Great Games Everyone Loves, Except Me

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to video games. Even critically acclaimed titles aren’t universally loved – I’ve started many popular games, like The Witcher 3, but just couldn’t get into them. Conversely, I adore some games, such as Destiny 2, that aren’t very popular right now. No game is perfect, but Baldur’s Gate 3 comes the closest for me, even though it’s not without its issues.

I sometimes get surprised reactions when I say there are a few popular games I don’t particularly enjoy—people call them my ‘controversial opinions.’ I’m not saying these games are bad; they’re actually very popular and well-regarded for a reason. It’s just that they didn’t click with me personally. For context, I’ve been a passionate gamer for over thirty years and have spent countless hours playing on both PC and consoles. Here are some widely loved games that, for me, just didn’t live up to the hype.

The Sims 4

The Nostalgia From Earlier Entries Is Too Strong To Contend With

The Sims 4 represents the peak of this long-running and popular life simulation series. Now that the base game is free, it’s more accessible than ever, and generally smoother to play. The building tools are incredibly detailed – there’s a lot to learn, but it’s very satisfying to create exactly what you envision. Plus, a vibrant modding community and numerous creators have contributed to the game’s expansions, constantly adding new content. It’s easy to understand why players keep returning – the possibilities are truly endless.

It’s disappointing to see that the newer games have lost a lot of the unpredictable and charming elements that made the earlier versions so fun. Perhaps it’s just nostalgia, but the current world feels too calm and predictable, and I often find myself wishing for more excitement – something I have to add back in using mods. I’m really happy that The Sims and The Sims 2 are available again, because it’s great to experience that original, delightfully chaotic gameplay that first made the series popular.

Terraria

A Nice RPG Flair, But Minecraft’s Immersion Feels Superior

Lots of people love Terraria, and it’s easy to see why. It builds on the ideas of Minecraft but adds more structure and engaging RPG features. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s hard not to appreciate the charming pixel art, catchy music, and the many cool bosses and items, like Wormhole Potions and unique characters. I even wish some of these features were in Minecraft! With so many mods available and the freedom it gives players, Terraria has become a truly classic game, and the mods will likely keep it popular for a long time.

I think the biggest reason I prefer modded Minecraft, like RLCraft or Dregora, over Terraria is that Minecraft feels more immersive. When I play Terraria, I’m often aware that I’m just looking at a game on a screen. But Minecraft’s vast, detailed world pulls me in and feels truly responsive to my actions. It’s probably not a fair comparison to pit modded Minecraft against the base version of Terraria, but that extra depth and visual dimension really gives Minecraft an edge.

Undertale

There Is Such A Thing As Playing A Game Too Late

I went into Undertale with mixed feelings, because so many people told me how amazing it was – almost too much hype. While the game is genuinely creative, has a meaningful story with lasting lessons, and a fantastic soundtrack, I think its impact was strongest when it first came out. Back then, very few games were experimenting with storytelling and self-awareness like Undertale (maybe The Stanley Parable being an exception), so it really stood out as something special and unique.

Playing this game now feels just average, especially compared to the amazing writing and thoughtful design found in so many modern indie and big-budget games. There’s a lot more great content out there now, making it difficult to fully appreciate. I think starting Undertale so long after its release meant I missed out on the special experience others had when it first came out.

Hogwarts Legacy

A Gorgeous World Left Me Desiring More Depth

Early Harry Potter games were memorable, but a bit awkward. When I started playing Hogwarts Legacy, I was immediately impressed by the beautifully designed world and the enjoyable combat, which really let you use all the famous spells – even the dark ones! The level of detail is amazing, and flying around on a broomstick feels fantastic. Simply exploring Hogwarts is a magical experience, with secrets hidden everywhere just waiting to be discovered. It’s clear: this is the best Harry Potter game yet – the one fans have always wanted.

I generally had a good time playing Hogwarts Legacy, but towards the end, I found some activities became too repetitive, which broke my sense of being fully engaged in the game. I appreciated the large world, but I would have preferred a more focused experience centered around Hogwarts itself, Hogsmeade, the grounds, and the Forbidden Forest, as long as those areas were filled with consistently fresh and interesting things to do.

Valorant

The Tactical Shooter Genre Requires The Patience Of A Saint

I absolutely loved the original Overwatch. It was a really engaging competitive game, and I met some of my closest gaming friends through it. But when Overwatch 2 came out, I just didn’t feel the same excitement. Then Valorant became popular, and I thought I’d enjoy it since my friends liked it and it was similar to Overwatch. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

It’s clear Riot Games has created something truly successful with Valorant, a game that quickly became a major esports title. For many players, Valorant is incredibly addictive – it’s hard to stop after just one match, and the excitement of intense battles and earning unique rewards keeps them coming back for more. This same captivating quality also made the original Overwatch so popular, even though the two games are different types of shooters.

I don’t quite enjoy the speed of Valorant. Matches feel very quick, and I often find myself watching after being eliminated for several minutes. I know I need to improve my skills, but it surprises me how much waiting and careful positioning the game requires. While I can see how some people enjoy the strategic, slower pace, I much prefer the fast-paced, chaotic action of the original Overwatch. I’d rather be able to respawn quickly and jump right back into the fight.

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2025-12-07 14:37