Back at the start of the year, our old buddy Michael wrote a post about popular games that he didn’t like. And well, that got me thinking. I like a lot of things, but I don’t like a lot of things too! So, without further ado, here is my own list of popular games that I don’t like. Or that are I feel, daresay are a little overrated.
1. Soulsborne Games
If you’ve read a few posts on here, it’s no surprise to see this on my list. I absolutely ADORE the art and style of almost all the Soulsborne games. Dark Souls, Bloodborne and Elden Ring have some of the most breath-taking vistas, character and weapon designs I have ever seen. But I just don’t want to ever play or watch them. I find the gameplay itself very frustrating. The monotonous repetition of kill this guy, then this guy, then this big guy, then this guy… just does my head in. And like, why? Why I am I killing them? Like they just popped up, attacked me and now I’m murdering them and all their relatives. I also find the story just kind of happens during the game and doesn’t really feel like it’s a main driving factor to play. Also, this is no surprise to anyone who reads this blog, but I just can’t stand boss fights. I know I’m in the minority here, but I find them to be contrived, lazy, and just a way to stretch the game length out by making them far more difficult than necessary. I’m gonna stick to the art books for these games, I think.
2. Call of Duty: Warzone
It’s funny really because I did go through a COD phase back in the day. Modern Warfare 2 was my jam and I played so much of Black Ops 3 that I unlocked Dark Matter camo. But ‘eff Warzone. For starters, the game looks about as appealing as a week-old sandwich left out in the sun to marinate. Everything is either cream, brown, or a combination of both, and the maps are just incredibly uninspiring. Oh look, this map has a POWER STATION. Or a HELICOPTER PAD. Comparing the look of Warzone to something like Apex: Legends, is like comparing eating a $2 kebab from a truck at the back of a tobacconist to dessert at a 3-star Michelin restaurant. Apex: Legends maps are filled with creativity, colour, and vibrancy. No two places look the same, even if they reuse some assets. But let’s move into game play as that’s what people come to Warzone for right? Well, it’s somehow also bland. The guns all feel the same, and the combat itself just isn’t anything to write home about. Meanwhile, games like Apex manage to make combat feel unique to each weapon, and with the different legends, everything feels so much more alive.
3. League of Legends
If you’ve played a competitive game of something like Overwatch and thought to yourself, “I sure wish people were MORE awful,” then I recommend League of Legends. Having come late to this game, I just entirely do not understand the appeal. The top-down game play experience has never appealed to me, and this game really showcases why. They have this incredible array of legends to play as, with incredible intricate and unique designs and abilities. But you know, you can hardly see them anyway because they are reduced to being the size of four pixels on your screen. I also just find the games to darn long. Like if I only have a few hours to play a day, I’ll be able to get in more than triple the number of games in something like Overwatch than I would in a handful of games of League of Legends. Overall, the game just looks frustrating, confusing and a real mixed bag for even those who do enjoy it. So, it’s a no from me dog.
4. Legend of Zelda Games
I know, I know. This one will get me banned from every gaming convention for the rest of time. I will preface this with I was not a Nintendo kid. Growing up the only Nintendo console we had was a Nintendo DS Lite, and we didn’t get that until I was around 9 or 10. I spent far more time as a kid with Crash Bandicoot and The Sims than I did in any Nintendo games. So, I imagine that’s why as an adult I just can’t get into any of the Zelda games. I’ve tried 2, Majora’s Mask and Breath of the Wild, and I’m sorry I just don’t care. I’m a big narrative and character-based gamer and I just find everyone in Zelda incredibly dull. Link has the personality of a loaf of white bread. He has to be without a doubt the dullest protagonist I’ve ever seen. And you might be saying, “Well, Sarah, he doesn’t talk! That makes it hard to convey character.” No, no it doesn’t. Master Chief hardly spoke throughout all the Halo series, and Gordon Freedman has currently never uttered a word in the Half-Life series. But despite that, both have more personality in their pinkie finger than Link has in his whole lil body. I also just didn’t care for the story at all in either game, which didn’t help. I’d also like to finish this section by saying I’m entirely aware that I am in the minority here. These games are beloved by thousands, and I am 100% more than likely the problem, I am aware. I think I just missed the bus with these games and are now too old and jaded to find them enjoyable.
So, there was my list of popular games that I don’t like.
I’m sorry to all those popular games that I don’t like. Again, I am 100% aware I am the problem here, so put down the pitch forks!
Let me know down in the comment section below if some of the popular games that I don’t like are also yours! Or check out some of our other content over on our YouTube Channel.
