Image via Running with Scissors
It's incomprehensible how many games are created each year, so many that there are bound to be a bunch of rejections. We've been keeping tabs on all the releases over the course of 2022, trying to find the flops among all the gems. We've found plenty, but narrowed it down to the nine worst games of 2022.
The lowest rated games of 2022
We wanted to be thoughtful in our approach to what makes a game the worst. Obviously reviews are often used as the default approach for this answer. However, at allgamestips we know that gamers have an equal voice in what they think about video games. For this reason, we evaluated both the critics' and the audience's scores. We also tried to find deeper reasons why certain games failed, such as franchise expectations.
Roller champions
Picture via Ubisoft
Roller Champions may have been received with a score solidly amid reviews, but fans were less than happy with this 3v3 roller sports game. Although it was praised for its art and core concept, players were quick to point out that it lacked deeper substance below the surface. On top of that, some claim that some of the key gameplay components, like the tackle hitboxes, have been rendered completely dysfunctional.
Gotham Knights
Image via Warner Bros. Games
Although it received a lackluster reception from critics, Gotham Knights was not well received by many who played it outside of the critical industry. It seems that the game's poor performance has little to do with playing in a vacuum, and more to do with what fans expect from games in the Batman universe. The combat mechanics are particularly tricky, as they opted for an evasion-based control scheme that left fans feeling alienated. From there, it was also clearly considered an intermediate game in terms of quality and replayability.
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XEL
Image via Tiny Roar
This entry on our list, XEL, barely got played enough to be rated by reviewers and users, but it had just enough traffic to bypass. Some were charmed by the Legend of Zelda-style gameplay, but others found it too close to comfortable. Along with accusations of being a Zelda rip-off, it fell into the trap of having a slow and boring story. And what would a bad game of the year be without a litany of bugs? Although it had such an awful reception, some were still intrigued by the story potential within.
LEGO brawls
Image via Red Games Co.
LEGO Brawls not only suffers from poor reviews from critics and players, but has also fallen into obscurity with very few players to even watch it again. Topping the list of complaints was the price, which was $40 on release. For the asking price, many expected more character options, fewer glitches, and more exciting mechanics in battles. The controls are considered cliché by many and not worth creating a new game for. We wouldn't expect players to get more than a few hours of gameplay out of LEGO Brawls.
The Waylanders
Image via GATO Studio
Although The Waylanders have ambitious ideas of using Celtic folklore in a cohesive game, they don't seem to have succeeded. Critics were a bit more lenient towards the game due to its effort, but fans were left behind by good gameplay. The dialogue was skewered for being cheesy, as well as the story having an odd pace. Like many other entries on this list, it also suffers from many different bugs and issues.
CrossfireX
Picture via Smilegate
Some players were happy with the story section of CrossfireX's campaign, but the game as a whole was considered a failure by users and critics. More than anything, CrossfireX's multiplayer seems to be the biggest disappointment. Many thought the options were uninspired, inline components didn't work properly most of the time, and even dated looking assets. Hopeful fans think CrossfireX can improve its multiplayer issues with new maps, improved game modes, and even free incentives for disgruntled fans.
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The fall of Babylon
Image via Square Enix
Hated by players and critics, Babylon's Fall was ultimately a flop due to its lack of stability and unappealing quests. Many found the game lacking in almost every department, from visual design to core mechanics. It's full of glitches, long load times, and what many would just call ugly artwork. On top of all that, players would have to pay $60 for the game. It's no surprise that Square Enix chose to end support for Babylon's Fall in 2023.
NHL 23
Picture via EA
NHL 23 is an interesting entry on this list, as it was decently favored by critics. We can't ignore that he was almost universally rejected by regular players. The main complaint from users was that EA overpromised on many aspects of the game. Underdelivery occurred in many categories, including crossplay, skating effects, momentum animations, and In-match AI reactions. The lack of cross-play options was also a sore point for many.
POSTAL 4: No record
Image via Running with Scissors
Reviewers and users agree that there is little redeeming value in POSTAL 4: No Regerts. One of the biggest complaints is its lack of clever humor. It's reasonable to expect a game like this to be a bit silly, but POSTAL 4 goes beyond that and into humorless vulgarity. Other than that, the quests and mechanics are boring and lack stimulation. Besides adding nothing to its predecessors, it even struggles with glitches and outdated graphics.
Want to see more interesting game lists and maybe even find a game to try? If so, check out 11 Games Like Beat Saber on Nintendo Switch – Best Rhythm Games on allgamestips.
