Bad Games You Still Like

Frankenstein: The Monster Returns for NES


I've heard many people label this as a bad rip-off of Castlevania. I can't argue that much, but I do argue the "bad" part. It can be frustratingly difficult in certain spots, for sure, but so can Castlevania. I played the hell out of it as a kid, so I might be a bit biased.

Monster In My Pocket for NES


This one was an NES game based off of a children's license that I'm sure no one remembers. It was passed off into bargain bins very quickly, probably due to being guilty by association with other licensed games. But it was made by Konami, and was a very polished and well-made (though not very innnovative) action-platformer for the NES. I also liked the hook that you were tiny and there was this whole massive world around you (I had just been marveled by the special effects of "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" not too long before). I spent many hours as a kid smashing my through through miniature monsters.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link for NES


The black sheep of the Legend of Zelda series. Many gamers hate it because it's such a departure from the gameplay of the other Zelda games. Can't really argue that point. But despite it being different, I still had a lot of fun with it. And to this day, it's still one of my all-time favorite NES games.

Castlevania II: Simon's Quest


Another black sheep in a popular NES line of games. This one gets crap for having cryptic clues and making it difficult for players to figure out what to do or where to go next. Well the only part that really got me stuck, personally, was the freaking kneeling in front of a cliff thing. But even then, that's what online guides are for, right? Or in my case, back in the day, Nintendo Power, courtesy of my grandma who would send them to me after she was done with them. But personally, I loved the addition of the RPG-elements, which wouldn't return until Castlevania: Symphony of the Night on PS1. For me, it made the game a whole lot more fun and in-depth than the original Castlevania (which is still a great game, don't get me wrong). And Castlevania II introduced us to possibly the best NES chip-tune ever: Bloody Tears!

King's Field Series (PS1/PS2)


I'm completely in love with the entire series. From the original Japanese release, to the Ancient City on PS2, and both games in-between. I know them as well as most gamers know Super Mario Bros. I find them to be completely immersive, atmospheric, and addicting. Many gamers hate the difficulty, the combat system, and that there's no one holding your hand and telling you where to go or what to do.

Syphon Filter


Okay, some of you are probably scratching your heads and going, "Huh? How is this a bad game?" Well, back in the day, it was well-received and I believe it even became a Greatest Hits title. But any friends I see try to go back and play my copy today always become frustrated as hell with the controls and usually love to talk crappy about the blocky graphics (which were blocky even by 1999 standards). I on the other hand can still enjoy the heck out Syphon Filter, which is why it's on my list.

Didn't those King Field games got a nice amount of praise back then (at least from the media)?

I'm almost positive they did.

This is a TERRIBLE game, but it's funny as hell and quite challenging if you don't know what you are doing.

Didn't those King Field games got a nice amount of praise back then (at least from the media)?

I'm almost positive they did.

Panzer_Zwei

Maybe in Japan, not in the U.S. They were almost unheard of until Demon's Soul came out and people started comparing them.

[QUOTE="Panzer_Zwei"]

Didn't those King Field games got a nice amount of praise back then (at least from the media)?

I'm almost positive they did.

Emerald_Warrior

Maybe in Japan, not in the U.S. They were almost unheard of until Demon's Soul came out and people started comparing them.

I don't think they were unheard of at the time. There just wasn't enough PS games still at that point in time for such games to pass by ignored.

It is quite possible they became forgotten with time though.

Anyway, the game is actually featured on this US magazine I was reading, so I post an excerp of it :

"Despite the fruity-sounding description of "half Doom, half Dungeon Master," King's Field II is actually an excellent game. The 3-D action is smooth, fast-paced and beautifully rendered, while packing all the strategy, mystery, and intrigue of a real RPG. Unlike the cheaper-looking, cheaper-feeling original, Kings Field II is a 3-D masterpiece, and a shining example of what could be a promising "next generation" genre."

Man, they even call it a "masterpiece". I think that was the general feeling with the game at the time. Even if we assume the game wasn't popular by the general audience, it certainly wasn't considered a bad game amongst critics.

[QUOTE="Emerald_Warrior"]

[QUOTE="Panzer_Zwei"]

Didn't those King Field games got a nice amount of praise back then (at least from the media)?

I'm almost positive they did.

Panzer_Zwei

Maybe in Japan, not in the U.S. They were almost unheard of until Demon's Soul came out and people started comparing them.

I don't think they were unheard of at the time. There just wasn't enough PS games still at that point in time for such games to pass by ignored.

It is quite possible they became forgotten with time though.

Anyway, the game is actually featured on this US magazine I was reading, so I post an excerp of it :

"Despite the fruity-sounding description of "half Doom, half Dungeon Master," King's Field II is actually an excellent game. The 3-D action is smooth, fast-paced and beautifully rendered, while packing all the strategy, mystery, and intrigue of a real RPG. Unlike the cheaper-looking, cheaper-feeling original, Kings Field II is a 3-D masterpiece, and a shining example of what could be a promising "next generation" genre."

Man, they even call it a "masterpiece". I think that was the general feeling with the game at the time. Even if we assume the game wasn't popular by the general audience, it certainly wasn't considered a bad game amongst critics.

Well despite what that magazine says, my personal experience says differently. I've been completely in love with the series since the PS1 days. And everyone I talk to about it is in complete ignorance of it. And the very few that have played it, usually tell me it's complete crap.

Well despite what that magazine says, my personal experience says differently. I've been completely in love with the series since the PS1 days. And everyone I talk to about it is in complete ignorance of it. And the very few that have played it, usually tell me it's complete crap.

Emerald_Warrior

I'd assume a lot people used to read magazines before the internet took over, and if not their opinions but at least their articles were one of the many ways in how a lot of gamers found out about new worthwhile games.

[QUOTE="Emerald_Warrior"]

Well despite what that magazine says, my personal experience says differently. I've been completely in love with the series since the PS1 days. And everyone I talk to about it is in complete ignorance of it. And the very few that have played it, usually tell me it's complete crap.

Panzer_Zwei

I'd assume a lot people used to read magazines before the internet took over, and if not their opinions but at least their articles were one of the many ways in how a lot of gamers found out about new worthwhile games.

I'm infinitely familiar with the games, and the fan community surrounding them, which is very small. I don't know how to tell you how wrong you are on this one, but you simply are. This series is a personal love of mine, not just some random game. The game was seriously unheard of by most fans until Demon's Soul made it's comparisons to it, that's the reality of it.

[QUOTE="Panzer_Zwei"]

[QUOTE="Emerald_Warrior"]

Well despite what that magazine says, my personal experience says differently. I've been completely in love with the series since the PS1 days. And everyone I talk to about it is in complete ignorance of it. And the very few that have played it, usually tell me it's complete crap.

Emerald_Warrior

I'd assume a lot people used to read magazines before the internet took over, and if not their opinions but at least their articles were one of the many ways in how a lot of gamers found out about new worthwhile games.

I'm infinitely familiar with the games, and the fan community surrounding them, which is very small. I don't know how to tell you how wrong you are on this one, but you simply are. This series is a personal love of mine, not just some random game. The game was seriously unheard of by most fans until Demon's Soul made it's comparisons to it, that's the reality of it.

All I'm saying is that all you're using to label a by all means great game "bad" is what some of your friends might have told you.

And I'm only giving you an example outside of my own personal experience/bias. How I am wrong?

Like I said, even if we concede the game was just not popular at all in the west. The game certainly was not seen as bad.

Hell, some of my friends here hated Catherine. But just how does that make it a bad game?

Edit : I should also add that if people didn't know about FROM or their games until Demon's Souls came out, they deserve a kick in the teeth...

Not all of them but here's a list.

well i do love me some dr jekyl and mr hyde and shaq fu always lightens the mood

Star Wars Bounty Hunter. Not bad, per se, but it has alot of problems.

A48: Some of those games make sense on your list, but some are completely out of place. I've never met a single person who specifically disliked Super Mario World. I've met a few who thought it was too easy, but they still loved it. Some who thought it was too easy even labeled it their favorite game of all time. I've also known some who liked other Mario games over that, but still loved it. I can comfortably say that everyone I know who's played it loves it, and most of them have it as their favorite Mario game. SMW2 wasn't bad by any means, either. As for Majora's Mask, yes, a lot of people who played Ocarina of Time were disappointed by Majora's Mask. I've never met someone who disliked the game outright, though. Anyone can agree that the game has great qualities. Specifically the fact that it has the same engine as Ocarina of Time. In fact, it's my favorite Zelda game.

And Crystal Castles and Q-Bert? Any true retro gamer knows those games. They're classics.

Some more I though of:

Best Wrpg on the PSX:

Well there's some more. I will try to think of others later.

A48: Some of those games make sense on your list, but some are completely out of place. I've never met a single person who specifically disliked Super Mario World. I've met a few who thought it was too easy, but they still loved it. Some who thought it was too easy even labeled it their favorite game of all time. I've also known some who liked other Mario games over that, but still loved it. I can comfortably say that everyone I know who's played it loves it, and most of them have it as their favorite Mario game. SMW2 wasn't bad by any means, either. As for Majora's Mask, yes, a lot of people who played Ocarina of Time were disappointed by Majora's Mask. I've never met someone who disliked the game outright, though. Anyone can agree that the game has great qualities. Specifically the fact that it has the same engine as Ocarina of Time. In fact, it's my favorite Zelda game.

And Crystal Castles and Q-Bert? Any true retro gamer knows those games. They're classics.

bub166

One game that comes to mind is P.N.03 for the gamcube. Thought it was a really fun game, but it got crap reviews. Also, I loved Hexen, but everyone else seemed to hate it.

Wait a minute here. Who in their right mind considers Super Mario World a bad game? And since when are Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, and Final Fantasy games considered bad?

Emerald, what's your favourite King's Field? I'm thinking in checking the series out.Dudersaper

King's Field II (in the U.S., in Japan it's King's Field III) for PS1. The game has a lot more story and characters than the other games, which fleshes out the already awesome and immersive gameplay. King's Field: The Ancient City on PS2 is the best looking game in the series, and it pretty good otherwise as well.

But be forewarned, most people either love the game or hate the game, there's is little to no middle ground when it comes to this series.

Wait a minute here. Who in their right mind considers Super Mario World a bad game? And since when are Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, and Final Fantasy games considered bad?

[QUOTE="Dudersaper"]Emerald, what's your favourite King's Field? I'm thinking in checking the series out.Emerald_Warrior

King's Field II (in the U.S., in Japan it's King's Field III) for PS1. The game has a lot more story and characters than the other games, which fleshes out the already awesome and immersive gameplay. King's Field: The Ancient City on PS2 is the best looking game in the series, and it pretty good otherwise as well.

But be forewarned, most people either love the game or hate the game, there's is little to no middle ground when it comes to this series.

Some more I though of:

Best Wrpg on the PSX:

Well there's some more. I will try to think of others later.

Another48hours

X-Squad for the PS2. The voice acting and cheesy dialogue were absolutely atrocious, and the controls were pretty clunky. Still, I have fond memories of playing it with my friend, and laughing at the unintentionally hilarious moments it contained.

In terms of media reception.

[QUOTE="Dudersaper"]Great list A48. I've been meaning to look into Nightmare of Druaga, I don't like how the character walks "square by square" but it seems somehow interesting to me, for some odd reason, any thoughts you'd like to share? I wouldn't say Ty is a bad game though, at least the reviews I've seen aren't bad, I just don't know ANYONE (apart from you now) who has played it :PAnother48hours

if one is talking about reviews.

Got a 4 on GS, although frankly, I think the game desereves a 7 (the review also had several mistakes in it)

PS1 version got a 3 , but I find this to be a fun game (even if its not as good as the Alpha games which were current at the time)

Dynamite Deka 2/Dynamite Cop got a 4 on IGN , I think its fun , although I can see why it might get a low score.

GTA the original and PN 03 for GC

[QUOTE="bub166"]

A48: Some of those games make sense on your list, but some are completely out of place. I've never met a single person who specifically disliked Super Mario World. I've met a few who thought it was too easy, but they still loved it. Some who thought it was too easy even labeled it their favorite game of all time. I've also known some who liked other Mario games over that, but still loved it. I can comfortably say that everyone I know who's played it loves it, and most of them have it as their favorite Mario game. SMW2 wasn't bad by any means, either. As for Majora's Mask, yes, a lot of people who played Ocarina of Time were disappointed by Majora's Mask. I've never met someone who disliked the game outright, though. Anyone can agree that the game has great qualities. Specifically the fact that it has the same engine as Ocarina of Time. In fact, it's my favorite Zelda game.

And Crystal Castles and Q-Bert? Any true retro gamer knows those games. They're classics.

Another48hours

Are you guys insane?

SMW and Yoshi's Island are awesome.

o_O

Man do I hate it when people feel the need to post every bloody game title as a pic that takes up HUGE amounts of real estate, PLEASE knock that off! Just list it like the rest of us, we CAN read, y'know...

:|

On-Topic: @Emerald: "King's Field" was a very well-known game series in my circle from it's inception (and I'm not Japanese), but we were all paper & dice RPG players from the early 1980s, so we were "pre-tainted" to a game series like that...

:lol:

... That series spread like wildfire amongst everyone I knew at the time. And I still think it's pretty great today.

:)

When my GF's daughter started playing "Skyrim" recently and said it was something fresh and new, I showed her KF3, and she said "That game is HOW old?!?" - It was very cute. I hiked my beltline up to my chest and gave her the old-man "We didn't have fancy woolly mammoths falling from the sky and dragons that fly backwards ... in MY DAY, we played this game, aaaaaaand we LIKED it!!!"

:P

On-Topic: @Emerald: "King's Field" was a very well-known game series in my circle from it's inception (and I'm not Japanese), but we were all paper & dice RPG players from the early 1980s, so we were "pre-tainted" to a game series like that...

MonkeySpot

It seems Kings Field II was the first RPG released for the PlayStation in the west (the original never left Japan) back in 1995.

The game could've atrocious and it still probably would've gained notoriety if only for that fact alone. All players looking for RPGs should of have naturally become aware of it.

I do think however that a lot of the old popular PS games fell into obscurity in time. I mean, Philosoma for example was one of the most popular PS games on its time, but doubt a lot of people still remembered it late in the system's lifespan.

Most of the PS userbase probably got into the system from 1997 onwards, and they most likely weren't keen on those early PS games.

Man do I hate it when people feel the need to post every bloody game title as a pic that takes up HUGE amounts of real estate, PLEASE knock that off! Just list it like the rest of us, we CAN read, y'know...

:|

On-Topic: @Emerald: "King's Field" was a very well-known game series in my circle from it's inception (and I'm not Japanese), but we were all paper & dice RPG players from the early 1980s, so we were "pre-tainted" to a game series like that...

:lol:

... That series spread like wildfire amongst everyone I knew at the time. And I still think it's pretty great today.

:)

When my GF's daughter started playing "Skyrim" recently and said it was something fresh and new, I showed her KF3, and she said "That game is HOW old?!?" - It was very cute. I hiked my beltline up to my chest and gave her the old-man "We didn't have fancy woolly mammoths falling from the sky and dragons that fly backwards ... in MY DAY, we played this game, aaaaaaand we LIKED it!!!"

:P

MonkeySpot

[QUOTE="Another48hours"]

Some more I though of:

Well there's some more. I will try to think of others later.

Another48hours

these were criticized?

EDIT: just saw gamespot's review for Gex, wow... what were they thinking? o.O

Did you know there are words in those pictures?Another48hours

Did you know there's an obstinate **** in your head? I guess we've both learned a valuable lesson today.

[QUOTE="Another48hours"]

[QUOTE="Another48hours"]

Some more I though of:

Well there's some more. I will try to think of others later.

rilpas

these were criticized?

EDIT: just saw gamespot's review for Gex, wow... what were they thinking? o.O

[QUOTE="rilpas"]

[QUOTE="Another48hours"]

edited list.

Another48hours

these were criticized?

EDIT: just saw gamespot's review for Gex, wow... what were they thinking? o.O

ah, because I remember the PC version of Magic Carpet getting nothing but praise

[QUOTE="Another48hours"] Did you know there are words in those pictures?MonkeySpot

Did you know there's an obstinate **** in your head? I guess we've both learned a valuable lesson today.

Bullet Witch

Sonic 3D Blast (The Saturn version)

Clive Barker's Jericho

Saw

Jaws Unleashed

The Matrix: Path Of Neo (Seriously, it's awesome)

Project Sylpheed

Deus Ex: Invisible War

Juggernaut

Night Trap

Phantasmagoria I and II

Harvester

Most of us have been in GS for a while and are used to all these glitches, they're no news to us :PDudersaper

[QUOTE="MonkeySpot"]

[QUOTE="Another48hours"] Did you know there are words in those pictures?Another48hours

Did you know there's an obstinate **** in your head? I guess we've both learned a valuable lesson today.

With spelling and basic grammar issues like the above, you're bringin' a knife to a gunfight, intellectually. Just quit while you're behind.

:lol:

[QUOTE="Another48hours"][QUOTE="MonkeySpot"]

Did you know there's an obstinate **** in your head? I guess we've both learned a valuable lesson today.

MonkeySpot

With spelling and basic grammar issues like the above, you're bringin' a knife to a gunfight, intellectually. Just quit while you're behind.

:lol:

[QUOTE="Dudersaper"]Most of us have been in GS for a while and are used to all these glitches, they're no news to us :PAnother48hours

[QUOTE="Another48hours"][QUOTE="Dudersaper"]Most of us have been in GS for a while and are used to all these glitches, they're no news to us :PDudersaper