Hyped Games That Totally Let Us Down

When the Hype Doesn’t Match the Experience

Everyone’s experienced it: a game that seems like a guaranteed hit. The trailer looks incredible. The reviews are off the charts. You count down the days to launch. And then… reality sets in.

The hype dies fast when bugs, broken mechanics, or just plain boring gameplay get in the way. This post explores a few of those major letdowns—games that had all the right ingredients on paper, but ended up being major disappointments.

Cyberpunk 2077: A Launch Nightmare

Few games have ever generated as much pre-release excitement as Cyberpunk 2077. It had a star-studded cast, stunning previews, and years of anticipation. But when launch day arrived, the experience was anything but smooth.

Players encountered game-breaking bugs, constant crashes, and incomplete missions. What was marketed as a groundbreaking RPG quickly turned into a frustrating mess for many early adopters.

No Man’s Sky: The Emptiness of Space

Another major disappointment was No Man’s Sky. Promised as an infinite space exploration adventure filled with diverse planets and discoveries, it instead delivered a surprisingly empty and repetitive experience at launch.

While later updates have significantly improved the game, the initial release left many feeling misled by marketing and overpromised features.

When a Game Just Isn’t Fun

Sometimes it’s not bugs or missing content—it’s the gameplay itself. Some highly anticipated titles end up being beautifully crafted but ultimately unengaging. A perfect example of this is Death Stranding.

With its cinematic visuals and bold creative direction, the game earned respect for innovation. But for many players, the slow-paced, delivery-focused gameplay just didn’t connect. Despite appreciating the concept, the execution left a lot of players cold.

One meme summed it up perfectly: “Amazon Prime: The Game.”

Lessons in Letdowns

Not every game is for everyone, no matter how hyped it is. Even the most polished titles can fall flat if they don’t match the player’s taste. Launch issues, unmet expectations, or simply a mismatch in play style can turn a dream title into a regretful purchase.

What’s Your Most Disappointing Game?

Have you been burned by a hyped game? Which title did you think you’d love—but ended up deleting in frustration? Share your picks in the comments below.

And if you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing for more honest gaming discussions and reviews. And hey—maybe think twice before preordering.