Electronic Arts, often called EA, has been creating video games since 1982. Like any game developer, EA has released both great and not-so-great titles. Some of their games have received a lot of criticism online – sometimes deservedly, due to problems like bugs, and sometimes unfairly.
Looking back, some games that were initially criticized aren’t actually that bad. While titles like Anthem and GoldenEye: Rogue Agent aren’t masterpieces, they do have redeeming qualities worth considering. With some distance, people might even start to appreciate these EA games more.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
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Anthem
The Iron Man Of RPGs
Many BioWare fans were disappointed with Anthem, and understandably so. When it first came out, the game didn’t have enough things to do, and the plans for adding more content weren’t very promising. The story also felt incomplete – there wasn’t much connection between the exciting cutscenes and the activities players could do in the game, which is unusual for BioWare, a studio known for its strong storytelling.
Despite its flaws, Anthem‘s core gameplay was surprisingly strong, even surpassing some BioWare titles. The game’s mech suits, called Javelins, were a clever way to handle character classes. Players started with one, but could unlock and switch between them all, customizing them for different roles like tank or magic-user. The shooting and, especially, the flying felt fantastic as you explored the large, open areas. Unfortunately, Anthem is no longer playable, as its online servers were shut down in January 2026, meaning those who didn’t play it won’t be able to experience it now.
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Held Back By Cosmic Glitches
Before its release, Mass Effect: Andromeda faced concerns that a new story wouldn’t live up to the original trilogy without the popular Commander Shepard. While players can often accept new characters, the game’s rocky launch with numerous bugs ultimately overshadowed those concerns.
Early problems with Mass Effect: Andromeda – like funny character poses, visual bugs, and broken gameplay – became popular jokes online and turned some players away. However, those who persevered through the updates, much like fans of Cyberpunk 2077, found a surprisingly good Mass Effect game. The driving sections were enjoyable, the combat felt improved compared to the original trilogy, and the team, though not as memorable, still featured some compelling characters. Luckily, players who initially dismissed Mass Effect: Andromeda now have a chance to give it another try.
Dragon Age 2
A Sequel Smaller In Scope
Looking back, it’s surprising that Dragon Age 2 received a lukewarm reception, especially considering it was the last major installment in the Dragon Age series. The original game was a sprawling adventure with a huge world and deep conversations, plus a unique combat system that let you change tactics on the fly. The biggest criticism of Dragon Age 2 was that it was more focused; instead of a vast journey across the land, the story was largely contained within the single city of Kirkwall, with only occasional trips to nearby areas.
The core concept behind this game wasn’t flawed, it simply took the series in a new direction, and it included several solid improvements. The player character, named Hawke regardless of gender, was fully voiced. The combat system was also revamped to be more action-oriented, which was a positive change. While Dragon Age 2 isn’t considered the best game in the Dragon Age series, it’s certainly not the worst. Although a high-definition remake isn’t available, you can still play it on Xbox consoles through backwards compatibility.
Immortals Of Aveum
An Inventive Magic And Gunplay System
In Immortals of Aveum, it doesn’t take long to notice some weaknesses in the game. The story and characters aren’t particularly memorable. While the basic idea – a long-running war between kingdoms in a fantasy setting – is familiar, Immortals of Aveum focuses entirely on magic as the primary form of combat. Characters use magical abilities that feel similar to shooting a gun, with enchanted gear and symbols enhancing their powers, much like in a game such as Call of Duty.
The shooting mechanics are surprisingly engaging, even rivaling many newer games, despite some clunky controls. As you play, you collect items and customize your weapons, which include magical variations like rocket launchers and sniper rifles. Defending yourself is straightforward – you can block attacks with a magical shield just as easily as you can attack enemies with a whip. Similar to Anthem, the fun gameplay is a major draw for Immortals of Aveum, even if the story isn’t particularly original.
Def Jam: Icon
Feeling The Music
Man, I loved the Def Jam fighting games on the PS2 – they were seriously some of the best on the console. What made them so good was how tight the controls were, getting to fight as all these real rappers, and, of course, battling to the beat of awesome music. That’s why everyone was so hyped for Def Jam: Icon! But when it actually came out, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. The music was still great, but they tried to make it a big part of how you played, and it just didn’t feel fully developed.
Imagine if players could directly influence the music during a fight – maybe by triggering explosions or powerful sound waves. The game intended a back-and-forth dynamic where both players could use the music to their advantage, like a musical tug-of-war. Though the concept was interesting, it wasn’t quite developed enough, and the fighting itself felt a little clunky. Fortunately, the game offered excellent character customization in its rags-to-riches mode, and the soundtrack was fantastic, which ultimately made Def Jam: Icon a reasonably enjoyable experience for a PS3 fighting game. It had potential to be amazing, but considering other games on the platform, it could have easily been much worse.
GoldenEye: Rogue Agent
Stirred, But Not Shaken
When GoldenEye 007 came out on the N64, it was a huge hit, proving that games based on movies and books could actually be great, especially for multiplayer. This created a lot of excitement for GoldenEye: Rogue Agent, even though it wasn’t a direct continuation of the story. Instead, Rogue Agent featured a team of Bond villains – a bit like the movie Suicide Squad – and put players in the role of GoldenEye, who’s hired by Goldfinger after being dismissed from MI6 to take down other supervillains.
The game’s protagonist earns the nickname ‘GoldenEye’ because he receives a cybernetic golden eye that players can improve throughout the game, unlocking abilities like hacking weapons or creating bulletproof shields. While the unique powers and over-the-top villains helped the game stand out, it does have flaws. The environments lack detail, and the controls can be imprecise. Despite generally negative reviews upon release, it’s not the worst first-person shooter on the PlayStation 2. If fans of the GoldenEye series approach GoldenEye: Rogue Agent as a quirky spin-off, separate from the original, they might find it enjoyable.
Fuse
Insomniac Games’ One Dud
Insomniac Games’ Fuse is often overlooked despite having a lot of promise. It originally aimed to be a lighthearted, cartoon-style shooter, similar to Overwatch. However, the game evolved during development and didn’t quite live up to the excitement of its initial 2011 trailer, when it was known as OverStrike. Players can choose from four different heroes, each equipped with a special weapon and ability – from shields that deflect bullets to bullets that burst into flames.
Playing Fuse by yourself or with AI isn’t very engaging. However, it’s a genuinely fun experience when played with a full team of four players working together. The game’s weaker story moments are also more enjoyable when you can joke about them with friends. Cooperative play can often make a game more fun, but unfortunately, like Anthem, online support for Fuse ended in 2021. Luckily, two-player co-op is still available if you’re looking for a partner.
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2026-05-11 15:43