In an era where anything less than a 9/10 is often dismissed, video games face immense pressure to be flawless. Yet, even the most celebrated titles have their imperfections. This list highlights 10 games that are undeniably brilliant but just miss the mark of true perfection, whether due to technical hiccups, narrative missteps, or gameplay repetition.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
CD Projekt Red's sprawling RPG is a benchmark for storytelling and world-building. Players step into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, before the Wild Hunt can use her powers. The game's side quests are legendary, often rivaling the main story in depth and intrigue. However, the combat can become repetitive, and controlling Roach, Geralt's horse, is notoriously clunky. These issues, while minor, prevent the game from achieving absolute perfection.
Subnautica (2018)
This underwater survival adventure drops players onto an alien ocean planet after a crash landing. The sense of discovery is unmatched, as you dive into the depths to scavenge resources and uncover secrets. Yet, the game's ambition often exceeds its technical capabilities, leading to frame rate drops and rendering glitches in certain areas. Despite these performance issues, it remains a unique and unforgettable experience, and its sequel promises to address these flaws.
Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
Nintendo's 3D platformers are usually near-perfect, but this GameCube classic falls short. Mario's vacation to Isle Delfino is ruined when he's framed for a crime, forcing him to clean up the island and find the real culprit. The game's charming setting and inventive FLUDD mechanics are undermined by frustrating difficulty spikes, poor collision detection, and a tedious blue coin collection system. These technical issues make it one of the weaker entries in the Mario 3D canon.
Control (2019)
Remedy Entertainment's supernatural action game is a visual and mechanical marvel. As Jesse Faden, the new director of the Federal Bureau of Control, you wield powerful abilities in a shifting, brutalist building. The combat is kinetic and satisfying, but the game's labyrinthine setting can be disorienting, making navigation a chore. While it's a game that deserves more credit, its confusing level design holds it back from perfection.
Fire Emblem: Engage (2023)
The latest Fire Emblem game is a return to form for the series' tactical gameplay, offering some of the best strategic combat in the franchise. The story, however, is a letdown, with paper-thin characters and a campy, predictable plot. While fans appreciate the fan service and addictive gameplay, the narrative fails to reach the heights of its predecessors, making it a polarizing entry.
Alien: Isolation (2014)
This survival horror gem captures the dread of the Alien franchise perfectly. Playing as Amanda Ripley, you must evade a single, relentless Xenomorph aboard a space station. The game's tension is palpable, but its length is a major issue. The second half drags with unnecessary padding, stretching the experience longer than it should be. A sequel is in the works, and fans hope it will refine this near-perfect formula.
Elden Ring (2022)
FromSoftware's magnum opus is a masterpiece of open-world design and challenging combat. The Lands Between is a breathtaking realm to explore, filled with secrets and formidable bosses. Yet, even this titan has flaws. The late-game difficulty spikes can feel unfair, and the story is so cryptic that many players miss it entirely. Despite these issues, it remains one of the most acclaimed games of its generation.
These games, while not flawless, are still exceptional experiences that have left a lasting impact on the medium. They remind us that perfection is an ideal, not a requirement, and that greatness can coexist with imperfection. For more on the most original games ever made, check out our list of the most original video games.
