The 90s were a time of great advancements in the video game industry, but they were also marked by some notable failures. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 worst games of the 90s, highlighting the reasons why they stand out as memorable examples of disappointment and letdown for players of the time.
1. Shaq Fu (Mega Drive, Super Nintendo, Game Boy)
Shaq Fu is widely considered one of the worst games ever made. With clunky controls, low-quality graphics, and a bizarre premise involving the player as basketball player Shaquille O’Neal fighting mystical creatures, Shaq Fu failed in every aspect and quickly became a symbol of failure in the industry.
2. Superman 64 (Nintendo 64)
Superman 64 is another game that frequently appears on lists of the worst of all time. With terrible controls, poor graphics, and monotonous, repetitive levels, the game not only failed to capture the essence of the Superman character but also frustrated players with its tedious and problematic gameplay.
3. Bubsy 3D (PlayStation)
Bubsy 3D is a classic example of how a franchise can go wrong when transitioning to the three-dimensional world. With imprecise controls, problematic cameras, and an irritating character, the game failed to captivate players and was heavily criticized for its lack of polish and fun.
4. Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties (3DO, PC)
Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties is an interactive video game that is widely considered as a bizarre and completely nonsensical experience. With a confusing storyline, poor acting, and virtually nonexistent gameplay, the game failed in every aspect and is remembered as one of the worst of the decade.
5. Hong Kong 97 (Super Famicom)
Hong Kong 97 is a Japanese game that was released only in Japan but achieved cult status due to its terrible quality and offensive content. With horrible graphics, confusing gameplay, and a controversial plot involving the return of Hong Kong to China, the game is remembered as an infamous curiosity from the 16-bit era.
6. Timecop (Super Nintendo, Sega CD)
Timecop, based on the movie of the same name, failed to capture the essence of the film and delivered an uninteresting and frustrating gameplay experience. With poor controls, poorly designed levels, and generic gameplay, the game was criticized for its lack of originality and polish.
7. Rise of the Robots (Various Consoles)
Rise of the Robots promised to be a revolutionary breakthrough in gameplay and graphics but ended up being one of the biggest disappointments of the decade. With slow and unresponsive controls, terribly programmed AI, and monotonous gameplay, the game failed to deliver on its promises and was heavily criticized by the press and players alike.
8. Virtual Boy Wario Land (Virtual Boy)
Virtual Boy Wario Land is remembered as one of the worst games released for Nintendo’s infamous Virtual Boy console. With eye-straining graphics and repetitive, boring gameplay, the game failed to take advantage of the technology’s potential and is remembered as a Nintendo failure.
9. The Crow: City of Angels (Various Consoles)
The Crow: City of Angels, based on the movie of the same name, failed to capture the dark atmosphere and tone of the film. With poor graphics, terrible controls, and uninspired gameplay, the game failed to captivate fans of the movie and was widely ignored by critics and players alike.
10. Street Fighter: The Movie (Various Consoles)
Street Fighter: The Movie was a game based on the film of the same name starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Raul Julia. With poor controls, low-quality graphics, and clumsy gameplay, the game failed to capture the essence of the Street Fighter series and is remembered as an example of how not to make a movie adaptation into a video game.
These 10 games are remembered as some of the worst releases of the 90s, leaving an indelible mark on the history of video games as examples of how games can go wrong when they are not well developed and polished. Despite their failures, these games also serve as important lessons for the industry, highlighting the importance of quality and innovation in creating memorable gaming experiences.
