15 People Share the Video Game ‘Masterpiece’ That Actually Stinks to Play
People love telling you to play certain games. Sometimes they forget to mention what actually playing them feels like. A game can have incredible reviews, unforgettable characters, or enough influence to change an entire genre while still being frustrating to control years later. That’s especially true for older classics, where outdated mechanics and modern expectations don’t always get along. Other games earn universal praise even though they’re brutally difficult or packed with technical issues that fans simply learned to live with. Their reputation is well deserved, but that doesn’t necessarily make them enjoyable for everyone.
Here are 15 video games players say are masterpieces that actually stinks to play.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)
Players still praise Morrowind for its incredible world-building and freedom, but its combat, movement, and dated mechanics make returning to it much harder than many fans expect.
Final Fantasy (1987)
The original game laid the foundation for one of gaming’s biggest franchises, but random encounters and old-school grinding can make the journey feel exhausting by modern standards.
Assassin’s Creed (2007)
The first entry introduced parkour that felt revolutionary at the time. Today, many players remember accidentally jumping in the wrong direction just as often as they remember the story.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
It was the multiplayer game to own on the Nintendo 64, but its single-stick control scheme feels incredibly awkward after decades of dual-stick shooters.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II (2004)
Its story remains one of the most beloved in Star Wars gaming, but frequent crashes and technical issues have frustrated players for years.
Dragon Age: Origins (2009)
Fans still consider it one of BioWare’s greatest RPGs, yet stability problems and crashes continue to make replaying it more difficult than it should be.
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (2002)
The stealth gameplay was groundbreaking, but clunky mechanics and inconsistent enemy AI make some missions much more frustrating than players remember.
Deadly Premonition (2010)
Its strange story and memorable characters have earned it cult-classic status, but almost everyone agrees the gameplay itself is rough around the edges.
Planescape: Torment (1999)
The writing is widely considered some of the best in RPG history. The combat, however, is another story entirely, and many players simply endure it to experience the narrative.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines (2004)
Its branching quests and atmosphere remain legendary, but the combat and late-game sections still test many players’ patience.
Elden Ring (2022)
Even people who admire the game’s design admit it isn’t for everyone. Players who prefer adjustable difficulty often find its demanding combat more stressful than enjoyable.
Dark Souls (2011)
Its challenging combat inspired an entire genre, but for some players the constant trial-and-error loop feels more exhausting than rewarding.
Death Stranding (2019)
Many fans appreciate Hideo Kojima’s ambitious storytelling, yet others struggle with the long stretches spent simply transporting cargo across difficult terrain.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Its world is one of the most detailed ever created, but some players feel the missions are too restrictive, rewarding only one specific approach despite the game’s enormous open world.
Drakengard (2003)
Drakengard has earned a devoted following thanks to its dark story and unforgettable ending, but even many fans admit the gameplay can feel repetitive and clunky. It’s often recommended as a game to experience rather than one to actually enjoy playing.