Games That Surpassed Unrealistically High Expectations

Building excitement can keep fans engaged, even if a project takes a long time to finish – sometimes years. If the final result lives up to the anticipation, the wait is worthwhile. However, a disappointing launch, like the initial release of No Man’s Sky, always feels even more frustrating.

The anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently incredible. It’s difficult to believe Rockstar could surpass expectations again, but they’ve proven capable of doing so in the past. While we wait for the next installment, here are some games that have consistently impressed players and exceeded expectations throughout gaming history.

Super Mario 64

Mario Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before

In 1996, people were really looking forward to Nintendo’s new 3D console, and the wait felt even longer because of delays. The game everyone was most excited to play was Super Mario 64. For months leading up to the console’s release, stores across the country let customers try out both the system and the game.

When Super Mario 64 was released, it surpassed all previous Mario games. Its fully explorable castle and expansive levels, combined with its innovative 3D controls, set a new standard for the genre. It quickly became the foundational model for all 3D platformers that followed.

Half-Life 2

A New Wave Of Storytelling

Before its release, Valve had already achieved great success with Half-Life, a groundbreaking shooter that felt different from anything players had experienced. Unlike the fast-action style of games like Doom, Half-Life focused on creating a more suspenseful and frightening atmosphere. It told its story through the game’s environment and cleverly avoided using cutscenes.

A lot of the excitement around Half-Life 2 came from fans eager to see what Valve would create next, and the game definitely pushed the boundaries of what was possible with storytelling and action compared to their previous work. But what really made Half-Life 2 a standout PC game for years was its incredible physics engine and open-ended levels, letting players freely explore and find creative solutions to challenges.

Resident Evil 4

Reinventing Horror

As a huge Resident Evil fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the different directions they almost took with Resident Evil 4. I remember hearing about a spooky mansion concept and even a ghost-themed version – honestly, I’d still love to see those ideas explored someday! But looking back, I think all that experimentation ultimately led to something amazing. Resident Evil 4 wasn’t just a great game, it completely changed what the Resident Evil series could be, and for the better!

After leaving the zombie-filled world behind, Leon S. Kennedy found himself in a new location with the ability to purchase and improve weapons, and conveniently carry everything he needed. Even now, the game’s graphics on the GameCube hold up remarkably well. The dynamic combat system, featuring options like boarding up doors or triggering traps to harm enemies, really enhanced the immersive horror experience.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Redefining The Open-World

While open-world games weren’t new, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim really revolutionized the genre by giving players unprecedented freedom. You could create a character and develop them however you wanted, choosing your gear and skills. The developers promised you could start anywhere and simply walk across the entire world, and Skyrim actually delivered on that promise.

It’s easy to be skeptical when game developers make grand promises, especially after examples like Peter Molyneux’s enthusiastic previews for the Fable games. However, players who trusted Bethesda were proven right with a truly unique open-world RPG, and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has cemented its place as an unforgettable game.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Glide On My Wayward Link

Both Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time were incredibly impressive when they came out, but Ocarina of Time didn’t generate quite the same level of excitement as Mario did at the time. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a better example of a highly anticipated Zelda release because fans waited through an entire console generation – the Wii U – for a new game. While the Wii U had a version, Breath of the Wild really took off when it launched with the Switch, and it’s considered one of the best launch titles ever.

Finally, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined what open-world games could achieve, going beyond even Skyrim. Players had unprecedented freedom – they could travel anywhere and climb absolutely anything, using stamina, and then safely glide back down. These features, combined with the game’s massive world, made it a must-have for many gamers.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Back To Basics

I remember when the first Red Dead Redemption came out – it was a big hit, but kinda flew under the radar. Westerns weren’t super popular back in 2010, but those of us who loved Rockstar’s version of the Wild West were totally hooked. Honestly, we didn’t think we’d ever see another Red Dead game. So, when Rockstar announced Red Dead Redemption 2 would be their next big thing after Grand Theft Auto 5 – a game that made a ton of money – we were all completely blown away!

Red Dead Redemption 2 wasn’t simply a continuation of previous games; Rockstar focused heavily on realism, creating a detailed and immersive Western world. Players could freely explore, hunting, robbing trains, or simply enjoying the wilderness. The game’s story was also a high point, demonstrating a new level of sophistication for Rockstar without resorting to humor or gimmicks.

Elden Ring

Soulslike In A New Realm

Elden Ring took the challenging Souls-like genre to the next level, building on the foundation FromSoftware created with 2009’s Demon’s Souls. Unlike previous games in the style which often featured interconnected maps, Elden Ring offered players a vast, open world to explore.

Players had more freedom to explore and tackle challenges in the order they preferred, meaning they could move on to something else if a boss proved too difficult. While previous FromSoftware games offered some of this flexibility, this game took it much further. The compelling bosses, hidden secrets, cooperative gameplay, and other features made it a hit, even for those new to the genre.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Decades In The Making

For years, fans of the Baldur’s Gate series wondered if a new game would ever be made, especially since Baldur’s Gate 2 came out in 2000 (not including its expansions and updates). Larian Studios, with modern technology and plenty of time, saw an opportunity to create Baldur’s Gate 3 as something truly different from what came before.

Instead of creating a straightforward, classic tactical RPG, the developers went all-in on stunning visuals and a hugely complex choice system. This ambitious approach really wowed fans. The game is designed for players to forge their own unique narrative, and it’s unlike anything else available today, especially considering its level of refinement.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Worth The Wait

Hollow Knight: Silksong was originally announced in 2019 as a larger follow-up to the popular game Hollow Knight. After a long wait, it finally launched in 2025, but the release was incredibly troubled. The game overloaded and crashed every digital store it was sold on, preventing players from both downloading and playing it.

The game’s fans were incredibly enthusiastic, even though some found it quite difficult. While it’s definitely a challenging game, it’s undeniable that Team Cherry created something special with its fast-paced action, beautiful art style, and immersive world. Hollow Knight: Silksong is a fantastic sequel that exceeds expectations.

Hades 2

Sibling Wars

Both Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong entered early access in 2024, with Hades 2 releasing its full version shortly after Silksong’s debut. September 2025 saw both highly anticipated indie sequels arrive, and remarkably, both proved to be even better than the original games.

Hades 2 featured smoother combat, more areas to discover both on the surface and underground, and even stronger storytelling with incredibly compelling characters. The game also made improvements to how players progress, making it more accessible for those new to fast-paced, replayable action games. Supergiant Games continues to deliver consistently high-quality titles, and that’s remarkable considering they’ve released five games so far.

2026-01-30 02:38