Bad Game Hall of Fame
@bghof.com
"Bad games" apologists / enthusiasts. Not necessarily always talking about bad video games!
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'Battle Master' released on this day in 1998.
Possibly the most inscrutable 3D fighter in the entire PlayStation library: Awkward controls, confusing progression, and perhaps the most baffling menu interface of all time. A genuine oddity, through and through.
Possibly the most inscrutable 3D fighter in the entire PlayStation library: Awkward controls, confusing progression, and perhaps the most baffling menu interface of all time. A genuine oddity, through and through.
January 8, 2026 at 7:44 PM
'Battle Master' released on this day in 1998.
Possibly the most inscrutable 3D fighter in the entire PlayStation library: Awkward controls, confusing progression, and perhaps the most baffling menu interface of all time. A genuine oddity, through and through.
Possibly the most inscrutable 3D fighter in the entire PlayStation library: Awkward controls, confusing progression, and perhaps the most baffling menu interface of all time. A genuine oddity, through and through.
'Haunted Castle' released on this day in 1987.
Castlevania's cabinet debut brought with it utterly unpredictable traps, harrowing hazards, a generic "save your girlfriend" plot, and one of the most cruel coinage credits schemes ever implemented in the arcades.
Castlevania's cabinet debut brought with it utterly unpredictable traps, harrowing hazards, a generic "save your girlfriend" plot, and one of the most cruel coinage credits schemes ever implemented in the arcades.
December 26, 2025 at 9:57 PM
'Haunted Castle' released on this day in 1987.
Castlevania's cabinet debut brought with it utterly unpredictable traps, harrowing hazards, a generic "save your girlfriend" plot, and one of the most cruel coinage credits schemes ever implemented in the arcades.
Castlevania's cabinet debut brought with it utterly unpredictable traps, harrowing hazards, a generic "save your girlfriend" plot, and one of the most cruel coinage credits schemes ever implemented in the arcades.
'Countdown Vampires' released on this day in 1999.
PS1 survival horror by way of debuting studio K2, who would later work as a support studio for the Resident Evil franchise. Largely written off as an undercooked RE rip-off, though its heavier emphasis on constant gun combat may appeal to some.
PS1 survival horror by way of debuting studio K2, who would later work as a support studio for the Resident Evil franchise. Largely written off as an undercooked RE rip-off, though its heavier emphasis on constant gun combat may appeal to some.
December 22, 2025 at 10:55 PM
'Countdown Vampires' released on this day in 1999.
PS1 survival horror by way of debuting studio K2, who would later work as a support studio for the Resident Evil franchise. Largely written off as an undercooked RE rip-off, though its heavier emphasis on constant gun combat may appeal to some.
PS1 survival horror by way of debuting studio K2, who would later work as a support studio for the Resident Evil franchise. Largely written off as an undercooked RE rip-off, though its heavier emphasis on constant gun combat may appeal to some.
'Fist of the North Star: 10 Big Brawls for the King of the Universe!' released this day in 1989.
The first fighting game for the Game Boy. The only winning move is not to play... or to repeatedly charge and fire off your chosen character's one special move while moving backwards.
The first fighting game for the Game Boy. The only winning move is not to play... or to repeatedly charge and fire off your chosen character's one special move while moving backwards.
December 22, 2025 at 9:13 PM
'Fist of the North Star: 10 Big Brawls for the King of the Universe!' released this day in 1989.
The first fighting game for the Game Boy. The only winning move is not to play... or to repeatedly charge and fire off your chosen character's one special move while moving backwards.
The first fighting game for the Game Boy. The only winning move is not to play... or to repeatedly charge and fire off your chosen character's one special move while moving backwards.
'Twin Goddesses' released on this day in 1994.
An early fighting game in the PS1 library, combining digitized actresses with traditionally-drawn monster characters. If you can look past the style clash and the fact that it's not "competitively viable," there's fun to be had.
An early fighting game in the PS1 library, combining digitized actresses with traditionally-drawn monster characters. If you can look past the style clash and the fact that it's not "competitively viable," there's fun to be had.
December 22, 2025 at 6:06 PM
'Twin Goddesses' released on this day in 1994.
An early fighting game in the PS1 library, combining digitized actresses with traditionally-drawn monster characters. If you can look past the style clash and the fact that it's not "competitively viable," there's fun to be had.
An early fighting game in the PS1 library, combining digitized actresses with traditionally-drawn monster characters. If you can look past the style clash and the fact that it's not "competitively viable," there's fun to be had.
'Kasumi Ninja' released on this day in 1994.
The Atari Jaguar's premiere 2D fighter. Notable for its particularly unintuitive and unresponsive controls, baffling presentational / interface design decisions, and general shamelessness in chasing after 'Mortal Kombat's lead.
The Atari Jaguar's premiere 2D fighter. Notable for its particularly unintuitive and unresponsive controls, baffling presentational / interface design decisions, and general shamelessness in chasing after 'Mortal Kombat's lead.
December 21, 2025 at 9:36 PM
'Kasumi Ninja' released on this day in 1994.
The Atari Jaguar's premiere 2D fighter. Notable for its particularly unintuitive and unresponsive controls, baffling presentational / interface design decisions, and general shamelessness in chasing after 'Mortal Kombat's lead.
The Atari Jaguar's premiere 2D fighter. Notable for its particularly unintuitive and unresponsive controls, baffling presentational / interface design decisions, and general shamelessness in chasing after 'Mortal Kombat's lead.
'Postal III' released on this day in 2011.
With RWS outsourcing production on their third title to Russian studio Akella; whatever "charm" (?) the first two Postal installments might've once had are buried deep beneath a mountain of bugs, bad design, and tiresome self-reference.
With RWS outsourcing production on their third title to Russian studio Akella; whatever "charm" (?) the first two Postal installments might've once had are buried deep beneath a mountain of bugs, bad design, and tiresome self-reference.
December 21, 2025 at 7:25 PM
'Postal III' released on this day in 2011.
With RWS outsourcing production on their third title to Russian studio Akella; whatever "charm" (?) the first two Postal installments might've once had are buried deep beneath a mountain of bugs, bad design, and tiresome self-reference.
With RWS outsourcing production on their third title to Russian studio Akella; whatever "charm" (?) the first two Postal installments might've once had are buried deep beneath a mountain of bugs, bad design, and tiresome self-reference.
'Not Treasure Hunter' released on this day in 1996.
A "choose your own adventure" game in the third-person perspective. With 57 possible endings, it quickly becomes an experiment in tedious trial and error, slowed down by having to view the credits after every run.
A "choose your own adventure" game in the third-person perspective. With 57 possible endings, it quickly becomes an experiment in tedious trial and error, slowed down by having to view the credits after every run.
December 20, 2025 at 9:03 PM
'Not Treasure Hunter' released on this day in 1996.
A "choose your own adventure" game in the third-person perspective. With 57 possible endings, it quickly becomes an experiment in tedious trial and error, slowed down by having to view the credits after every run.
A "choose your own adventure" game in the third-person perspective. With 57 possible endings, it quickly becomes an experiment in tedious trial and error, slowed down by having to view the credits after every run.
'Space Raiders' released on this day in 2002.
An attempt by Taito to modernize their iconic Invaders franchise, by means of grounding it in a dark and gritty city setting. Marred by its instantly repetitive nature, an utterly inane 'Story' mode, and its ill-fitting dour theming.
An attempt by Taito to modernize their iconic Invaders franchise, by means of grounding it in a dark and gritty city setting. Marred by its instantly repetitive nature, an utterly inane 'Story' mode, and its ill-fitting dour theming.
December 19, 2025 at 11:25 PM
'Space Raiders' released on this day in 2002.
An attempt by Taito to modernize their iconic Invaders franchise, by means of grounding it in a dark and gritty city setting. Marred by its instantly repetitive nature, an utterly inane 'Story' mode, and its ill-fitting dour theming.
An attempt by Taito to modernize their iconic Invaders franchise, by means of grounding it in a dark and gritty city setting. Marred by its instantly repetitive nature, an utterly inane 'Story' mode, and its ill-fitting dour theming.
'The Sum of All Fears' released on GameCube on this day in 2002.
A sub-par console conversion of an already-unspectacular entry in the Tom Clancy video game canon. Criticized for its short length, sub-par presentation, sloppy controls, and stupid AI. Welcome to the CIA, sport.
A sub-par console conversion of an already-unspectacular entry in the Tom Clancy video game canon. Criticized for its short length, sub-par presentation, sloppy controls, and stupid AI. Welcome to the CIA, sport.
December 17, 2025 at 10:58 PM
'The Sum of All Fears' released on GameCube on this day in 2002.
A sub-par console conversion of an already-unspectacular entry in the Tom Clancy video game canon. Criticized for its short length, sub-par presentation, sloppy controls, and stupid AI. Welcome to the CIA, sport.
A sub-par console conversion of an already-unspectacular entry in the Tom Clancy video game canon. Criticized for its short length, sub-par presentation, sloppy controls, and stupid AI. Welcome to the CIA, sport.
'Fighting Eyes' released on this day in 1998.
A 3D fighter by one-time developer Bandit, featuring a mishmash of goofy character designs completely at odds with one another. Hampered by incredibly stiff controls, a lack of diverse attack options, and generally poor design.
A 3D fighter by one-time developer Bandit, featuring a mishmash of goofy character designs completely at odds with one another. Hampered by incredibly stiff controls, a lack of diverse attack options, and generally poor design.
December 17, 2025 at 9:00 PM
'Fighting Eyes' released on this day in 1998.
A 3D fighter by one-time developer Bandit, featuring a mishmash of goofy character designs completely at odds with one another. Hampered by incredibly stiff controls, a lack of diverse attack options, and generally poor design.
A 3D fighter by one-time developer Bandit, featuring a mishmash of goofy character designs completely at odds with one another. Hampered by incredibly stiff controls, a lack of diverse attack options, and generally poor design.
'The War Z' released on this day in 2012.
Developed to cash in on the success of DayZ, its initial Steam launch was pulled after just two days of availability, owing to false advertising. It returned months later, and was eventually rebranded as 'Infestation: Survivor Stories.'
Developed to cash in on the success of DayZ, its initial Steam launch was pulled after just two days of availability, owing to false advertising. It returned months later, and was eventually rebranded as 'Infestation: Survivor Stories.'
December 17, 2025 at 6:59 PM
'The War Z' released on this day in 2012.
Developed to cash in on the success of DayZ, its initial Steam launch was pulled after just two days of availability, owing to false advertising. It returned months later, and was eventually rebranded as 'Infestation: Survivor Stories.'
Developed to cash in on the success of DayZ, its initial Steam launch was pulled after just two days of availability, owing to false advertising. It returned months later, and was eventually rebranded as 'Infestation: Survivor Stories.'
'Deadly Towers' released on this day in 1986.
A developer's ambitions for a massive game world are confounded by labyrinthine design and frustrating combat. Every doorway is a death trap, and every bat is a rat bastard. Are you a bad enough dude to ring Hell's Bells?
A developer's ambitions for a massive game world are confounded by labyrinthine design and frustrating combat. Every doorway is a death trap, and every bat is a rat bastard. Are you a bad enough dude to ring Hell's Bells?
December 15, 2025 at 9:58 PM
'Deadly Towers' released on this day in 1986.
A developer's ambitions for a massive game world are confounded by labyrinthine design and frustrating combat. Every doorway is a death trap, and every bat is a rat bastard. Are you a bad enough dude to ring Hell's Bells?
A developer's ambitions for a massive game world are confounded by labyrinthine design and frustrating combat. Every doorway is a death trap, and every bat is a rat bastard. Are you a bad enough dude to ring Hell's Bells?
'FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction' released on this day in 2011.
The third installment in the FlatOut franchise marked the first not developed by Bugbear Entertainment. Perhaps due in part to this, the game is a technical mess, which went on to rate as Metacritic's worst of 2011.
The third installment in the FlatOut franchise marked the first not developed by Bugbear Entertainment. Perhaps due in part to this, the game is a technical mess, which went on to rate as Metacritic's worst of 2011.
December 13, 2025 at 9:26 PM
'FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction' released on this day in 2011.
The third installment in the FlatOut franchise marked the first not developed by Bugbear Entertainment. Perhaps due in part to this, the game is a technical mess, which went on to rate as Metacritic's worst of 2011.
The third installment in the FlatOut franchise marked the first not developed by Bugbear Entertainment. Perhaps due in part to this, the game is a technical mess, which went on to rate as Metacritic's worst of 2011.
'Mortal Kombat Advance' released on this day in 2001.
A conversion of 'Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3' to the Game Boy Advance; missing much in the way of content, with changes made to the familiar controls, and featuring some of the most unfair AI to ever compete in a fighting game.
A conversion of 'Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3' to the Game Boy Advance; missing much in the way of content, with changes made to the familiar controls, and featuring some of the most unfair AI to ever compete in a fighting game.
December 12, 2025 at 11:41 PM
'Mortal Kombat Advance' released on this day in 2001.
A conversion of 'Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3' to the Game Boy Advance; missing much in the way of content, with changes made to the familiar controls, and featuring some of the most unfair AI to ever compete in a fighting game.
A conversion of 'Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3' to the Game Boy Advance; missing much in the way of content, with changes made to the familiar controls, and featuring some of the most unfair AI to ever compete in a fighting game.
'Takeshi no Chōsenjō' released on this day in 1986.
The ultimate challenge to Famicom owners in 1986, in the form of a "joke game" designed by curmudgeonly actor Beat Takeshi. Difficulty aside, it's actually a surprisingly elaborate and ingenious open world game for its time.
The ultimate challenge to Famicom owners in 1986, in the form of a "joke game" designed by curmudgeonly actor Beat Takeshi. Difficulty aside, it's actually a surprisingly elaborate and ingenious open world game for its time.
December 10, 2025 at 11:01 PM
'Takeshi no Chōsenjō' released on this day in 1986.
The ultimate challenge to Famicom owners in 1986, in the form of a "joke game" designed by curmudgeonly actor Beat Takeshi. Difficulty aside, it's actually a surprisingly elaborate and ingenious open world game for its time.
The ultimate challenge to Famicom owners in 1986, in the form of a "joke game" designed by curmudgeonly actor Beat Takeshi. Difficulty aside, it's actually a surprisingly elaborate and ingenious open world game for its time.
'Virtual Lab' released on this day in 1995.
A Virtual Boy falling block puzzle game infamous for its odd aesthetic and clunky control. Developed in just one month's time by @derekmegumishin.bsky.social, who was pressured to deliver a last-minute game for the dying console.
A Virtual Boy falling block puzzle game infamous for its odd aesthetic and clunky control. Developed in just one month's time by @derekmegumishin.bsky.social, who was pressured to deliver a last-minute game for the dying console.
December 8, 2025 at 7:59 PM
'Virtual Lab' released on this day in 1995.
A Virtual Boy falling block puzzle game infamous for its odd aesthetic and clunky control. Developed in just one month's time by @derekmegumishin.bsky.social, who was pressured to deliver a last-minute game for the dying console.
A Virtual Boy falling block puzzle game infamous for its odd aesthetic and clunky control. Developed in just one month's time by @derekmegumishin.bsky.social, who was pressured to deliver a last-minute game for the dying console.
'Spelunker' released on NES on this day in 1985.
This conversion of Tim Martin's Atari 800 classic would take on a life of its own in Japan, with "the weakest hero in gaming" going on to become something of a pop culture icon.
This conversion of Tim Martin's Atari 800 classic would take on a life of its own in Japan, with "the weakest hero in gaming" going on to become something of a pop culture icon.
December 7, 2025 at 8:38 PM
'Spelunker' released on NES on this day in 1985.
This conversion of Tim Martin's Atari 800 classic would take on a life of its own in Japan, with "the weakest hero in gaming" going on to become something of a pop culture icon.
This conversion of Tim Martin's Atari 800 classic would take on a life of its own in Japan, with "the weakest hero in gaming" going on to become something of a pop culture icon.
'The Transformers: Mystery of Convoy' released on this day in 1986.
Ultra Magnus and his robot pals made their way to the Famicom for a particularly brutal kusogē debut. One-hit deaths, poor control, and the very world itself are all out to scrap you.
Ultra Magnus and his robot pals made their way to the Famicom for a particularly brutal kusogē debut. One-hit deaths, poor control, and the very world itself are all out to scrap you.
December 5, 2025 at 6:55 PM
'The Transformers: Mystery of Convoy' released on this day in 1986.
Ultra Magnus and his robot pals made their way to the Famicom for a particularly brutal kusogē debut. One-hit deaths, poor control, and the very world itself are all out to scrap you.
Ultra Magnus and his robot pals made their way to the Famicom for a particularly brutal kusogē debut. One-hit deaths, poor control, and the very world itself are all out to scrap you.
'Family Party: 30 Great Games Obstacle Arcade' released on this day in 2012.
A Wii U party game which holds the dubious distinction as the lowest-scoring video game on all of Metacritic (sitting at 11/100). Funnily enough, it actually features a total of 35 games.
A Wii U party game which holds the dubious distinction as the lowest-scoring video game on all of Metacritic (sitting at 11/100). Funnily enough, it actually features a total of 35 games.
December 4, 2025 at 9:16 PM
'Family Party: 30 Great Games Obstacle Arcade' released on this day in 2012.
A Wii U party game which holds the dubious distinction as the lowest-scoring video game on all of Metacritic (sitting at 11/100). Funnily enough, it actually features a total of 35 games.
A Wii U party game which holds the dubious distinction as the lowest-scoring video game on all of Metacritic (sitting at 11/100). Funnily enough, it actually features a total of 35 games.
'Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style' released on this day in 1999.
An attempt by studio Paradox Development to salvage their cancelled title 'Thrill Kill,' featuring the members of the Wu-Tang Clan engaging in martial arts. Lambasted largely for CPU opponents perceived as "unfair," and a lack of combat depth.
An attempt by studio Paradox Development to salvage their cancelled title 'Thrill Kill,' featuring the members of the Wu-Tang Clan engaging in martial arts. Lambasted largely for CPU opponents perceived as "unfair," and a lack of combat depth.
December 2, 2025 at 10:05 PM
'Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style' released on this day in 1999.
An attempt by studio Paradox Development to salvage their cancelled title 'Thrill Kill,' featuring the members of the Wu-Tang Clan engaging in martial arts. Lambasted largely for CPU opponents perceived as "unfair," and a lack of combat depth.
An attempt by studio Paradox Development to salvage their cancelled title 'Thrill Kill,' featuring the members of the Wu-Tang Clan engaging in martial arts. Lambasted largely for CPU opponents perceived as "unfair," and a lack of combat depth.
'Medal of Honor: Underground' on GBA released on this day in 2002.
Rebellion Development's ambitious attempt to convert a 3D FPS from the PS1 to the humble GBA. The end result is almost impossible to visually parse, let alone play.
Rebellion Development's ambitious attempt to convert a 3D FPS from the PS1 to the humble GBA. The end result is almost impossible to visually parse, let alone play.
December 2, 2025 at 7:54 PM
'Medal of Honor: Underground' on GBA released on this day in 2002.
Rebellion Development's ambitious attempt to convert a 3D FPS from the PS1 to the humble GBA. The end result is almost impossible to visually parse, let alone play.
Rebellion Development's ambitious attempt to convert a 3D FPS from the PS1 to the humble GBA. The end result is almost impossible to visually parse, let alone play.
'Spawn: The Eternal' released on this day in 1997.
An adaptation of the Todd McFarlane franchise, as a combination 3D adventure / fighting game. Slammed for unresponsive controls and frustrating camera in particular, while also lacking largely in any plot or clear direction.
An adaptation of the Todd McFarlane franchise, as a combination 3D adventure / fighting game. Slammed for unresponsive controls and frustrating camera in particular, while also lacking largely in any plot or clear direction.
December 1, 2025 at 9:09 PM
'Spawn: The Eternal' released on this day in 1997.
An adaptation of the Todd McFarlane franchise, as a combination 3D adventure / fighting game. Slammed for unresponsive controls and frustrating camera in particular, while also lacking largely in any plot or clear direction.
An adaptation of the Todd McFarlane franchise, as a combination 3D adventure / fighting game. Slammed for unresponsive controls and frustrating camera in particular, while also lacking largely in any plot or clear direction.
'Elf Bowling 1&2' released for GBA / DS on this day in 2005.
Slapdash conversions of a pair of shareware classics from '99 / '00. Completely lacking in whatever charm the originals had, and egregious in its attempt to profit off of freely available games.
Slapdash conversions of a pair of shareware classics from '99 / '00. Completely lacking in whatever charm the originals had, and egregious in its attempt to profit off of freely available games.
November 28, 2025 at 9:01 PM
'Elf Bowling 1&2' released for GBA / DS on this day in 2005.
Slapdash conversions of a pair of shareware classics from '99 / '00. Completely lacking in whatever charm the originals had, and egregious in its attempt to profit off of freely available games.
Slapdash conversions of a pair of shareware classics from '99 / '00. Completely lacking in whatever charm the originals had, and egregious in its attempt to profit off of freely available games.
As prominently featured in one of my favorite games history articles of all time, courtesy of @mrbiffo.bsky.social: web.archive.org/web/20231008...
November 28, 2025 at 7:07 PM
As prominently featured in one of my favorite games history articles of all time, courtesy of @mrbiffo.bsky.social: web.archive.org/web/20231008...