5 Video Game Flops That Deserve a Second Chance

In the video game industry, there are certain game titles that gain negative reception for one reason or another. Most of the time, those reasons are valid, especially if the games are related to either glitches, outdated graphics or low-quality controls. There are various platforms that help us identify such games; however, on some occasions, they may be wrong.

Like any other form of art creation, the production of video games is sometimes subjective. What may be highly appealing to a certain audience may not be well received by a different type of group. For instance, a game may have had a better reception from the general public, who would be willing to overlook a few insignificant flaws. On the other hand, critics tend to be more strict in giving reviews, thus subjecting a potentially good title to a mediocre ranking. Below are examples of five video game flops that deserve a second chance.

5. Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows

Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows is among the games in the Spiderman series that experienced the biggest video game flops. However, the game is the second ‘Spiderman’ movie spinoff that nailed its magical recapturing spot on. The combat system in Web Of Shadows is a big improvement compared to the previous series. Similarly, players get to switch between two suits [the regular blue-red and black venom-themed], which also alters their combat skills. For instance, when in the red suit, players are more agile and fast, while wearing the black suit makes them stronger and more lethal.

There's a free roaming mode in which players can run into random situations, such as injured civilians who need help, symbiote nests that require destruction or gang fights around the city. Although optional, dealing with these events earns players additional XP, allowing them to unlock more combo attacks and new fight moves. 

4. Lost Odyssey

Lost Odyssey is the type of RPG that most classic action-adventure lovers would definitely enjoy. Aside from featuring iconic soundtracks, the game also happens to have one of the biggest storylines and most epic world concepts ever to be created. In Lost Odyssey, players take the role of an ancient warrior named Kaim, who is also immortal. The game features both mortal and immortal characters. All immortal characters begin with low-level to zero skills but can earn them along the way through linking to mortal characters who allow them to gain skill points.

The world of Lost Odyssey is technically amid an uprising caused by the resurgence of magic. The magic system of the game is classified into four classes, white, black, composite and spiritual magic. A lot of the concepts in this game resemble the Final Fantasy mechanisms, including the combat systems such as the ‘Gunblade' elements of Final Fantasy VIII. Lost Odyssey is certainly a game flop that deserves a second chance at reviewing and ranking.

3. Beyond Good & Evil

Beyond Good & Evil came out in 2003 and is among the video game flops that deserve a second chance due to its reception. The game was published by Ubisoft at around the same time they produced the Prince of Persia reboot. Unfortunately, the studio focused all their might and media attention on the support of the popular reboot and failed to back up Beyond Good & Evil enough. This resulted in its mediocre reception, which led to a lot of people overlooking the game. The talent and budget behind Beyond Good & Evil should have earned it a better reception; however, the game remains one of the most underrated titles from Ubisoft.

The story of Beyond Good & Evil takes us through the ordeals of a feisty lady named Jade and her piggy sidekick Pey'j. The game has all the right charms, from the impressive Zelda-like combat style to amazing gameplay and theme. Good thing the sequels came to restore the franchise to its glory; otherwise, it would have been forgotten completely.

2. Evil Within

The Resident Evil franchise has maintained its glory for decades of production. For this reason, there has been a new entry from the series almost every year. That's why it's surprising how underrated 2014's Evil Within is despite its superiority over other titles in the series. The game takes players through the mad mind of protagonist Sebastian Castellanos, who, after entering a mental hospital, finds himself caught up amongst questionable antagonists who ought to be friendly but are quite the contrary. As crazy as it might be, the game's battle design is still the work of brilliant craftsmanship.

Players have to make very precise shots as the ammo is evidently scarce; however, they can harvest mechanical components to craft more survival tools. Boss battles are epic, and players get the upper hand in combat by keeping their distance. Despite the game's unfair low ratings, it still has one of the best plots to ever come out of the series.

1. Beyond: Two Souls

Beyond: Two Souls is the type of game anyone would expect to hit the top of the charts considering the work and exertion that went into its making. Sadly that is far from true, as Metacritic has given it a mere score of 72. Most fans would agree that it certainly could have done better since it features famous celebrities like Elliot Page.

Also, the game's creator, Quantic Dream's David Cage, is among the best when it comes to delivering unique, top-tier video game content. From deep storytelling to extraordinary themes and scopes, David Cage has always received praise for his works. Of course, not all ideas land, but the game's narrative deserves a lot more credit. Beyond: Two Souls features some very compelling dialogue scenes that require players to make moral decisions. For instance, in one chapter dubbed ‘The Party,' players must decide whether to run away or dish out brutal revenge on some bullies on the scene. There are many other interesting aspects of the game that ought to have made it get a better ranking.

And those are our picks for video game flops that deserve a second chance. Which game from the list of video game flops above, do you think deserves a second chance? Share your pick with us in the comments below or over on our socials here!