8 Most Controversial PS5 Games

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Summary

  • PlayStation 5 games faced controversies like lack of saves and GTA Online’s focus.
  • Unnecessary remasters like The Last of Us Part 2 irked players for lack of PS5 updates.
  • Cyberpunk 2077‘s rocky launch showed the importance of game optimization.

As the PlayStation 5 approaches midway through its projected lifespan, it’s evident that many are content with the extensive collection of games it offers. While some fans have expressed disappointment due to a perceived lack of exclusives, this issue may stem from the current AAA game development landscape, where advanced video games take longer and cost more to create than ever before.

The PlayStation 5 has found itself at the center of various debates and controversies, stemming from both the console itself and several of its widely-enjoyed games. While some of these popular PS5 titles have sparked controversy for diverse reasons, certain ones have garnered more infamy than others.

8. Returnal

The Game Annoyed Many At Launch With Its Rest Mode Glitches And Inability To Save Progress

Returnal stands out as one of the most immersive roguelike shooter games, showcasing how indie game development has impacted the AAA market. The character, Selene, battles to free herself from a mysterious planet while revealing her haunting past, creating an exhilarating journey for players.

Initially, when the game was launched, players found it frustrating because they couldn’t save their progress during runs. This made advancing through the game a tedious task as players had to persist with a single run for quite some time before deciding to stop. To make matters worse, occasional random crashes and issues with Rest Mode often spoiled a player’s progress in an exciting run. However, these problems were later addressed by patches, although the negative attention they garnered was significant.

7. Grand Theft Auto 5

Players Were Angry That GTA Online WasPrioritized Over An Enhanced PS5 Release

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found myself right in the thick of it with Grand Theft Auto 5. From its graphic depictions of torture scenes that sparked heated debates, to Rockstar’s focus on GTA Online that seemed to overshadow the game itself for an extended period – these factors have made waves in the gaming community. And when it comes to the PS5 release, the decision has definitely stirred up some controversy.

As a dedicated gamer, I was utterly frustrated when Red Dead Redemption 2, a game that should have been a marvel to play, was capped at 30 FPS on consoles. On the other hand, Grand Theft Auto V had gracefully transitioned across three generations of consoles. This stark contrast gave me a glimpse into Rockstar’s priorities, and the trailer for their PS5 release became one of the most disliked videos from the company.

6. The Last Of Us Part 2 Remastered

One Of The Most Unnecessary Remasters Of All Time

As a passionate fan, I must admit that “The Last of Us Part 2” ignited quite a storm of opinions, both before and after its launch. Some elements of its narrative were daring, but not everyone found them comfortable or appealing. However, the exceptional gameplay ensured that most gamers, including myself, found the overall experience compelling enough to overlook any initial reservations.

Regardless of how good or bad the original game is, releasing a remastered version seemed unnecessary and it fits into Sony’s pattern of updating games that may not truly benefit from such treatment. Many believe that most titles from the PS4 era only require a patch to run at 60 FPS on the PS5, making them acceptable for many players. Releasing the game at its full price was seen by some as an exploitative tactic.

5. Until Dawn

The Remake Arguably Worsened The Game’s Visuals

Initially, the debut of “Until Dawn” delighted numerous horror enthusiasts due to its nostalgic slasher undertones and unique butterfly effect narrative device. Regrettably, the remake did not receive the same universal acclaim.

As a gamer, I was left bewildered by the subpar quality of Until Dawn’s 2024 release. The lighting seemed off, ruining the atmosphere during certain scenes, while the game was riddled with technical glitches and ran at a disappointing 30 FPS. To make matters worse, it became apparent that Sony rushed this title to capitalize on the hype surrounding its upcoming film adaptation without adequately addressing quality control issues.

4. Helldivers 2

The Mandatory PSN Account Controversy Is Still Fresh In The Minds Of Many

As a gamer, I can say that jumping into Helldivers 2 on my PS5 was an enjoyable and seamless experience, helping this game become one of the top live-service titles in 2024. However, requiring PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts for the PC release stirred up quite a bit of criticism, which even reached the team at Arrowhead Studios.

After the announcement of the mandatory PSN sign-in for the game, players began to bombard it with negative reviews. In response, Arrowhead’s community manager openly encouraged these actions, stating that players should express their dissatisfaction by review-bombing the game. It comes as no surprise that this action led to the termination of the employee involved. It will take some time for Helldivers 2 to regain the favor of fans following this public relations disaster.

3. Concord

One Of The Biggest Live Service Failures Of All Time

Sony has been pouring significant resources into developing live-service games that their audience will appreciate, and while Hell Divers 2 was a major hit (despite some internal debates), the same level of success hasn’t been achieved with Concord.

As a gamer, I was really looking forward to diving into the universe of Concord, but boy, was I let down. Despite being one of the priciest games ever made, its unveiling felt like a cheap imitation of Guardians of the Galaxy, and unfortunately, the launch didn’t improve much on that initial impression. To add insult to injury, there wasn’t enough marketing effort put into promoting the game, resulting in embarrassingly low numbers of simultaneous players at release. In fact, it was pulled from digital store shelves less than a month after its debut, leaving me and many other gamers disappointed.

2. Hogwarts Legacy

The Controversy Surrounding This Game Had Nothing To Do With The Product Itself

As a gaming enthusiast who’s always up for something magical, I’d say Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive open-world adventure worth exploring if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter universe. But before this game hit the shelves, it found itself in the midst of a boycott movement due to J.K. Rowling’s repeated contentious comments on social media platforms.

Consequently, Hogwarts Legacy sparked intense conversations that were beyond its influence. Despite being an enormous hit and one of the most anticipated games of 2024, the controversies surrounding it linger in memory.

1. Cyberpunk 2077

The Incomplete State In Which The Game Launched Was Unacceptable

During its creation, Cyberpunk 2077 faced numerous difficulties, and these issues became evident when the game was released. A game that promised to deliver an exceptional next-generation experience instead became a subject of mockery due to its numerous game-breaking bugs and unfulfilled aspirations.

It took multiple fixes and improvements for Cyberpunk 2077 to become the game fans had envisioned from the start. The game’s remarkable comeback is truly inspiring, however, it may take some time before players fully forgive CD Projekt Red for the initial letdown they experienced when the game was first released.

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2025-01-12 17:04