Video games come and go. Some are memorable while others are not so memorable. However, the former doesn't need to win in the market or even be enjoyable to be notable. They just need one awesome feature to cement their place in history.
While not all of these games went on to revolutionize the industry, those winning features they contained were enough to make the argument that they weren't total wastes of shelf space. In fact, these following five awful games became hallmarks somewhat in their own respected rights thanks to them.
‘Crackdown 3’ (Cloud-powered destructibility)
When one thinks of “Crackdown 3,” they think of one of several demeaning memes aimed towards Xbox One. “Crackdown 3” was billed as the killer app for the console at the time, but it took almost to the end of its life cycle to be finally released and was a total stinker. The one saving grace for this game was the power of the cloud that allowed for insane real-time destructibility in-game. Unfortunately, the game’s outdated design couldn’t be forgiven.
‘Sim City 2013’ (Multiplayer)
When it came to city builders, the “Sim City” franchise is where it’s at. Or it used to be before the disastrous “Sim City” (2013) was released. This entry had tarnished the franchise’s reputation with its cash-grabbing antics and an always-online functionality, though these were later patched. But it still stood out for the introduction of multiplayer, allowing for each player to maintain his/her own designated area. From here, city builders were never the same.
‘Anthem’ (Cataclysm Events)
As looter shooters go, Bioware’s “Anthem” is overwhelmingly generic and buggy in design. But its Cataclysm events still set it apart from other titles. In these events, players engaged in high stake loot grinds while braving disastrous storms and fierce enemies within arenas. And when the dust settled, these locations would be changed forever. Unfortunately, this feature wasn’t available at launch. And by the time it did, the game had already dug itself a grave.
‘RE: Umbrella Corps’ (3-Way Combat)
Capcom’s “Resident Evil“ franchise is no stranger to competitive multiplayer, but it doesn’t always go as planned. Take “Resident Evil: Umbrella Corps“ for example. This follow-up to the divisive “RE: Operation Raccoon City” doubles down on the aspect of its predecessor but with a poorer design. However, the concept of chaotic 3-way battles between two rival fireteams and zombies is still a clever one just waiting to be done right.
‘Daikatana’ (AI Companions)
The names John Romero and “Daikatana” are immiscible in gaming discussion, not because they have nothing in common, but for the contrary. The former was one of the legendary devs behind “Quake” and “Doom” while the other was supposed to be his personal magnum opus but failed. Poorly implemented graphics and gameplay mechanics derailed the FPS. Nothing functioned as it should including what was arguably its biggest feature and one at the time felt revolutionary: AI companionship.
