10 Best Single-Player Games With Terrible Multiplayer Modes

One of the most annoying tendencies in contemporary gaming nowadays is the excessive focus on multiplayer experiences. There are several outstanding games that offer nothing but a solo, single-player journey. You start the game, complete the storyline, and then proceed to the next title on your list.

Due to technological progress in online gaming and the ambition of corporate leaders, an increasing number of single-player games are incorporating multiplayer options. Occasionally, these multiplayer additions turn out to be quite engaging, keeping us captivated for extended periods; cases in point being The Last of Us Part I’s Factions multiplayer or Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer horde mode that was absent from the game’s Legendary Edition.

These multiplayer modes, however, were better left on the cutting-room floor.

10. BioShock 2

Would you kindly stick to the single-player?

During the creation phase of BioShock 2, I was teaming up with an individual who boasted about being part of the development team. He frequently emphasized the introduction of the game’s innovative multiplayer aspect.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that I initially harbored doubts about Bioshock. However, its true glory lies in its immersive, story-centric, single-player journey. The idea of traditional multiplayer modes seems to clash with the game’s unique identity, much like trying to force a square peg into a round hole.

Indeed, as it turned out, my apprehensions were confirmed upon launch. The multiplayer aspect of BioShock 2 fell short, offering a rather ordinary, unmemorable experience.

Others argue that the game’s multiplayer aspect is often underestimated, as it effectively narrates a story within the context of multiplayer sessions.

In simpler terms, when competing against other players, I don’t care about the narrative or plot. Instead, my goal is to emerge victorious. Many players prefer to engage in gunfights rather than completing objectives. While it was an attempt, it wasn’t rewarding enough in the end.

9. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Abort mission

In simpler terms, this game is another first-person shooter series continuation that primarily focuses on storytelling, accompanied by a multiplayer component that seems like an afterthought. To be fair, BioShock 2 did hint at potential.

Regardless of the buzz around it from Nintendo Power prior to release, I strongly feel this game was doomed from the start. It appears that engaging in combat with Samus players who keep transforming into a morph ball to dodge incoming harm is not even remotely enjoyable.

Moreover, the frustration persisted due to the fact that Metroid Prime 2 didn’t significantly address the control problems present in the initial game. Playing it as a first-person shooter rather than a first-person narrative adventure remained less enjoyable.

We gave the game a spin when it first came out, took a break, and enjoyed it even more by passing turns with the Resident Evil 4 demo among friends. On the other hand, the Metroid series is most engaging when experienced solo.

8. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

Neat idea; terrible execution

Okay, I was excited about this one.

I recall trying out the multiplayer version during E3, and it truly left an impression. The scene was sheer pandemonium, as assassins appeared unexpectedly from various hideouts, targeting everyone for elimination.

Regardless of your opinions on the Assassin’s Creed series, there’s no denying that when its gameplay shines, it stands out from other games in a unique way.

Regrettably, the multiplayer aspect of Brotherhood didn’t live up to expectations. At its initial release, it was quite disorganized, and the in-game experiences failed to reach their peak performance.

The scene at E3 wasn’t the lively, enjoyable one I had remembered; instead, it seemed more subdued and less entertaining, with players emerging sporadically to engage in combat. It was a realistic portrayal, but it lacked the fun factor.

7. Max Payne 3

Bullet time me outta here

Prior to Grand Theft Auto Online, Rockstar Games had an inconsistent history when it came to online multiplayer games. The release of Grand Theft Auto 4 was met with significant disappointment due to its poor functionality. Interestingly, even the initial launch of Grand Theft Auto Online experienced problems and didn’t function properly at first.

Those games are quite large indeed. However, Max Payne 3 is a more compact, focused game. Wouldn’t you think that could contribute to its success?

Despite the unexpected enjoyment from gameplay, Rockstar’s online capabilities were reminiscent of Nintendo’s in their infancy. However, any promise it held was squandered due to persistent connection problems and a lack of moderation, allowing cheaters free rein to disrupt the experience.

Despite maintaining a dedicated fanbase, the multiplayer aspect eventually faded after Grand Theft Auto Online became fully operational.

6. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The definition of tacked on

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas stands as an exemplary representation of a single-player game that thrives without the necessity of multiplayer features. This expansive, open-world masterpiece remains astonishing even when run on PlayStation 2 hardware.

That didn’t stop Rockstar from aiming for the moon. Sadly, they burned up during launch.

San Andreas’ multiplayer is an incredibly frustrating experience limited by its local co-op nature.

The camera stays stationary and doesn’t explore split-screen perspectives. This implies that if you move one way while your friend moves the other, the camera will stretch out as much as possible instead of following either of you closely. This can make it challenging to focus on anything interesting or significant. Most of my multiplayer time in San Andreas was filled with debating about which direction to take.

5. Red Dead Redemption 2

Outlawed

People were anticipating that after the success of Grand Theft Auto Online, Rockstar would consistently produce captivating multiplayer experiences. However, it’s hard not to question if that achievement was just a brief moment of brilliance.

Red Dead Redemption 2’s multiplayer experience feels akin to attempting to catch the same bolt of lightning in a container twice. While Red Dead Online aimed to recreate the triumph of Grand Theft Auto Online, it encounters frequent technical issues, vulnerabilities for exploitation, and challenges related to user accessibility.

Additionally, the game seemed to lack substantial content. This might be due to its setting in the Old West, which could make it more challenging to create content naturally. Here’s hoping that Rockstar takes this into account for Grand Theft Auto 6’s multiplayer mode.

4. Tomb Raider (2013)

Great reboot, awful multiplayer

On the other side, I can understand. Launching a reboot for Tomb Raider in 2013 was somewhat daring, considering the franchise’s history. However, it proved to be a successful risk, despite Square Enix possibly overestimating the sales figures.

Since the game was launched in the early part of the 2010s, having a multiplayer feature was essentially required.

In a similar vein to how 2K approached BioShock 2, Eidos Montreal emphasized that the multiplayer aspect in Tomb Raider was designed as an expansion of the single-player narrative.

Once more, allow me to emphasize that developers should avoid adding multiplayer features unnecessarily, as I’ve found it challenging to encourage players to focus on objectives in games like Marvel Rivals, since they seem more interested in engaging in aimless shooting sprees.

Most disappointingly, it’s evident that the core mechanics of Tomb Raider aren’t designed to effectively deliver a satisfying multiplayer experience. Since its inception, the game has been tailored for single-player enjoyment, and this focus becomes apparent when attempting its multiplayer options. The immersive sense of exploration and adventure that comes with playing as Lara Croft is significantly diminished when the game enforces multiplayer modes upon you.

3. Dead Space 2

Cosmic waste

When contemplating Dead Space, it brings to mind immersive gameplay, an engrossing storyline, and undeniably one of the scariest video games I’ve experienced.

In my opinion, I haven’t given much thought to multiplayer aspects. However, it’s not surprising since this is a modern video game sequel, and as you might anticipate, they’ve added a multiplayer feature to the game.

In the positive light, the multiplayer in Dead Space 2 aims to stay true to its theme. Instead of being a typical deathmatch, it presents a unique experience – a 4v4 confrontation between humans and necromorphs. This battle shares some resemblance with Left 4 Dead’s multiplayer, but it should be noted that Left 4 Dead excels in this area.

In simpler terms, the purpose of multiplayer mode in Dead Space 2 is primarily to extend the playtime for players. If this game were to be remade in the future, it would be ideal if they opted to omit the multiplayer aspect.

2. Super Mario Galaxy

Single-player GOAT, multiplayer dud

exploring-the-world-in-super-mario-galaxy.jpg

One of the greatest games ever made, Super Mario Galaxy offers an exceptional platforming adventure that stands out even on a console typically less recognized for traditional gaming.

In contrast to the immersive single-player experience in Super Mario Galaxy, its cooperative multiplayer aspect is relatively limited in scope.

Great, are you all set? In Mario Galaxy, the second player can manage the Star Aim, a tool used to collect Star Sprinkles and fire them at adversaries. Sounds fun!

You could potentially assist Mario in jumping higher as well, but it seems that adding this multiplayer feature is mainly something done to appease a younger sibling while you enjoy playing the main game.

1. Spec Ops: The Line

Outscourced

I have a strong affection for Spec Ops: The Line. In my opinion, it ranks among the finest shooter games ever made. Not only did Yager Development create a compelling narrative and immersive environment, but they also skillfully turned typical pro-war cover shooter tropes into a profound, thought-provoking commentary on the grim realities of war.

So, why does its multiplayer seem subpar? Well, it appears that Yager was not responsible for developing the multiplayer aspect.

As a dedicated gamer, let me share some insights about the multiplayer aspect of the game we’re discussing. Interestingly, it was Darkside Game Studios that took charge of its development. If their name rings a bell, it might be due to their previous work on the multiplayer for BioShock. However, it’s unfortunate to note that their history in this specific area isn’t the best – they’ve yet to score a win, with a record of 0-2.

The multiplayer aspect of this game fails to capture the charm or depth found in its single-player mode. Instead, it gets lost among the multitude of cover-based shooters available during that time, offering nothing unique to set it apart. Essentially, it’s as unremarkable and ordinary as can be, making it a significant letdown compared to the robust single-player experience.

The multiplayer part of this game doesn’t hold a candle to its single-player mode in terms of appeal or impact. It gets drowned out among the many cover-based shooters that were popular at the time, lacking any distinctive features. In other words, it’s as common and unexceptional as possible, which is a huge letdown given the quality of the single-player experience.

2025-03-14 16:12