The world of videogames has seen its fair share of flops, failures, and plain old stinkers. But among the sea of underwhelming experiences, one game stands out (or should we say, stands out like a sore thumb?) as the most loathed, despised, and cringe-worthy of them all. The question on everyone’s mind is: which game is usually considered the worst videogame ever?
The Candidates for the Notorious Crown
Before we dive into the “winner” of this dubious distinction, let’s take a look at some of the other contenders that have earned their place in the annals of gaming infamy. These games have been universally panned by critics and gamers alike, and for good reason.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Developed by Howard Scott Warshaw and published by Atari, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was meant to cash in on the popularity of the beloved movie. Instead, it became a symbol of the North American video game crash of 1983. The game’s poor controls, confusing gameplay, and rushed development made it a laughingstock among gamers. It’s estimated that Atari produced around 4 million copies of the game, but only about 500,000 were sold, leaving the remaining 3.5 million copies to be buried in a New Mexico landfill.
Superman 64 (1999)
This Nintendo 64 game was supposed to be a flying simulator, allowing players to soar through the skies as the Man of Steel. Unfortunately, the controls were clunky, the graphics were subpar, and the framerate was atrocious. To make matters worse, the game was riddled with bugs and glitches, making it nearly unplayable. It’s no wonder Superman 64 holds a 23% rating on GameRankings, making it one of the lowest-rated games of all time.
The “Winner” of the Worst Game Ever: Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing
But among all the terrible games out there, one stands out as the worst of the worst: Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing. Developed by GameMill Publishing and released in 2003 for the PC, Big Rigs is a racing game that promised to deliver realistic trucking action. What it delivered instead was a laughingstock of a game that defied all logic and reason.
A Game of Bugs and Glitches
Big Rigs was plagued by an astonishing number of bugs and glitches that made the game almost unplayable. Trucks would clip through each other, drive through buildings, and even defy gravity by floating in mid-air. The game’s physics engine was non-existent, leading to some of the most ridiculous and hilarious crashes you’ve ever seen.
| Glitch | Description |
|---|---|
| Invisible Walls | Cars would get stuck in mid-air or clip through buildings and obstacles |
| Gravity Defiance | Cars would float in mid-air, allowing players to drive on the ceiling or through walls |
| Instant Wins | Players could instantly win races by simply driving backwards or parking their truck |
A Lack of Effort and Quality Control
It’s clear that the developers of Big Rigs didn’t put much effort into playtesting or quality control. The game’s graphics were subpar, with poorly rendered environments and character models that looked like they belonged in a PlayStation 1 game. The sound design was equally atrocious, with ear-piercingly loud engine sounds and cringe-worthy voice acting.
The Infamous ” Instant Win” Exploit
One of the most infamous aspects of Big Rigs is the “Instant Win” exploit, where players could instantly win races by simply driving their truck backwards or parking it. This glitch was so ridiculous that it’s become a meme among gamers, with many still referencing it today.
The Impact of Big Rigs
So, what’s the impact of a game like Big Rigs on the gaming industry? While it may seem like a harmless exercise in incompetence, Big Rigs has had a lasting effect on the way developers approach game development and quality control.
A Lesson in Quality Control
Big Rigs serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of playtesting and quality control. It shows what happens when developers rush a game to market without ensuring that it’s at least somewhat functional. The game’s failure has led many developers to prioritize quality control, investing more time and resources into playtesting and bug fixing.
A Meme for the Ages
Big Rigs has also become a meme among gamers, with many still referencing its infamous glitches and exploits today. The game’s notoriety has transcended the gaming community, with even non-gamers aware of its existence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are many bad games out there, Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing stands out as the worst of the worst. Its laundry list of bugs, glitches, and general incompetence has earned it a special place in the annals of gaming infamy. So, the next time you’re browsing through a thrift store or online marketplace, and you come across a copy of Big Rigs, take a moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of its developers.
But don’t buy it. Trust us, you don’t want to play it.
As we leave the world of Big Rigs behind, we’re left to wonder: what’s the next game to claim the notorious crown? Only time will tell.
What is the notorious crown referring to?
The term “notorious crown” is a metaphorical expression used to describe the title of the worst videogame ever created. It is a figurative crown that is worn by the game that is considered to be the most inferior, poorly designed, and unplayable among all the videogames that have ever been created.
In other words, the notorious crown is a symbol of shame and embarrassment, and it is often used to mock or ridicule the game that holds this title. The concept of the notorious crown has been around for decades, and it has become a popular topic of discussion among gamers, reviewers, and industry experts.
What is the criteria for considering a game the worst?
The criteria for considering a game the worst videogame ever created are subjective and can vary depending on personal opinions and preferences. However, some common factors that contribute to a game being considered the worst include poor gameplay, terrible graphics, weak storyline, and numerous bugs and glitches.
Additionally, a game that is heavily criticized by reviewers, gamers, and industry experts, and receives largely negative feedback, can also be considered a contender for the notorious crown. Other factors such as poor sound design, lack of innovation, and overall lack of effort put into the game’s development can also contribute to a game being considered the worst.
Is there a consensus on which game is the worst?
There is no universal consensus on which game is the worst videogame ever created. Opinions on the matter tend to vary depending on personal experiences and preferences. However, there are some games that are commonly cited as being among the worst, such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Superman 64, and Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing.
These games have received widespread criticism and have been widely panned by gamers and reviewers alike. However, it’s worth noting that opinions on the matter can vary, and what one person considers the worst game ever, another person might not agree with.
Can a game be redeemed from its poor reputation?
It is possible for a game to be redeemed from its poor reputation, but it’s a challenging task. If a game receives significant updates, patches, or overhauls that address its major issues, it can potentially change the public’s perception of the game.
However, it’s often difficult to shake off a game’s poor initial impression, and it may take a lot of effort and resources to restore a game’s reputation. Additionally, even if a game is improved, it may still be remembered for its initial shortcomings, making it difficult to fully redeem itself.
Are game developers affected by being labeled the worst?
Game developers can be significantly affected by being labeled as the creators of the worst videogame ever. It can be damaging to their reputation, and it can impact their future projects and career prospects.
Additionally, being associated with a failed or poorly received game can lead to a loss of confidence, motivation, and credibility. It can also lead to a decrease in sales, revenue, and industry recognition, making it difficult for developers to recover from the negative backlash.
Can a game be so bad it’s good?
Yes, a game can be so bad that it’s good. This phenomenon is often referred to as “so-bad-it’s-good” or “campy.” It occurs when a game is so poorly made, but it becomes entertaining and enjoyable due to its inadvertent humor, charm, or ironic value.
Games that are so-bad-they’re-good often develop a cult following, and they can become beloved for their unintentional humor, quirky gameplay, or bizarre design choices. These games can even become cult classics, and they can be celebrated for their inadvertent entertainment value.
Is there a lesson to be learned from the worst games?
Yes, there is a lesson to be learned from the worst games. By studying and analyzing what went wrong with these games, developers can learn valuable lessons about game design, development, and testing.
By understanding what makes a game fail, developers can avoid common pitfalls and mistakes, and they can create better, more engaging, and more enjoyable games. Additionally, the worst games can serve as a cautionary tale, reminding developers of the importance of quality control, playtesting, and attention to detail.