Games That Flopped on Release But Later Became Fan Favorites

The gaming industry is notorious for punishing releases that fail to meet initial expectations. Many titles suffer from technical issues or poor marketing that leads to disappointing sales numbers upon launch. Some of these games manage to turn their fortunes around through updates and dedicated communities. Others find their audience years later and achieve the status of cult classics. This list highlights the video games that overcame rocky starts to earn the admiration of players everywhere.

‘No Man’s Sky’ (2016)

The launch of this space exploration game was marred by missing features and technical problems. Developers at Hello Games spent years releasing massive free updates to address player complaints. The game eventually fulfilled its promise of an infinite procedurally generated universe. It now stands as one of the greatest comeback stories in gaming history. Players praise the sheer amount of content and the dedication of the development team.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

Expectations were incredibly high for this open-world RPG from CD Projekt Red. The initial release suffered from severe performance issues and bugs on console platforms. Ongoing patches and the release of a major expansion significantly improved the experience. Public perception shifted positively as the anime adaptation drew new players to Night City. ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ is now regarded as a visually stunning and immersive role-playing game.

‘Final Fantasy XIV’ (2010)

The original version of this MMORPG was critically panned for its clunky interface and lack of content. Square Enix made the drastic decision to shut down the servers and rebuild the game from scratch. The relaunch titled A Realm Reborn completely revitalized the world and gameplay systems. It has since become one of the most profitable and beloved entries in the franchise. Millions of active subscribers now enjoy its rich storytelling and expanded universe.

‘Fallout 76’ (2018)

Bethesda took a risk by creating an online multiplayer entry in their post-apocalyptic series. The game launched with no human NPCs and numerous glitches that frustrated early adopters. Content updates eventually added story quests and characters that breathed life into the wasteland. The community stabilized as the developers addressed stability and gameplay loops. ‘Fallout 76’ now enjoys a loyal player base that appreciates its unique spin on the franchise.

‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ (2017)

This shooter faced immediate backlash due to an aggressive microtransaction system integrated into player progression. The publisher responded by disabling the monetization mechanics and revamping the progression system entirely. Developers at DICE continued to support the game with free content from various film eras. The game grew into a robust multiplayer experience that authentically captures the cinematic universe. Fans now consider it one of the best Star Wars action games available.

‘Rainbow Six Siege’ (2015)

Ubisoft launched this tactical shooter with limited content and significant technical hurdles. The focus on strategic team-based gameplay initially struggled to find a large audience. Constant updates and a commitment to competitive balance helped the game grow steadily over time. It eventually evolved into a premier electronic sport with millions of players. ‘Rainbow Six Siege’ is now a staple of the tactical shooter genre.

‘Sea of Thieves’ (2018)

Critics initially labeled this pirate adventure as lacking in depth and things to do. Rare listened to feedback and introduced new voyages and enemies to the open seas. The sandbox nature of the game created endless opportunities for player-driven storytelling. It became a massive hit on streaming platforms due to its chaotic and humorous gameplay. ‘Sea of Thieves’ is now celebrated for its unique cooperative experience.

‘Days Gone’ (2019)

Reviewers criticized this zombie survival game for technical bugs and pacing issues at launch. The PC release and updates on newer consoles allowed the game to run much smoother. Players began to appreciate the horde mechanics and the emotional depth of the story. The title gained a passionate following that petitioned for a sequel. ‘Days Gone’ found its success as a sleeper hit well after its initial debut.

‘Assassin’s Creed Unity’ (2014)

The launch of this ambitious title was plagued by infamous graphical glitches and performance drops. Ubisoft worked to patch the game and offered free content to apologize to early buyers. Gamers later recognized the detailed recreation of Paris as one of the best settings in the series. The parkour system is frequently cited as the peak of movement mechanics for the franchise. ‘Assassin’s Creed Unity’ has aged well and is now defended by many fans.

‘Halo: The Master Chief Collection’ (2014)

This compilation was unplayable for many at launch due to broken matchmaking systems. It took years of patches to fix the online infrastructure and stabilize the multiplayer experience. The collection eventually expanded to include PC support and additional games from the series. It is now considered the definitive way to experience the saga of Master Chief. The community views the current state of the game as a complete redemption.

‘Warframe’ (2013)

The initial release of this free-to-play shooter received mediocre reviews and had a small player count. Digital Extremes worked closely with their community to overhaul movement and combat systems. The game expanded with cinematic story quests and open-world zones. It became a powerhouse in the loot-shooter genre through fair monetization and constant evolution. ‘Warframe’ stands as a prime example of a game growing alongside its audience.

‘The Elder Scrolls Online’ (2014)

The subscription model and bug-ridden launch deterred many fans of the single-player RPGs. The developers shifted to a buy-to-play model and removed level restrictions for exploration. Massive expansions added beloved regions like Morrowind and Skyrim to the map. The game cultivated a dedicated community through its rich lore and freedom of choice. ‘The Elder Scrolls Online’ is now a top contender in the MMORPG market.

‘Destiny’ (2014)

Bungie faced criticism for a disjointed story and repetitive endgame content upon release. The release of the massive expansion The Taken King overhauled progression and narrative delivery. Players returned to experience the improved raids and streamlined loot systems. The game established a blueprint for the live-service shooter genre. ‘Destiny’ proved that a strong core loop could survive a rocky beginning.

‘Battlefield 4’ (2013)

Technical issues and server instability made this shooter nearly unplayable for months. DICE LA eventually took over support and launched the Community Test Environment to fix the netcode. The game became polished and content-rich with numerous expansion packs. Fans now look back at it as one of the best modern military shooters ever made. ‘Battlefield 4’ remains active years after its successors were released.

‘For Honor’ (2017)

Connection issues and peer-to-peer networking problems plagued this unique fighting game early on. Ubisoft eventually introduced dedicated servers to ensure stable competitive play. The combat system was refined and the roster of heroes continued to grow. A dedicated niche community formed around the deep fighting mechanics. ‘For Honor’ survived its early troubles to maintain a healthy player base.

‘Driveclub’ (2014)

The online features of this racing game were broken for weeks after it hit shelves. The developers fixed the server issues and added dynamic weather effects that stunned players. It became visually one of the most impressive racing games on the market. The driving model struck a satisfying balance between arcade and simulation. ‘Driveclub’ is fondly remembered despite the studio closing down shortly after.

‘Street Fighter V’ (2016)

The launch version lacked essential single-player content and suffered from input lag. Capcom released the Arcade Edition and Champion Edition to address these complaints. The roster expanded significantly and mechanics were tuned for better competitive balance. The game eventually concluded its lifecycle in a very strong state. ‘Street Fighter V’ overcame its barebones launch to become a respected fighting game.

‘Titanfall 2’ (2016)

This shooter launched between two massive competitors and suffered from poor sales as a result. Players who bought it discovered one of the best single-player campaigns in the genre. The fluid movement and mech combat created a multiplayer experience unlike any other. Word of mouth kept the community alive long after support ended. ‘Titanfall 2’ is frequently cited as an underrated masterpiece.

‘Spec Ops: The Line’ (2012)

Generic marketing caused this third-person shooter to be overlooked by most gamers. Those who played it found a subversive narrative that critiqued war video games. The story is now studied for its psychological depth and moral ambiguity. It gained cult status for its bold writing rather than its standard gameplay. ‘Spec Ops: The Line’ is remembered as a narrative triumph.

‘Prey’ (2017)

Bethesda failed to market this immersive sim effectively and sales were disappointing. Players eventually discovered a deep sci-fi horror experience with incredible freedom of choice. The level design and atmosphere are praised by fans of the genre. It has since gathered a devoted following that considers it a spiritual successor to System Shock. ‘Prey’ is now seen as a modern classic of the immersive sim genre.

‘Alien: Isolation’ (2014)

Sales were softer than expected despite the strong brand recognition. The game is now hailed as the definitive Alien experience for its terrifying AI. The xenomorph learns from player actions and creates unscripted moments of horror. Horror fans consider it one of the scariest games ever made. ‘Alien: Isolation’ succeeded in capturing the tension of the original film perfectly.

‘Mirror’s Edge’ (2008)

The unique first-person platforming did not translate to massive sales figures initially. Gamers fell in love with the clean aesthetic and the flow of the parkour gameplay. The time trial mode fostered a competitive speedrunning community. It eventually garnered enough interest to spawn a sequel years later. ‘Mirror’s Edge’ remains a stylish and unique entry in gaming history.

‘Sleeping Dogs’ (2012)

This open-world crime drama struggled to compete with larger franchises like Grand Theft Auto. Players praised its setting in Hong Kong and the robust hand-to-hand combat system. The story was surprisingly gripping and featured excellent voice acting. It has since built a reputation as one of the best open-world games of its generation. ‘Sleeping Dogs’ is frequently recommended as a must-play title.

‘EarthBound’ (1994)

The marketing campaign for this RPG was bizarre and failed to attract Western audiences. Years later it was rediscovered via emulation and character appearances in Smash Bros. The quirky humor and modern setting set it apart from other fantasy games. It inspired a generation of indie developers to create games with similar tones. ‘EarthBound’ is now considered a legendary cult classic.

‘Okami’ (2006)

This artistic adventure game launched at the end of a console lifecycle and sold poorly. Critics loved the celestial brush mechanics and the beautiful cel-shaded graphics. HD remasters on modern platforms brought the game to a wider audience. It is now recognized as one of the finest games ever produced by Capcom. ‘Okami’ proves that art style and creativity can stand the test of time.

‘Psychonauts’ (2005)

Double Fine produced this platformer that was critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful. The writing and creative level design earned it a passionate fanbase over the years. Word of mouth eventually led to a successful crowdfunding campaign for a sequel. The game explores mental health themes with humor and empathy. ‘Psychonauts’ remains a beloved example of 3D platforming creativity.

‘Beyond Good & Evil’ (2003)

This action-adventure title was a commercial failure despite glowing reviews. Players fell in love with the protagonist Jade and the unique world of Hillys. The mix of photography mechanics and stealth gameplay was innovative for its time. Fans have been clamoring for a sequel for nearly two decades. ‘Beyond Good & Evil’ is the definition of a cult classic.

‘Grim Fandango’ (1998)

This adventure game signaled the end of the genre’s golden age with poor sales. The unique setting combining film noir with Mexican folklore was praised by critics. The writing and puzzles are still considered some of the best in the industry. Remastered versions allowed a new generation to experience Manny Calavera’s journey. ‘Grim Fandango’ is a timeless masterpiece of storytelling.

‘System Shock 2’ (1999)

The game sold poorly but laid the groundwork for the modern immersive sim genre. Its atmosphere and complex systems influenced titles like BioShock and Deus Ex. The terrifying villain SHODAN is an icon of video game history. PC gamers kept the title alive through mods and community patches. ‘System Shock 2’ is essential playing for fans of narrative-driven shooters.

‘Shenmue’ (1999)

This ambitious open-world game was the most expensive ever made at the time but failed to recoup costs. It introduced mechanics like QTEs and a fully simulated day-night cycle. The story of Ryo Hazuki left players on a cliffhanger that lasted for almost twenty years. A devoted fanbase eventually helped fund the third installment. ‘Shenmue’ is respected for its pioneering ambition.

‘Ico’ (2001)

Minimalist design and limited marketing led to low sales for this puzzle-platformer. The emotional bond between the two main characters resonated deeply with those who played it. It influenced numerous directors and designers in the industry. The game is often cited in debates about video games as an art form. ‘Ico’ remains a beautiful and haunting experience.

‘God Hand’ (2006)

Critics initially bashed this brawler for its difficulty and strange control scheme. Action game enthusiasts later discovered the depth of its customizable combo system. The absurd humor and over-the-top moves became legendary among fans. It is now considered one of the best 3D beat-em-ups ever made. ‘God Hand’ has a dedicated following that praises its challenging gameplay.

‘Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines’ (2004)

The game launched in a broken state on the same day as Half-Life 2. Fans spent years creating unofficial patches to fix bugs and restore cut content. The writing and role-playing options are unmatched in the vampire genre. It offers incredible freedom in how players approach objectives. ‘Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines’ is the ultimate cult RPG.

‘Alpha Protocol’ (2010)

Bugs and unpolished gameplay mechanics caused this spy RPG to flop. Players eventually appreciated the reactive story where choices had meaningful consequences. The dialogue system allowed for diverse role-playing opportunities. It is often called a flawed masterpiece by RPG enthusiasts. ‘Alpha Protocol’ offers a level of narrative branching rarely seen in games.

‘Nier’ (2010)

Critics gave this action RPG mixed reviews for its dated visuals and repetitive combat. The story and soundtrack were lauded by players who looked past the flaws. It gained a cult following that paved the way for the massive success of its sequel. A remake later polished the gameplay to match the quality of the narrative. ‘Nier’ is a testament to the power of a strong story.

‘Vanquish’ (2010)

This fast-paced shooter was short and sold poorly upon release. The sliding mechanic and frantic action set it apart from other cover shooters. It gained a second life when it was ported to PC and modern consoles. Action purists rank it highly for its mechanical depth. ‘Vanquish’ is pure adrenaline in video game form.

‘Conker’s Bad Fur Day’ (2001)

Nintendo released this mature platformer at the very end of the N64 lifecycle. The juxtaposition of cute visuals and crude humor was unique but confusing to marketers. It became a rare collector’s item and a beloved title for its comedy. The multiplayer mode also holds fond memories for many players. ‘Conker’s Bad Fur Day’ is a singular entity in the Nintendo library.

‘Panzer Dragoon Saga’ (1998)

This RPG was released in limited quantities on the failing Sega Saturn console. Those who played it discovered a combat system that was years ahead of its time. It is one of the most critically acclaimed games that very few people actually played. Copies now sell for exorbitant prices on the secondary market. ‘Panzer Dragoon Saga’ is a legendary lost treasure.

‘Skies of Arcadia’ (2000)

This cheerful JRPG failed to find a large audience on the Dreamcast or GameCube. Fans loved the sky pirate setting and the optimism of the main characters. The turn-based airship battles were a highlight of the experience. It remains a favorite among genre enthusiasts who hope for a modern port. ‘Skies of Arcadia’ captures the spirit of adventure perfectly.

‘Jet Set Radio’ (2000)

The cel-shaded graphics and funky soundtrack defined the style of the Dreamcast era. Niche sales prevented it from becoming a mainstream hit. The graffiti-tagging gameplay and counter-culture vibe influenced many future indie games. It is celebrated today for its audiovisual presentation. ‘Jet Set Radio’ is an icon of style over substance in the best way.

‘Viewtiful Joe’ (2003)

This side-scrolling beat-em-up struggled at retail despite strong reviews. The visual effects powers allowed players to manipulate time in combat. Its comic book aesthetic was vibrant and unique. The game is remembered fondly by action fans for its tight controls. ‘Viewtiful Joe’ oozes personality and charm.

‘The Wonderful 101’ (2013)

Released on the struggling Wii U, this action game failed to sell well. The complex controls involving drawing shapes intimidated some new players. A Kickstarter campaign later brought the game to other platforms. The sheer scale of the battles and the hype energy are unmatched. ‘The Wonderful 101’ is a cult favorite from PlatinumGames.

‘Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem’ (2002)

This horror game sold poorly despite being one of the best titles on the GameCube. The sanity effects that messed with the player and the TV screen were revolutionary. The story spanned centuries and featured multiple playable characters. It holds a high status among survival horror aficionados. ‘Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem’ is a unique psychological thriller.

‘Rule of Rose’ (2006)

Controversy and limited distribution made this horror game a commercial failure. The story explores themes of childhood cruelty in a way few games dare to. It has become one of the most expensive and sought-after PS2 games. The disturbing atmosphere has earned it a reputation among horror collectors. ‘Rule of Rose’ is a dark and unsettling experience.

‘Haunting Ground’ (2005)

This survival horror title was largely ignored upon release. Players control a defenseless protagonist who must rely on a dog companion to survive. The panic mechanics and the bond with the dog created a tense atmosphere. It is now considered a hidden gem of the PS2 era. ‘Haunting Ground’ has gained significant appreciation retrospectively.

‘The Evil Within’ (2014)

Technical issues and a convoluted story led to a mixed reception initially. Patches improved the performance and the removal of letterboxing pleased fans. The game is now respected as a grueling return to survival horror roots. The sequel further refined the formula and cemented the series’ reputation. ‘The Evil Within’ is a modern horror staple.

‘Alice: Madness Returns’ (2011)

This dark platformer received average reviews and sales when it launched. The art direction and twisted version of Wonderland captivated a loyal audience. Fans have campaigned for a third entry in the series for years. The psychological themes and visual design have aged very well. ‘Alice: Madness Returns’ is a cult classic of the genre.

‘Binary Domain’ (2012)

This squad-based shooter sold poorly and was quickly forgotten by the mainstream. Players who tried it found a surprisingly smart story about robotics and AI. The destruction system where robots break apart procedurally remains impressive. It has slowly gained recognition as an underrated gem. ‘Binary Domain’ is much better than its generic cover art suggests.

Tell us which of these redeemed games is your favorite in the comments.