how often games with decent scores – around a 7 out of 10 – are called unplayable. A 7/10 is actually a pretty good rating, and plenty of games that were once praised would probably fail today. Take Stray, for example – it was well-received, but might not be as popular now.

Games that were once widely disliked can sometimes regain popularity after a while. Other times, we look back on them and realize they weren’t actually that bad. Regardless of the reason, these are games we might have misjudged originally.

8. The Last of Us Part 2

A Visceral Ending

The stories that truly stay with us, in games, movies, or TV shows, are the ones that make us feel something deeply. We become invested in what’s happening, rooting for certain outcomes and being genuinely moved by how things turn out.

You know you’re truly invested when you’re emotionally caught up in something, even if you can’t change what’s happening. This feels especially true with video games, because unlike many things in life, you usually can control what happens. Today’s games have become so sophisticated that your choices actually matter, changing the story, the people you meet, and the game world itself.

While many games try to please everyone, The Last of Us Part II doesn’t. It confidently tells its own story, which sparked a lot of strong reactions from us. Though it might not be quite as good as the first game, it’s still a remarkably well-made and meaningful experience that remains consistent with its core themes.

7. Star Wars: Battlefront 2

A Continued Success Story

I’ll admit, I actually enjoyed the 2015 Star Wars: Battlefront. It wasn’t flawless, but it was really fun to play in short sessions.

Star Wars: Battlefront 2, released in 2017, was a significant improvement over the first game, offering exciting and still-enjoyable gameplay. However, the initial launch wasn’t without issues. Players experienced technical problems, the single-player story wasn’t very strong, and the game’s system of in-game purchases was widely criticized.

Despite any initial criticisms, the game is actually really well-made and enjoyable. I find this more and more true every time I play it. It never deserved the negativity it got, and it’s great to see more people realizing that now.

6. Dragon Age Veilguard

A Solid RPG, Just Not as Good as Origins

It’s interesting how Dragon Age games are often seen as the weakest entry when they first come out, but then people’s opinions usually shift and they’re appreciated more after a few years.

The biggest criticism of Veilguard, like with every Dragon Age game after Origins, is that it doesn’t quite live up to the original. It’s understandable – Origins is a fantastic RPG and a high point for BioWare. However, that shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Veilguard is a good game in its own right. It offers enjoyable gameplay, strong writing, and still captures the essence of what makes Dragon Age special.

A major reason people unfairly criticize Veilguard is its approach to modern representation, which unfortunately led to a lot of negative reviews before people even played it. Give the game a chance – I’m confident you’ll enjoy it.

5. World of Warcraft

Retail Is Still Great, It’s Just Different

It’s a little ironic, I know, considering I mostly play the original version of World of Warcraft, but I’m actually going to defend the current version of the game.

It’s natural for something so dominant in its field to draw criticism. World of Warcraft has faced backlash from both those who feel it changed the MMORPG genre for the worse, and long-time players who dislike its current direction. There are plenty of valid points people make when criticizing the game.

As World of Warcraft launches its Midnight expansion, it’s clear the game offers something for everyone, from new players to veterans. The main storyline is actually quite good, and the recent addition of player housing has been incredibly popular. Plus, the challenging and satisfying endgame PvE content remains a highlight for MMORPG fans. Despite what some critics say, there’s a lot to enjoy in this game.

4. Diablo 4

It’s Only Getting Better

Honestly, it feels like everyone just jumps on the bandwagon and bashes Blizzard games these days. But I think that’s kinda unfair. They’re still making really good stuff, even if WoW has its issues. Take Diablo 4, for example – it’s seriously a fantastic game and proves they’ve still got it.

Diablo 4 definitely launched more smoothly than Diablo 3. Interestingly, there’s still a significant number of players who actually prefer Diablo 3, and it looks like Diablo 4 is heading towards a similar situation – building a dedicated fanbase even alongside its predecessor.

Diablo 4 is currently playing better than ever thanks to a recent update and the exciting new Lord of Hatred expansion, which introduces the Paladin class.

3. Fallout 4

“Too Mainstream”

Fallout fans are strongly disapproving of this game, viewing it as a sign of what’s to come for the series and not in a good way.

Some fans worry that the latest Fallout game is trying too hard to appeal to a wider audience, and in doing so, it’s losing the special qualities that made the series so beloved. While it’s a solid open-world RPG, many longtime fans don’t consider it a true Fallout experience, and they’re particularly critical of the writing.

It’s interesting that Fallout 4’s Far Harbor expansion features really strong writing and quests, showing Bethesda can deliver high-quality content. I think they’ve been simplifying the game to appeal to more players, similar to how Mass Effect 2 felt more polished and accessible than the first game. Many fans, myself included, are perfectly happy with this approach – Fallout 4 is a good game and doesn’t deserve the criticism it often receives.

2. Final Fantasy XIII

Worth the Investment

Final Fantasy XIII definitely has its flaws, and many people rightly point out the slow start. The beginning is very restrictive, which can turn players off. But stick with it, because the game becomes much more open and expansive after those initial hours.

Subscribe to our newsletter for smarter takes on overhated games

Want deeper context on games you may have misjudged? Subscribe to the newsletter for thoughtful reappraisals of overhated and misunderstood titles, overlooked recommendations, and clear explanations that make revisiting games worth your time.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Even after almost twenty years, Final Fantasy XIII still looks fantastic. While the graphics aren’t quite as cutting-edge as modern games, they still hold up remarkably well. Combined with its highly praised combat, stylish presentation, and gorgeous music, the game offers a truly immersive experience.

Okay, so the beginning of this game is kinda slow and keeps you on a pretty set path, and I get why some people complain. But honestly? Stick with it! It totally pays off. It’s like the developers wanted you to start that way, and I think it actually makes the rest of the game even better when it opens up.

1. Dark Souls 2

It’s Still Dark Souls

Dark Souls 2 had a lot going against it before it was even released.

Hidetaka Miyazaki wasn’t directing the game this time, and fans had a lot of concerns about the gameplay based on early trailers. When the game launched, many also felt it didn’t look as good as it did in the previews.

Look, I’m not gonna pretend Dark Souls 2 is flawless. It definitely has its issues, and some of the difficulty feels a bit off. But honestly, it’s still a really great game, even if it does lean heavily on what made the first Dark Souls so good. Over time, I think people were just being too hard on it, especially since Hidetaka Miyazaki wasn’t directing. But at its core, it is still a Dark Souls game, and that’s a huge win in my book.

2026-01-18 17:41