10 Highly Reviewed Games That Are Actually Overrated

Admittedly, game reviewers like myself aren’t infallible; we can sometimes undervalue outstanding games or overrate mediocre ones due to the excitement surrounding a specific title. The benefit of hindsight is indeed potent, making it easy to get swept away in the glamour and hype that often accompanies a game launch.

Frequently, this situation results in a few extra scores being added to the tally for matches that might not truly deserve them. This unintended consequence can propel a game into the upper echelons of all-time high-scoring games within hours.

Let’s take advantage of our foresight and revisit some highly acclaimed games, pointing out a select few that continue to impress yet may not live up to the hype suggested by their scores.

For clarity, we will only consider games that have received an 85+ aggregate score on OpenCritic.

10. Owlboy

Not Exactly A Hoot

We begin with a game that is nothing less than astonishing, considering its existence. With breathtaking graphics and an outstanding soundtrack, Owlboy generated immense excitement among indie gaming enthusiasts. However, while it turned out to be a good game overall, it falls short of being classified as an ‘all-time classic’.

The game’s flight-themed puzzle platformer perspective is quite appealing, and its graphics are truly stunning. However, as the game progresses, it seems to deteriorate. The platforming mechanics become less reliable, the boss encounters grow increasingly annoying, the level layouts become more aggravating, and the narrative becomes harder to follow.

I hold a deep affection for Owlboy, which might seem like just a small-scale indie game, but is actually disguised as a Metroidvania. However, its current 88 aggregate score is undeserved in my opinion.

9. Frog Detective 3

Completing The Trilogy

I find myself in an awkward position for criticizing Frog Detective, given its humorous and self-aware nature. However, despite its delightful irreverent writing and unique comedic approach, it’s hard to ignore that the game is somewhat constrained in scope compared to others.

In this game, much like those in the trilogy, you’ll be solving a murder mystery using basic hints provided. This task typically won’t take more than an hour if you work efficiently. However, unlike previous games, this time, you’ll navigate the game world on a scooter instead of on foot.

This event offers an enjoyable, casual atmosphere, free from excessive formality, which is certainly a plus. However, regardless of how you view it, the experience feels rather slim or minimalistic.

8. Starfield

Vacuous, Like Space Itself

As I spent more and more hours immersed in Starfield, I grew increasingly confident that eventually, everything would fall into place, making it another unforgettable RPG from Bethesda that I’d cherish.

As the minutes ticked by, no breakthrough occurred, and the game gradually wound down until it fizzled out, leaving me feeling dejected, as only a handful of other games have done.

It seems challenging to pinpoint a single clear factor contributing to the underwhelming gameplay, as it appears more like a combination of elements. Certain aspects, such as combat, seemed unrefined and unexciting, while other features, like planet colonization, felt bland and superfluous. The rest of the gameplay felt like tedious tasks that were overly glorified.

The game offers its share of intriguing moments, boasting engaging tech, mechanics, and storylines that could make it appealing for RPG and sci-fi enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a game that deserved the high review scores that might have led to discussions about DLC or contention for Game of the Year awards.

7. Metro 2033: Redux

A Classic That Needed A Facelift

After having just played both

Initially, Redux was intended to improve the overall gaming experience, primarily through visual upgrades. However, what it truly lacked was an overhaul in terms of quality-of-life improvements, bug fixes, and additional features. Regrettably, most of the issues present in the original title persist even after the Redux update.

As a devoted fan, I must express my thoughts candidly: The design of this quest feels cryptic at times, with unexpected difficulty spikes, confusing navigation on the surface, and soft lock bugs that are almost comical. Yet, despite these issues, it remains an iconic first-person shooter. However, the question lingers in my mind as to why such a polished port was deemed necessary.

6. Dreams

Not A Dream Come True

Media Molecule is renowned for crafting extraordinary items – things unmatched in the gaming world. At their peak, they offer customized adventures that tap into the creative potential of many, like LittleBigPlanet, although not every experience offers the same level of overall quality as those starring the endearing Sackboy.

Dreams is remarkably ambitious, functioning like a toolkit for creators, boasting endless possibilities for gamers. However, it’s crucial to note that its value is directly proportional to the effort invested. Unfortunately, at present, there isn’t a compelling single-player experience to engage with.

Initially, user-generated content added some worth to the ‘game’, but despite being entertaining and an innovative tool for game creation, it didn’t really feel valuable enough for the general public in the long run.

Regarding its ease-of-use, this development kit truly warrants appreciation. In terms of its innovative idea, it’s commendable. Unfortunately, when it comes to offering an enjoyable gaming experience for casual gamers, it fell significantly short.

5. The Stanley Parable

Leave The 4th Wall Stuff To Deadpool

I have a deep affection for Davey Wreden’s work, particularly The Beginner’s Guide and Wanderlust: Journey Through the Infinite. However, despite my admiration for his other creations, I’ve never fully grasped the allure of the interactive narrative game The Stanley Parable, which incorporates fourth-wall breaking elements within a walking simulator format.

Humorously, it does offer some amusing instances, and the multiple choices make for an intriguing exploration. Yet, upon closer inspection, it doesn’t hold as much substance as one might first assume, and the gameplay options are quite restricted.

I’d say I have a knack for appreciating walking simulation games, as I believe the top-notch ones excel in their compelling storylines and distinctive aesthetics. However, The Stanley Parable strikes me more as a series of low-budget jokes that simply don’t resonate with my preferences.

4. What Remains of Edith Finch

A Hodgepodge Of Ideas

Talking about walking simulation games, I’d like to bring up another indie gem that has left an impact on many players – the visually stunning and conceptually intriguing What Remains of Edith Finch. While it’s a fantastic game overall, I don’t think it quite reaches the level of a world-class masterpiece in storytelling and design, according to my personal viewpoint.

The issue lies in the game’s structure; instead of presenting a cohesive, well-timed storyline that concludes satisfyingly, it offers various isolated tales with varying degrees of quality. Additionally, the plot twist isn’t particularly surprising or unexpected because it’s quite predictable, almost as if it were telegraphed far in advance.

Furthermore, many elements of gameplay that connect each character’s storyline often have restricted functionality or are cumbersome to manage effectively.

The game remains fantastic, and the tale of the cannery continues to occupy my thoughts without charge. However, it doesn’t hold the title of the greatest walking simulator, not even close, contrary to what the ratings might suggest.

3. Dragon Age: Inquisition

GOTY? Really?

The Dragon Age series appears to be experiencing some difficulties these days. Although its latest release received positive reviews, it doesn’t seem to generate the same level of excitement among fans as before.

In my opinion, it seems that they strayed from the immersive role-playing game mechanics of Origins which initially captivated the fanbase, and that’s a topic for a different discussion later on.

Currently, our attention is centered on a particularly challenging effort to revitalize the Inquisition series, known as “Inquisition.” It does have dedicated supporters without a doubt, but I am not among them.

This game appears to suffer from an expansion of unnecessary features, reminiscent of RPGs bloating up with MMO-style content that offers no more than tedious tasks. Moreover, the combat system is dull and disappointingly different from the tactical finesse found in Dragon Age: Origins.

To be fair, there are aspects of this game that showcase BioWare’s exceptional storytelling and decision-making mechanics, which make it an engaging play. However, considering its overall quality, it falls short as one might expect from a Game of the Year winner.

2. Dark Souls 2

The FromSoft Ugly Duckling

Indeed, I understand that it has become fashionable to extol the virtues of Dark Souls 2, likening it to a hidden gem. While there’s no denying its merit, let’s focus our discussion on other matters at hand instead.

In our conversation, we’re questioning if the game deserved the same level of critical praise as Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3, and to put it straightforwardly, no, it didn’t quite reach those heights.

The game maintains its entertaining Souls-like nature, but it offers fewer standout moments compared to previous Dark Souls releases. It seems to have an excess of problematic aspects such as overabundant multi-enemy encounters, less engaging combat sequences, and a world design that falls short of the brilliance demonstrated by Miyazaki. Additionally, there are noticeable issues with Player vs. Player interactions.

As a gamer, let me tell you from my perspective, the DLC certainly helps smooth out some rough edges, no doubt about it. However, when judging solely by the base game, this Soulsborne title falls short compared to its predecessors. I can’t help but wish that critics had been bold enough to acknowledge that back then.

1. Pokémon X & Y

Forgettable & Flawed

During the time of the Nintendo DS, not many people would openly acknowledge it, but Pokémon experienced a slight dip in popularity. Games such as Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Black and White, which were part of this era, didn’t garner the same global acclaim as the initial three generations had.

In the eyes of many, X & Y signify a revival and something akin to a comeback period. However, I personally believe that it was Pokémon GO, which came much later, that significantly rekindled the franchise. In my opinion, Sun and Moon were the true markers of its return to form.

X and Y presents one of the least engaging stories, an unremarkable collection of new Pokémon characters, a trivial difficulty level that lacks any challenge regardless of your skill set, and the premature introduction of features like Mega Evolutions, which didn’t reach their full potential until later versions.

credit should be given where it’s due, Kalos stood out as an attractive region, marking it as the first Pokémon game offering a genuinely integrated and smooth online interaction, which was quite impressive. Yet, some essential aspects of the core gameplay were found wanting, leading to scores that don’t fully reflect its unique qualities.

2025-04-08 15:40