Now that 2019 is almost over, it's time to recall some of this year's biggest flops. You might not want to remember some of these atrocities, but they'll still go down in history as some of the most disappointing.
Ready to relive this year's gaming nightmares? These are the absolute worst video games of 2019.
1. Anthem
When Anthem was announced at E3 2017, I think just about everyone in the gaming community was exciting. The game promised us an open-world multiplayer experience in a stunning environment.
Instead, players were met with a bug-ridden game that had most players giving up on Anthem. The confusing combat and awful loot box system are only some of the reasons why this much-anticipated game turned out to be one of the worst of the year.
2. Jump Force
Who doesn't want a fighting game that stars all of your favorite anime characters? This game had fantastic intentions, and even contains a roster of over 40 different anime characters from different series.
The repetitiveness of Jump Force gets old fast. As you go through the campaign, you'll find yourself doing the same things over and over. Not to mention that the controls are oversimplified, forcing you to resort to mindless button-mashing.
3. Crackdown 3
The Crackdown series is one of the most beloved in the gaming series. However, Crackdown 3 was more of a letdown.
After five long years of development, the game was entirely lackluster. With a broken multiplayer system, a barely-destructible environment, and a shortage of Terry Crews lines, it definitely wasn't worth the wait.
4. WWE 2K20
For many players, WWE 2K20 has won the title as the worst wrestling game of all time. WWE 2K20 has actually regressed—the graphics have gotten worse over time, not better. Each model just barely resembles the actual wrestler, and looks like something from a PS2-era game.
To make the game even worse, there are so many glitches, bugs, and crashes that nearly render the game unplayable. Plus, the multiplayer gameplay is so dysfunctional that it's not even worth trying.
5. Left Alive
Left Alive feels like a game from the past, but not the good kind. The sad part is that this game actually has some good elements to it. With the right developers, this game could've been amazing.
Unfortunately, Left Alive failed. Confusing controls, coupled with subpar graphics, and inconvenient checkpoint locations make this game frustratingly bad.
6. Ghost Recon: Breakpoint
Ubisoft had major success with Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands in 2017. While Ubisoft could've built on its success, it produced Ghost Recon: Breakpoint.
This disappointing game is chockfull of microtransactions—you can use your own money to buy weapons, accessories, gear, and "time-savers" (that Ubisoft has since removed) to give you an advantage. All of this is on top of the plethora of bugs plaguing the gameplay.
7. Contra: Rogue Corps
Contra: Rogue Corps is so disappointing that some Contra fans want to strip Rogue Corps of its Contra title. This game drastically alters the original gameplay, and turns the side-scroller into a twin-stick shooter. Additionally, the game's artwork doesn't match up to today's standards. The original Contra is one of the hardest games of all time—it doesn't deserve to have its reputation tarnished.
8. Narcos: Rise of the Cartels
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is modeled after the popular Narcos Netflix series. You can't expect much from licensed games, and Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is yet another example. Not only does this game play like an XCOM clone, but it's full of extremely dumb AI that makes the game too easy.
9. Generation Zero
Generation Zero has an interesting concept. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic Sweden that's filled with deadly robots. Despite the fascinating storyline, everything else falls short. Buildings look the same, with some textures vanishing at times. Overall, it's a mess of a game that gets boring fast.
10. Dollhouse
If you're a horror junkie, you might've given Dollhouse a shot—chances are, you were immediately disappointed. You're tasked with walking through the mind of the amnesic Marie in a film noir-style environment.
This horror game is yet another example of a great concept with a poor execution. Bugs, redundant designs, and repetitive gameplay are the game's main downfalls.
Hoping for Better Games in 2020
Hopefully, 2020 will give us some gaming gems. While it's inevitable that we'll have some bad eggs here and there, we're bound to see games that won't disappoint.
The fact of the matter is that AAA game companies don't give us much hope. AAA games are only getting worse, thanks to greediness and overworked employees.