12 Video Games Too Big To Fail (That Did Anyway)
7. Superman 64
Why It Was "Too Big"
Superman 64 wasn't just the first-ever Superman game for the N64, it was also the first-ever 3D Superman game period, and developers Titus Interactive did a solid job selling that they wanted to make a superhero video game that gave players more freedom than ever before.
Why It Failed Anyway
DC Comics and Warner Bros. micro-managed development to a harmful extent, requiring Superman's powers to be limited by infamous "Kryptonite fog", while mandating that the game be set in a virtual world to prevent depicting Superman as beating up "real people."
Though Titus didn't exactly have a sterling track record before the game's release, the cumbersome approvals process with these companies resulted in a six-month delay and only roughly 10% of their ideas ending up in the final game.
As a result, Superman 64 was panned for its janky, boring gameplay, abundance of bugs and naff graphics.
The Damage
Sales started out strong enough, but it ended up hitting a brick wall at around 500,000 units sold. As both publisher and developer, Titus continued to operate for a few more years before declaring bankruptcy in 2005 with $43.8 million in liabilities.
Superman 64 meanwhile continues to endure as one of the most reviled video games of all time, and 20 years on, the Man of Steel has yet to get his own well-received solo video game (despite a few half-baked attempts).