As 2023 nears its close, it’s clear that it’s been an exceptional year for gaming. Many predictions made at the start of the year have materialised, bringing us some truly great games. However, amidst these successes, a few titles fell short, landing them on the list of the most disappointing games of 2023.
This piece is just the beginning of various lists we’ll share as the year winds down. Soon, we’ll take a comprehensive look back at the year’s gaming landscape. Expect in-depth discussions on the sleeper hits, the unexpected successes, the flops we saw coming, and, inevitably, the year’s best titles.
Here are the five most disappointing games of 2023 with Metacritic scores:
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5. The Last of Us Part 1 (PC)
Right off the bat, it’s important to admit the brilliance of The Last of Us Part 1. The initial announcement sparked excitement, setting high expectations that the PS5 version met with finesse. Naughty Dog reimagined their classic with a meticulous touch, leveraging the technical capabilities of the PlayStation 5 to deliver a stellar experience.
However, the journey hit a block when the PC version appeared as one of the biggest disappointing games of 2023. The issues were so severe that it was hard to reconcile them with the game’s acclaimed console performance. At a time when the PC gaming community was eager to showcase their platform’s prowess, they were instead met with frustrating performance issues.
For those yet to experience the game, the PS5 version remains the definitive way to play Part 1. Though recent updates have improved the PC version, it still doesn’t match the seamless console experience.
Metacritic Score: 59 (Based on 31 reviews)
Related: How Old Is Ellie in The Last of Us?
4. Forspoken
Forspoken hit the shelves on January 24 and quickly became known as one of the most disappointing games of 2023. Despite nearly a year since its release, it’s clear that the game suffered from premature judgment. The dialogue issues, which gained notoriety online, skewed player expectations even before its launch.
The poorly received dialogue, however, is one of many reasons Forspoken finds itself on this list. It failed to live up to its potential as one of the year’s most awaited titles, with its monotonous gameplay, lacklustre mechanics, and a narrative that could not captivate.
Should you consider giving Forspoken a chance despite its standing among the disappointing games of 2023? Absolutely, but be smart about it. With the current Steam price tag of $69.99, wait for a hefty discount.
Metacritic Score: 64 (Based on 131 reviews)
Related: Forspoken Cast: Voice Actors and Characters
3. Fort Solis
Developers often prioritise various elements, sometimes at the expense of solid gameplay. This issue is glaring in Fort Solis, marking it as one of the most disappointing games of 2023. The game’s shortfall is especially striking, offering even less interactivity than titles from Quantic Dream or Telltale Games. It’s a challenge to pinpoint any substantial game mechanics throughout.
The game certainly impresses visually. The prowess of Unreal Engine 5 is unmistakable, delivering stunning lighting, a gripping atmosphere, and graphics that could set the stage for an engaging horror experience. Yet, what it offers in aesthetics, it lacks in gameplay, failing to bridge the gap between a cinematic experience and an interactive one.
Before its release, the anticipation for Fort Solis was real amongst our team. Now, it regrettably sits among the most disappointing games of 2023. We hope Fallen Leaf, the developers behind Fort Solis, will take this as a learning experience and bring forward a more interactive experience in the future.
Metacritic Score: 60 (Based on 42 reviews)
Related: Fort Solis Release Date, Gameplay and More
2. Redfall
Redfall might just top the list of disappointing games of 2023, and it’s been particularly rough for Microsoft. However, it’s crucial to remember that Arkane Studios, known for hits like Dishonored and Deathloop, has a strong legacy of successful games. This isn’t an indictment of the studio’s talent.
Nevertheless, Redfall falls short. To put it bluntly, it’s an incomplete experience. Leaked emails suggest that Xbox may have pushed the studio to rush the game. Regardless, it’s tough to justify the slew of errors in a full-priced FPS game. It’s still $69.99 on Steam.
Redfall was poised to be a flagship Xbox exclusive this year alongside Starfield. Instead, it’s ended up as one of the disappointing games of 2023. Should you give it a shot? Better hold off until at least mid-2024. Phil Spencer has indicated a commitment to improving the game, so waiting might yield a more polished experience.
Metacritic Score: 56 (Based on 75 reviews)
Related: Is Redfall on Game Pass?
1. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
There’s no need for shock – The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is widely regarded as one of the most disappointing games of 2023 – if not the first. Following its release, the fallout was so severe that Daedalic Entertainment dismissed its entire development team, pivoting to focus solely on publishing.
Was the game’s reception dire enough to warrant such layoffs? Sadly, yes. The game suffered from dated gameplay mechanics reminiscent of 2006, and that was just the start. It also faced immediate criticism for its bad graphics, lacklustre animations, and flawed AI.
But it’s even possible to go one step further and say: Who really thought it was a good idea to play the entire game as Gollum? This choice played a significant part in becoming one of the most disappointing games of 2023. Yet, it’s still retailing for $49.99 on Steam.
Metacritic Score: 34 (Based on 56 reviews)
Related: The Lord of the Rings: Gollum Review Scores: A Complete Mess
Final Thoughts
Years from now, 2023 will be carved in memory as a remarkable year for gaming. It’s been a ride filled with thrills, from the adventures in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to the depths of Baldur’s Gate 3, the nostalgia of Metroid Prime Remastered, the suspense of Alan Wake 2, the horrors of Resident Evil 4 Remake, to the competitive spirit of Street Fighter 6 and more.
Yet, it’s essential to acknowledge the most disappointing games of 2023 as well. Not with malice or hate for the creators but to understand where they fell short. One way or another, we will be excited about Arkane Studios’ new game, or we will play The Last of Us Part 3 without sleep.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.