- Primary Subject: Highly Rated Video Games (Critical Reception vs. Player Experience Critique)
- Key Update: Games like Mixtape, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Crimson Desert, Hogwarts Legacy, and Heavy Rain received strong reviews despite fundamental flaws.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: January 20, 2026
- Quick Answer: Highly rated titles aren't always worth playing; shallow gameplay, UI clutter, repetitive design, and flawed narratives make these five acclaimed games skippable.
In the world of video games, there will always be games that everyone, from regular people to gaming news outlets, will praise and give high ratings to commend their high quality and value. Because of the scores and commendations they're getting, many others will believe that they're worth buying and playing, and for the most part, they are.
However, there are instances when a video game is highly rated but doesn't live up to it. In fact, I would go as far as to say that they should be avoided, so as not to disappoint anyone looking for something worth their time and money. So, here are some examples of games that have good ratings but you should consider avoiding at all costs.
1. Mixtape
When this game first came out, many reputable sites gave it high scores due to its soundtrack, art style, and, to a degree, its story. While it looks nice and even sounds nice, it is not something you'll want to play. The reason is that the gameplay is close to non-existent.
Aside from the segments where you have to walk and talk to progress the story, you don't exactly have to do anything except watch. Even in sections with quick-time events, you can just put down your controller and see your character doing just fine even without you pressing anything. And this is aside from the awful and contrived plot, making Mixtape barely passable as a game, but something you should only try if you're extremely curious.
2. Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is one of the more recent entries in the series, bringing players back to the familiar Lumiose City of the Kalos region. While it certainly received praise and was favored by many, it has many issues that make it a game that doesn't warrant it all.
The game takes place in Lumiose City and only in Lumiose City, meaning there's no diversity in the type of environments you'll be exploring. Then there are the ongoing issues of non-voiced cutscenes, stale open-world gameplay, a pointless rank battle system, and more that make Pokemon Legends: Z-A an avoidable entry in the series.
3. Crimson Desert
While open-world games are great, Crimson Desert takes that concept too far. It received high scores because of how much there is to do, but I think that's one of its biggest weaknesses. There are a lot of tasks and so many choices to make, but it can be very overwhelming, especially for first-timers in the genre.
Another thing is that there's so much clutter on the screen. The UI constantly presents a lot of information, so it can end up confusing you or even cause a migraine. While the combat is fun, getting to the point where it will be can be physically and mentally draining, so it's best to avoid this game and go with something more worth it, like Skyrim or Dragon's Dogma
4. Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy lets you explore Hogwarts as if you're an actual student, and it's magical to be able to explore the school in almost its entirety. However, that's the only thing the game has going for it. Aside from that, the rest of the game is repetitive and even boring.
It's not fun fighting the same enemies with the same spells over and over, and couple that with the forgettable story, it totally ruins the overall experience of Hogwarts Legacy. The worst part is that there is no Quidditch despite a stadium existing, which makes you think this game could have been so much more, and why you shouldn't bother playing something that feels incomplete despite the positive ratings it got.
5. Heavy Rain
This is one of the most memorable video games, but for the wrong reasons. This interactive drama-adventure certainly made waves when it came out and was heavily favored by critics. However, you're better off watching cutscenes or gameplay walkthroughs rather than playing it yourself.
The overall plot is filled with holes and has segments that make no sense whatsoever. The controls are also clunky, and given that the game is full of quick-time events that determine whether you have a good or bad ending, it can make for very frustrating sessions. Yes, it delivers some incredibly memorable and funny moments. But they feel unintentional and are only there because of the flaws that exist in the first place, which is why you're better off watching what the game has to offer rather than playing it.
More can be put on this list, but these are the games that stand out to help you steer clear of them. For a better experience, consider looking for video games that weren't well-liked but still fun, as you'll be surprised by how many there are. Even if their reviews are bad, they're worth your time rather than going for those who don't deserve their high ratings.
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