10 Most Embarrassingly Poor Console Launch Games Of All Time

5. Universal Studios Theme Park Adventure (GameCube)

Universal Studios Game Dear god, who the hell thought this was a good idea? Part of the GameCube's European release line-up, Universal Studios Theme Park Adventure was nothing more than a corporation's advert wrapped up with a few duff minigames, puzzles and €“ just to add to the variety €“ quizzes. It' s about as duff as it sounds, but somehow manages to be even worse than that. Taking its inspiration from various Universal Studios ride €“ which shockingly, at the time of release featured the ultra-sh*te Wild Wild West €“the game throws several repetitive acts at you. For example, there's a Jaws game where you throw barrels at a giant shark, a Back To The Future game where you constant chase Biff Tannen, a bike-riding ET game where you avoid obstacles and a Backdraft game where you save folk from fires. Oh, and alongside this, you can play pairs with a deck of Universal-themed cards, and be guided around the park by Woody Woodpecker. I'm sorry if none of this jumps out at you, but I'm afraid that's just the point €“ there's nothing to recommend about this game, and the fact it even exists remains a nonsense in and of itself. I'd liken it to one of those minefield games €“ the ones your well-meaning parents got you instead of Luigi's Mansion for Christmas, which received a cursory play before being taken back to the retailer and exchanged for a much better offering. Hell, anything's better than this, which regularly features among the worst games of all time.
Contributor
Contributor

Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League. You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.