Hype is that brilliant marketing device that companies all over the world use to create a buzz about one of their upcoming products. And that includes everything from films, TV shows, books, zoetropes or – in this case – video games.
Obviously it’s essential that video game companies advertise their products to the public in one way, shape or form – how else would we know they were available to buy? But the term ‘hype’ – in my eyes – is when said marketing department takes things way too far, usually because companies know that what they’ve created isn’t so much a work of art, as it is a work of modern art.
Here are 10 massively hyped games that – when you look a bit closer – actually look pretty awful.
10. Dead Space 3
Release Date: February 8th 2013 (EU)
Quickly taking a step back, Dead Space has never truly understood the horror factor in its franchise. When you can clear a room full of Necromorphs with a bloody sneeze, the sight of one jumping out of the wall like an incredibly enthusiastic shop assistant isn’t going to frighten anyone. Now with Dead Space 3 coming out pretty damn soon, maybe before I can finish this article; from what I’ve seen so far doesn’t give me much hope for the future of this franchise.
The one problem with Dead Space 3 is the new information about the Necromorphs. There isn’t any need to have more info other than they’re deformed corpses. Explanation is the foe of horror because knowing what, how and who the monsters you’re facing came to be, really dampens the experience; like if The Joker’s true identity was discovered. The mystery of not knowing who he really is and where he came from is a huge part of his character and the fear that revolves around him.
Dead Space 3 has also had a huge amount of hype around its new multiplayer feature which, isn’t like a conventional multiplayer. Rather than having team death match or capture the flag, there is a secondary character added to slightly alter the campaign.
When I first heard about the feature I really thought it was a clever addition, but upon reflection I am confused to why it was even implemented in the first place. Okay, the underlining fact is both EA and Visceral Games want their title to have some longevity which this allows, but because that’s the only reason I can see, it feels needless like the Kinect.
Also, there’s a lot of excitement about the Hoth looking planet you can apparently explore. Dead Space has always been a brown and red corridor fest, so moving the scenery wouldn’t be a bad thing, but this leads me to believe that we are moving beyond horror; and slipping into the adventure genre.
Want to write about the stuff you're passionate about and have your work read by an audience of over 10 million a month? Click here to become a contributor.
19 Comments
I’m afraid I heavily disagree on three of these.
1. I believe Metal Gear Rising has a lot of potential from what I’ve played of the demo. It’s the very definition of a spin-off and shouldn’t really be placed along side it’s older siblings.
Also Platinum Games almost always delivers an action spectacle of a high standard and I’ve got a strong feeling MGR is going to be no different. Yes the story remains baffling and barmy in equal measure (isn’t that part of its charm?) but you can’t deny that the idea of an anime flavoured, 60fps slice-em-up starring a collectively hated character resurrected as a total badass can’t be all bad?
2. Despite the lack of Michael Ironside’s grizzly vocals for Sam Fisher I feel Ubisoft Toronto are working very hard to make Blacklist feel more vintage Splinter Cell (in places). It’s a definite step up from Conviction which strayed too far from the formula by bringing back the suit/goggles/gadgets and slowing down some of the missions; returning them to the shadows as evident towards the end of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlN1Z_R6Xhs
I don’t see it reaching Chaos Theory heights of brilliance but there are most definitely flashes of exciting ideas on display.
Also aren’t they going for a prequel/reboot vibe for this one?
3. Probably the most obvious disagreement and a controversial choice for your number 1 but I think it’s not only unfair to knock this game when you aren’t aware of its complexities (no one is until you discover them for yourselves) but also unprofessional as a critic.
In fact it’s unfair to call out that ANY of these games as being potentially ‘awful’, mildly disappointing some of them may turn out, sure but bad games? Not at all. I mean the only one I can be sure about is Dead Space 3 because I’m playing through it now and even that I’d say is ‘not bad’ I mean yeah they’ve stripped the atmosphere away but they’ve implemented a hell of a weapon system (blasting Necromorphs has never been more fun) and the audio/visual assault is nothing short of breathtaking.
I’m not moaning but you’re attacking games that don’t have much chance of defending themselves and I’m almost certain you’ll eat your words when you get to try the final products! ;D
I think you’ll find that if you read “the killing joke” batman graphic novel it actauly does explain the origins of the jokers real identity. very good story :)
I am meaning to buy The Killing Joke even though I do know about the death of his wife. However, I still think that The Joker’s true back story is unknown.
As far as i recall from the novel, this is just one fo the many ways Joker recalls his time before he was the clown prince. I could be wrong as im recalling from memory but i think he even says in the novel that he recalls the evnst differently each time
Yeah, I’m sure you’re right about that, which is why I believe his backstory to be unknown and (as I said) a huge part to his character.
personally, I think the main reason that people liked bioshock was due to the setting of the game. The underwater city, although not vastly original, was not something that had really been done before and irrational games did it well and created a very good atmosphere in both games. I’ll be very interested to see how well they use their new setting for bioshock infinite, although it is even more generic than an underwater city I feel it has a lot of potential if implemented properly.
Very good article. I am tired of over hyped games. Let the game speak for itself
I’m pretty sure you say every game coming out is overhyped and going to be bad…what else is there right now? I honestly don’t even think you have much experience with most of the franchises you’re criticizing…you seem to be trying to be a cynical ass just for the sake of being a cynical ass.
I believe myself to be reasonably knowledgeable in the games it critique and as a critic, it isn’t my job to give an example on how to fix said problems. I merely point them out.
Think you should of picked a different number 10 instead of trolling a game that isn’t even out yet and for all you know my actually live up to the hype
Forget I said anything, all you’ve done is troll every release that is comming up and is part of a big francise.
I actually agree with a lot of these. I’m still cautiously optimistic about TWD:SI, and I start salivating when I think about Bioshock Infinite, but for the rest either I agree or don’t have the series background to empathize with. Nice article.
Seems you forgot God of War. Nothing more than another case of Blades of Chaos.
Yes Sir I did forget the ‘new’ GoW, but only because I’m writing about it in an upcoming article. And, I do agree that the hype has be ridiculous.
So Mgs games are badly written? What in your opinion is a game that is good in terms of how it has been wrote?
And the trailer that played during Superbowl was 110% gay. I’m only going to play that game because I deeply hope it’s as good as GoW II was. And I really, really, really hope the story is better than that of GoW III (was total crap considering the cliffhanger ending of GoW II). But as far as MGRR goes, I’m dead certain gameplay will be awesome. I do agree that Metal Gear stories and plots are garbage and make very little sense but still DmC, whoops Bayonetta, damn it I mean MGRR is going to be a cool game worth buying. One thing I’m also certain of it will have better replay value than GoW. I have a lot of hopes and wishes for both these games but I’m skeptical of GoW Ascension’s replay value given Gow III’s complete lack of it. The multiplayer bit is just a gimmick to keep the series alive. GoW died with the PS2 in my opinion.
GoW 3′s ending was terrible, though I wasn’t playing it myself; I watched the whole game through one of my house-mates. He’s a GoW fanbay so he ramped it up to something that in the end, was bloody horrible. The Online for the new GoW is something I’m writing about as we speak.
You forget to include GTA V. The fanboys has been hyping this game as the best GTA game ever yet I see it as nothing much as GTA IV with a bigger map. GTA IV is a disappointment which everyone knows so I do not see what the hype for GTA V.
True, but GTA V (in my eyes) isn’t as hyped as the games on my list. Plus, while the story will be like pulling teeth, I’ll enjoy the driving.