- Primary Subject: Badly Reviewed Video Games (Retrospective Analysis / Modern Re-evaluation)
- Key Update: Notoriously low-rated games like Resident Evil 6, Shadow the Hedgehog, Mega Man X7, Two Worlds, and Deadly Premonition maintain lasting entertainment value through unique mechanics, campy presentation, or unintended design exploits.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: August 12, 2026
- Quick Answer: Low review scores don't always mean zero fun; game exploits, campy dialogue, and chaotic mechanics make titles like Two Worlds and RE6 surprisingly enjoyable.
When it comes to video games, you can't expect all of them to be good. Every once in a while, there will be titles whose quality just doesn't meet the standards of players, and those will be given low review scores as a way to tell people that they aren't worth playing.
Many awful games definitely deserve the rating they've received, but some still manage to be fun despite all the negative reception they've received. As someone who has played his fair share of negatively reviewed video games, here are some that stand out for being still enjoyable.
1. Resident Evil 6
While it did retain a somewhat okay review score from most critics, by the franchise's standards, it is certainly one of, if not the lowest ever. Many fans also seem to view it negatively, given how it deviates from the horror they're used to from Resident Evil, as it focuses more on action.
However, because it's so different, the game is actually fun. Yes, Resident Evil 6 is not the scariest entry, but it certainly makes up for it with the insane action sequences packed in the different plots. You can go from riding a mine cart while trying to avoid being beheaded by a mutated woman, to shooting down a rapidly evolving monster that takes on the form of a giant dog, dinosaur, and a fly. It's crazy, it's stupid, but at the end of it all, it's fun.
2. Shadow the Hedgehog
This is a video game created for the sixth generation of consoles, and when it was released, fans were not happy with it. While it somewhat follows the gameplay formula of classic Sonic titles, what it differs in, such as the ability to use firearms and the unique ways of finishing a level, was not exactly well-received.
However, playing it today, it just feels like people didn't give it much of a chance. The edgy atmosphere and gameplay, the multiple endings, the distracting dialogue that can somewhat steal your attention from what's happening, all culminate into something memorable and even quite enjoyable. Yes, the game can get repetitive, but it still offers a fun time if you allow it to.
3. Mega Man X7
This game is the mainline series' first foray into the world of 3D, but unfortunately, it stumbled right out of the gate. Those who've played Mega Man X7 will likely remember it for its atrocious level designs, sluggish pacing, the lack of being able to play as Mega Man for the majority of the game, and other problems that neutered the experience.
Still, despite its many issues, it was still fun. There's a sense of satisfaction players can get from cheesing the game or using the problems to their advantage. It's certainly one of the games that deserves the low score it received. However, things like the campy dialogue and voice acting, the way you can run through enemies, and the abilities of the newcomer Axl make everything more enjoyable than it should be.
4. Two Worlds
This game was touted as the next huge action-adventure RPG, and while it had promise, it failed. The problem with Two Worlds is that it was notoriously buggy, had poor controls, and its story and voice acting were so abysmal that many players actively started hating it at the time.
And yet, it's those problems that make the game enjoyable to play now. Much like when playing Mega Man X7, the fun that comes with beating Two Worlds is how you can break the game at your will. There are exploits you can do, such as having a horde of townspeople take on the final boss, that make it fun, and while it's still a janky mess, it still provides a memorable and even enjoyable experience.
5. Deadly Premonition
Now, this is a game that has a good chunk of negative reviews, but people still particularly enjoy it. The reason it received its low scores is due to its terrible controls, repetitive combat, outdated visuals, and various other issues that make it clear as day that it isn't worth playing.
And yet, despite all the things that are supposed to make Deadly Premonition so terrible, it does things that more than make up for it. The world feels like it's actually alive, with NPCs having schedules and the weather changing whenever, and the story is bizarre and funny enough that it will get you hooked right from the get-go. It's a one-and-done kind of game, but the fact remains that it's still enjoyable despite the negative scores it received.
There are other examples out there, likely even more from popular major gaming companies such as Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo, but these are the ones that stand out the most. So, remember that even if a game is scored badly, it doesn't mean it's not worth playing. If anything, consider trying it still, as you may just find a hidden gem that would have eluded you if you had just listened to reviews.
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