10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

As someone who grew up with a Nintendo 64 tucked under my bed, I can confidently say that Super Mario 64 holds a special place in my heart. It was this game that introduced me to the wonderful world of 3D gaming and set the stage for countless adventures to come.


Clearly, when we shell out a significant portion of our spare funds for a game, it’s only natural that we expect the game to be top-notch.

We want a polished, thoughtful, and memorable game that appeals to fans and newcomers alike. Which, as any gamer will know, isn’t something you can guarantee in the world of gaming.

Opting for popular games with numerous positive reviews, consistent structures, and well-known libraries can offer a sense of security. However, true creativity seldom flourishes in the absence of risk. On the flip side, when innovation is involved, it often brings along a good deal of rough edges or imperfections.

To clarify, the term ‘jank’ isn’t always negative. It can be charming, amusing, or intriguing, which certainly adds to the appeal of certain games. Indeed, some games embrace this ‘jank’, and it might even enhance their overall experience.

To put it another way, let me share some beloved games that may have their quirks or imperfections, yet they continue to captivate us despite these flaws.

10 Elden Ring

Put Those Foolish Ambitions To Rest

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

A bold start, I know. But hear me out on this one.

Without a doubt, Elden Ring is an exceptional game, ranking among the greatest ever created. However, this doesn’t imply that it’s without its share of quirks or rough edges – often referred to as “jank.” Interestingly, all FromSoftware Souls games carry some level of jank. Due to its open-world design, Elden Ring seems to have more than usual.

Initially, when it first came out, the game exhibited the distinctive oddities that FromSoftware games have captivated fans with for more than a decade. However, since its release, many of these quirks have been gradually addressed and improved upon.

The game has been finely tuned in important areas, delivering sophisticated fighting, movement, and graphics. However, it’s worth noting that some boss battles can be easily exploited or avoided using unconventional or bizarre methods.

To many gaming enthusiasts, certain aspects might appear as flaws, but for the Souls community, these are charming elements to explore and master. In the Souls series, fighting fairly is not the norm; thus, neither should you!

9 Sonic Heroes

Three’s Company

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

As a die-hard fan, I must admit that when it comes to quirky yet irresistibly fun Sonic games, you’re truly fortunate indeed. The Sonic franchise has been notoriously plagued with a succession of games that have promised much but ultimately failed to deliver, falling short in comparison to the classic 2D titles from yesteryears.

In our opinion, while Sonic Adventures 2 was a strong contender, our top choice is the beloved but flawed gem, Sonic Heroes.)

This game combined speedy action sequences and thoughtful platforming elements in a 3D style, an approach that was not fully refined within the Sonic series at the time. Sonic Heroes attempted to achieve this unique blend by allowing players to simultaneously control the iconic three-member team.

This particular Sonic experience was awkward, heavy, and prone to malfunction when it came to speed. However, due to certain endearing traits, numerous individuals recall it with nostalgia.

Fortunately, Sonic titles have significantly improved, however, for some time, that degree of quality was the highest we could anticipate.

8 The Last Guardian

Who’s A Good Boy?

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

As I mentioned earlier, the concepts of roughness (jank) and innovation often coexist harmoniously. This is particularly true when considering the game creations from Team Ico – here, it’s hardly an overstatement to say they are the epitome of this union.

Games such as Shadow of the Colossus and Ico pioneered unique experiences within gaming, setting new standards. Although there were minor imperfections here and there, overall, these games were finely honed gems that shone brightly.

In a different phrasing, it wouldn’t be entirely accurate to describe The Last Guardian as anything other than a “flawed masterpiece.” This game truly encapsulates the essence of such a term.

Here, there’s an abundance of innovative thoughts to explore, particularly about the intelligent AI that you interact with or attempt to guide, known as your hesitant partner, Trico.

Often, your unusual pet dog doesn’t act as expected, causing amusing yet annoying situations. But, if you persist like many others have, you’ll discover that it’s equally enchanting and thought-provoking, much like the other creations of Team Ico.

7 Dragon Age: Origins

Where It All Began

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

The Dragon Age series has experienced something of a comeback with the success of DA: The Veilguard, and many believe this is largely because it’s moved away from its roots as a Computer Role-Playing Game (CRPG). Yet, despite the original Dragon Age game’s rough edges, I still consider it my top pick by far.

As a gamer, I’d have to admit that figuring out the combat wasn’t as straightforward as I’d hoped, and let’s just say the graphics didn’t exactly blow me away when this Bioware fantasy RPG first came out. But despite its noticeable shortcomings, there was something about it that captivated us all.

The storytelling method used by Bioware, where every decision, interaction, and bond felt significant and impactful, remained robust in this instance, contributing to an immersive experience.

This game boasts some truly spectacular scenes, yet it also comes with its fair share of challenges. If you’re seeking a Dragon Age title that most authentically embodies the role-playing genre, then this is the one for you.

6 Mass Effect

It’s Mako Me Crazy

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

Why not discuss the topic at hand, which is the occasional flaws in Bioware games, specifically focusing on Mass Effect since it seems like a suitable time for such a conversation.

To set the record straight, when I mention ‘Mass Effect,’ I’m specifically referring to the first installment in the series. Although the second and third games have addressed many of the original’s flaws, it’s important to acknowledge that even with the Legendary Trilogy Remaster, the initial game can still feel quite clunky or imperfect.

Instead of discussing the monotonous layouts and seemingly outdated, uninspiring battles that are often mentioned in relation to Mass Effect 1, let me focus on the one aspect everyone seems to remember due to its quirks – the infamous Mako vehicle.

This vehicular mission was nearly the worst experience imaginable. It handled more like a tank than a vehicle, and even if one could overcome its awkward handling, the planets you traversed offered little to no incentive for exploration.

Refrasing the statement: The Mako missions in Mass Effect 1 somewhat detracted from the unique charm of the game. It was the characters, role-playing elements, decision-making aspects, and grand quests that truly set it apart. However, if you ask any enthusiast, they’d agree that Mass Effect 1 remains a game worth experiencing even today.

5 STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Welcome to the Zone

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

As a fellow enthusiast, I get your craving for something innovative, unique, and bursting at the seams with character – enter STALKER 2, the highly-anticipated sequel that’s taking the Eurojank scene by storm! Let’s dive into the details together.

Regardless of its numerous technical glitches, graphics problems, progress-halting bugs, and other issues, the game drew over 100,000 players at launch and has maintained a similar player count since then, with only occasional fluctuations.

This game aspires to reach great heights with some of the boldest, isolating, and immersive open-world designs you can experience in any game currently available. Its grandeur means you’ll rarely have to wait for something exciting to happen, leading you to wonder, “Was that an error or part of the design?

Wow, stepping back in time while playing this game felt fantastic! It brought back an old, charming glitch that was just ridiculous enough to be adorable. Yes, a classic T-pose. I’ve truly missed your company, my old buddy.

It’s no wonder that numerous people have tolerated some imperfections given that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl shares similarities with many other games, but in today’s market where games are abundant and generally safe, it brings a special joy to see such a title.

4 What Remains Of Edith Finch

As Cursed As The Family

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

Instead of repeatedly finding myself in a quandary when discussing this cherished indie gem, here I am once more, seemingly tarnishing its reputation. However, if we’re honest with ourselves, it can’t be denied that the game is essentially a hodgepodge of rough gameplay elements.

To put it simply, despite the game being quite immersive and packed with powerful emotions, the way they present each family member’s story seems somewhat rough around the edges, giving off an impression of an incompletely developed concept.

Is it the unbelievably absurd part where you roll down a slope while steering a shark, the part where you soar a kite amidst a tempest, or direct a small infant enjoying a bath? Each seems like an awkward and clumsy effort in gameplay.

It’s crucial to emphasize: The emotions and storytelling depicted in every scene are exceptional. However, if these concepts were fully developed into actual games, they might end up as low-quality choices, and I’m using a generous term for that assessment.

3 Skate 3

Skate & Destroy

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

Skating games have a knack for being goofy and fun. For instance, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series offers an exaggerated gameplay experience where you can perform tricks like spine transfers on the sides of skyscrapers. Meanwhile, OlliOlli provides a lively rail-based experience. Yet, it’s hard to dispute that Skate 3 stands out as the peak of absurd skating fun in virtual worlds.

Game number three in the Skate series remains popular among fans due to its authentic and lifelike skating mechanics combined with an over-the-top physics system that lets you soar great distances, perform a backflip effortlessly, and many other fun stunts.

Of course, this flexible physics engine often finds itself in the hands of gamers, producing some extraordinary, almost unbelievable gameplay footage. For instance, it’s spawned a persistent collection of videos under the title ‘Atheists, can you explain this?’

This game maintains its raw, unpolished aspects, which only enhances its appeal, providing an exceptional skating experience that continues to stand out among the best.

2 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Have You Seen Armand Christophe?

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

I made a pledge to myself that I would select only one game from Bethesda for this list, as all of these amazing titles – Morrowind, Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas, and even Starfield – were strong candidates. However, when it comes to quirks or imperfections, nothing beats Oblivion.

The significant factor behind this is the Radiant AI system, which is an integral part of this game’s structure. At its inception, it was groundbreaking; however, revisiting Cyrodiil now presents a considerable challenge.

This game frequently features absurdly humorous and uncomfortable dialogues between NPCs, and it’s not uncommon to see Imperial Guards attacking innocent city residents without provocation. Just scratching the surface reveals a wealth of truly bizarre elements that make up this game.

Yet, when you strip away the silly AI, underneath, you’ll find some of the coolest questlines in TES history, you’ll enjoy one of the finest gaming soundtracks of all time, and you’ll get to explore some of the most memorable RPG locales on record.

In today’s fast-paced world, forgetting about things can be challenging, yet give it a go anyway; you might find it more intriguing than expected.

1 Super Mario 64

Mario Walked So Others Could Run

10 Incredibly Janky Games We All Loved Anyway

At last, I stumbled upon a game that truly paved the way for all 3D games yet to come. Yet, they had no choice but to tread uncharted territory, moving with the rhythm of their own innovation. It’s undeniable that they reaped immense success from this bold journey, but there was always a chance of glitches due to the lack of a roadmap.

Experiencing Super Mario 64 today might seem utterly foreign, even to those outside its original timeframe. The movement mechanics appear unlike anything preceding or succeeding it, yet once mastered, they offer a remarkably solid and smooth gameplay experience.

Additionally, Lakitus is the one controlling the camera, often finding it challenging to determine the correct position in regards to the mustachioed plumber character on-screen.

Even with its evident shortcomings, Super Mario 64 continues to be one of the most celebrated platform games around, boasting an active speedrunning community. It offers moments that remain memorable and unique compared to modern games, and it’s often hailed as a timeless, must-play title in gaming history.

It’s safe to assert that Super Mario 64 played a significant role in shaping the gaming industry as we know it today. Therefore, despite its occasional rough edges, I strongly recommend you give it a try as a tribute to a historic milestone in video game development.

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2024-11-27 22:39