5 Unfairly Criticized Games of the 2010s

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In the gaming world, first impressions are everything. A single trailer, a handful of reviews, or even a funny comment from a streamer can quickly define how a game is seen. Because games are an investment of both time and money, players want to be sure they’re not wasting either on something that feels unfinished or doesn’t appeal to them. It’s understandable – with so many new games coming out all the time, people naturally gravitate towards options that seem reliable or promise immediate enjoyment.

I’ve noticed a frustrating thing as a gamer – really good games can get written off way too quickly. Over the last ten years, I’ve seen so many titles unfairly dismissed before people even gave them a chance. Sometimes they just didn’t click with people at first, other times they were compared to the wrong things, or maybe they just came out at a bad time. But honestly, they were all way better than anyone gave them credit for. I wanted to highlight five games that deserved another look, and thankfully, players have been rediscovering them and giving them the love they always deserved.

5. Prey (2017)

When Prey came out, there was a lot of uncertainty about what kind of game it was. Some players anticipated a continuation of the 2006 Prey, while others expected something similar to BioShock. Both assumptions were understandable. However, Prey turned out to be a slower-paced, thoughtful, and immersive experience, and this caused a split among players. Initial reviews criticized its pacing and the fact that it didn’t deliver the fast-action experience many were hoping for, which wasn’t really a fair assessment of the game.

Looking back, Prey has become something truly special, exceeding initial expectations. What makes it stand out is its detailed and immersive world, a genuinely creepy atmosphere, and cleverly designed levels – all encouraging players to explore and experiment, which isn’t typical for a first-person shooter even now. The space station, Talos I, feels remarkably alive, and many players who return to the game wonder why it wasn’t more appreciated. Unlike other games, Prey was polished and ran smoothly from the start. Once you understand how everything works, it’s a captivating experience, and it’s a shame it didn’t get the chance to reach its full potential.

4. Mad Max (2015)

When Mad Max was released, it unfortunately came out around the same time as the hugely popular Mad Max: Fury Road, leading many to expect a similarly fast-paced and action-packed game. However, the game offered a different experience – a slower, more deliberate open world where players focused on improving their vehicle, the Magnum Opus, and exploring the wasteland at their own speed. Initial reviews pointed out issues with the game’s structure, repetitive gameplay, and a story that didn’t quite capture the inventive spirit of the Mad Max films.

Over time, Mad Max has gained a dedicated fanbase who truly understand what makes it special. The car combat remains incredibly satisfying – it’s unique and stands out even among other open-world games. Plus, the game’s harsh and gritty world perfectly conveys the feeling of struggling to survive. While it didn’t initially get the attention it deserved, Mad Max has rightfully earned the praise it’s receiving now. Once you get into the loop of taking out enemy camps, improving your vehicle, and exploring the wasteland, it becomes a strangely calming, yet thrilling, experience.

3. Alpha Protocol (2010)

Though released a few years over a decade ago, Alpha Protocol has maintained a reputation that warrants revisiting. When it first came out, the game suffered from clunky combat, performance issues, and numerous bugs, leading to harsh reviews and immediate dismissal from many players – a reaction that was understandable at the time. It felt like an ambitious RPG that simply wasn’t fully refined before release, and that lack of polish ultimately held it back.

Despite its rough edges, this game featured a remarkably dynamic RPG system for its time. Your conversations truly mattered, and alliances weren’t just about the choices you made, but how you acted. Your behavior could completely change missions and even the story itself – a level of branching narrative rarely seen in modern RPGs. While undeniably flawed and clunky, its ambitious focus on story flexibility earned it a dedicated fanbase who prioritized a reactive world over polished action.

2. BioShock 2 (2010)

BioShock 2 faced a tough challenge as the sequel to a hugely popular and critically acclaimed game. Some players were predisposed to dislike it, feeling it couldn’t live up to the original. Initial complaints focused on the fact that it lacked the same sense of discovery, emotional punch, and intrigue. This was understandable, as many felt it was more of a fast-paced, action-oriented shooter compared to the more atmospheric and exploratory first game – a valid point. Consequently, some considered the sequel unnecessary and quickly dismissed it.

It’s now widely recognized that BioShock 2 took a different approach than the first game. Rather than simply trying to be bigger and better, it delved deeper into the world of Rapture with a faster-paced, more action-packed experience. Playing as a Big Daddy created a strong connection to the game’s environment, and the bond with the character Eleanor added a surprising emotional depth. Many players now believe it’s the superior game when it comes to how it plays and feels moment-to-moment. While it didn’t have the same initial impact as the original, BioShock 2 was a fantastic game that deserved more recognition.

1. Spec Ops: The Line (2012)

When Spec Ops: The Line came out, there were tons of military shooters already available, and honestly, it looked like just another one of them. That was its biggest problem at first! A lot of people, myself included initially, just overlooked it because it didn’t seem special. Reviewers kept comparing it to games like Call of Duty and Gears of War, and they’d criticize it for having pretty standard gameplay – they didn’t realize what it was actually trying to do. It was easy to miss the point because it didn’t immediately stand out as something different.

Those who persevered with the game found a story far deeper and more emotionally challenging than most in the genre, going beyond typical military shooters like SOCOM or Call of Duty. Rather than celebrating violence, it made players grapple with its moral implications. The game didn’t offer simple right-or-wrong choices; it showed the complicated truth behind them. It cleverly used familiar gameplay to draw players into a truly powerful experience. Though initially overlooked, it’s now recognized as a narrative masterpiece that deserved greater recognition – and a continuation of the story.

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2025-12-07 00:41