10 Failed Video Games That Had So Much More Potential

10. Final Fantasy XIV

Now, it’s certainly true that the creators of huge franchises like Final Fantasy have a huge advantage when it comes to grabbing attention. When a new release is on the horizon, all gamers need to know is that… well, a new Final Fantasy is on the horizon. Fans eagerly follow its progress, secure their pre-orders quite early on and await the release date with bated breath.

All of this attention is a double-edged sword, however. As we all know, when long-time fans feel that a beloved franchise has dropped the ball in some way, they do not take it well. There’s so much more at stake, as Final Fantasy XIV found out when it first launched.

An ambitious new Final Fantasy MMORPG is certainly an enticing prospect, but players diving in on PC and PS3 in 2013 were less than impressed by the game. The initial release was marred with issues, affecting everything from the servers to the combat mechanics.

So unsalvageable was the project that Square Enix followed up with Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, an entirely new take on the game (utilising a different engine and everything) seeking to address its many flaws.

A Realm Reborn did do the concept and the Final Fantasy name justice, but the original release is best forgotten.