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An in-depth look at the most critically panned video games in history, their flaws, player reactions, and the lessons learned.
In the expansive world of video games, where innovation and excitement often lead the way, there occasionally emerges a title so poorly executed that it becomes legendary for all the wrong reasons.
Such games are remembered not for their contributions to digital entertainment but for their cautionary tales. This article explores what many consider to be the worst video game ever made, along with two notable runner-ups.
The Infamous: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the Atari 2600 is widely recognized as the worst video game ever created. Released in 1982, this game was rushed to market to capitalize on the success of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster film. It, however, ended up contributing to the monumental crash of the video game industry in 1983.
The crash, often referred to as the “video game crash” or the “Atari shock,” marked a significant downturn in the video game market that lasted approximately two years. Triggered by a combination of over-saturation in the market, a plethora of low-quality games, and the lack of consumer confidence, the industry saw a drastic decline in revenue—from about $3.2 billion in 1983 to around $100 million by 1985. Major American video game companies, particularly those that had been leading the charge like Atari, faced severe financial hardships.
This crash not only led to massive layoffs and a steep decline in the production of new games but also shifted the epicenter of video game innovation from the United States to Japan, paving the way for companies like Nintendo and Sega to dominate the next era of gaming. The recovery was slow and marked by a significant restructuring of the industry, including higher standards for game quality and the introduction of more rigorous control over market entry.
It’s safe to say that E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and other titles of equally low caliber were an integral part of the events that unfolded.
Gameplay and Design Flaws
The game tasked players with guiding the titular alien, E.T., through various screens to collect pieces of an interplanetary phone. The objective was to call home, but the gameplay was marred by confusing mechanics and poor controls. Players frequently found themselves falling into inescapable pits, leading to nonstop frustration and disorientation. The graphics were rudimentary, even by the standards of that time, and did very little to engage the audience, or possibly distract from the inferior gameplay mechanics.
Financial and Critical Reception
E.T.’s failure was monumental. Atari produced millions of cartridges, but sales were dismal. Left with a surplus of unsold inventory, Atari allegedly buried thousands of cartridges in a New Mexico landfill, a story that has since become part of video game folklore. The staggering financial losses contributed to Atari’s decline and the broader industry downturn in 1983.
Legacy
Despite its notorious reputation, E.T. offers critical lessons in game development, notably the risks of prioritizing marketing deadlines over quality gameplay. It remains a study of what not to do in game design and production.
Runner-Up: Superman 64
Released in 1999 on the Nintendo 64, Superman 64 is frequently cited as one of the worst video games of all time. It was intended to bring the beloved DC superhero to life but instead delivered an experience that was nearly unplayable due to its technical issues and flawed design.
Technical Issues and Gameplay
Superman 64 was plagued by severe graphical glitches, unresponsive controls, and confusing objectives. The game’s primary mechanic involved flying through rings suspended in the air, a task made almost impossible by the poor handling and frequent clipping issues. The game’s fog-heavy environments were intended to work around the console’s limitations but instead further detracted from the experience.
Reception and Legacy
Critics and players alike lambasted Superman 64 for its lack of polish and enjoyment. It serves as a prime example of how not to adapt a popular media franchise into a video game. Despite its ambitions, the game failed to capture the essence of Superman, offering instead a lesson in missed potential and the importance of quality control in game development.
Second Runner-Up: Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing
2003’s Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing rounds out the list of the worst video games, infamous for its utter disregard for basic game mechanics and a complete absence of gameplay objectives. Released for the PC, this racing game was broken to the extent that it was almost non-functional.
Gameplay Deficiencies
In Big Rigs, players were supposed to race trucks over various courses, but the game was released in an unfinished state. There were no actual competitors to race against—the opponent vehicles were immobile. Physics did not apply; trucks could accelerate infinitely and drive through objects without collision. Most infamously, players could drive off the map into an endless void.
Critical Backlash
The game received universally negative reviews, with critics pointing out that it felt more like a poorly made demo than a completed product. It has since become a benchmark for poor quality, reminding developers and players alike of the minimum expectations for commercial game releases.
The history of video games is filled with highs and lows, but games like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Superman 64, and Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing serve as stark reminders of how low the industry can go.
They provide valuable lessons on the importance of thoughtful design, robust testing, and respecting the player’s experience. While these games are notorious for their faults, they also underscore the progress the gaming industry has made, offering stark contrasts to the engaging and sophisticated games of today.
