So far, over 200 games have been featured in Crapshoot, a series that delves into the world of video games. Surprisingly, even well-known titles like Tongue of the Fatman have found their place in this collection. However, there are games that are so famous for their relative obscurity that dedicating an entire column to them would seem excessive. But, due to popular demand, we are shining a spotlight on some of the worst games ever made, games that are so infamous that they even have their own Wikipedia pages.
There is no denying that these games have an intriguing story behind them. Perhaps the developers intended to keep their creations hidden away like a treasured painting in an attic, only allowing a select few to witness their work and leaving others to wonder what they would create next.
But maybe, just maybe, they made some money from these games, or maybe they were driven by indie spirit and the inspiring challenge of completing a game in just two weeks. Whatever the case may be, there are certainly games that are even worse than these, games that can potentially format players' hard drives or infect them with a deadly virus. Today, we will explore the worst games ever made and shed light on why they aren't as bad as you might think.
Extreme Paintbrawl
A true classic in the shooter genre, Extreme Paintbrawl features a switchblade logo and the tagline "Creative Carnage." This DOS game comes with a Windows launcher and configuration tool, both plagued with bugs.
There is more to the story of this game, often considered the worst shooter of all time. Perhaps the developers intended to keep it for themselves, like a private art collection. They even went on to create three sequels, and the creator infamously defended the game's flaws in a letter to PC Gamer US.
"The game is obviously meant to be a joke," they said. "The fact that the game is so obviously unfinished and unplayable only adds to the humor." But perhaps they were trying to warn us, much like the individuals who added the mysterious black triangle to Edvard Munch's painting, "The Scream." Maybe they knew there was something inherently wrong with the game, something that could corrupt our pure and beautiful souls.
Or maybe not. They also stated, "If you want to get technical, I could say the reason the game is so unplayable is because the main character is an Imp, and Imps are inherently evil," and "the number of shots fired is equal to the number of times the Imp has committed a sin." So, it seems they were just teasing us all along.
Big Rigs
Many may not remember Big Rigs, but for those who do, it is known for pioneering the crazy physics and superpowers seen in games like Saints Row 4. It can even be considered the spiritual father of games like Euro Truck Simulator 2, where you can pass through objects, drive faster than The Flash, and race against opponents who couldn't move if you pushed them into a super-cassette.
People are often too critical of this classic game, which offers a world where you earn money by damaging other vehicles, can get a speed boost by driving alongside a cow, and occasionally receive magic markers to draw on the road. It even provides some educational value by helping players improve their use of apostrophes.
Plumbers Don't Wear Ties
Plumbers Don't Wear Ties may not be the greatest comedy romance photostory about a plumber, but it has brought entertainment and moments of wonder to the world. It can be seen as a Dadaist masterpiece, with a raw charm in its lack of charm. The game is so bad that it becomes good, much like René Magritte's painting where you see a pipe, but then realize it is merely a representation of a pipe, questioning the nature of reality.
Slaughtered Roommates
This game depicts the horrifying aftermath of leaving your roommates alone in the house while you go on vacation. Upon returning, you are confronted with a scene of blood-soaked chaos. Your entire family has been brutally slaughtered, leaving you as the sole survivor and the only hope for justice.
Assuming the role of a private investigator hired by the police, you must meticulously search each room for evidence and gather information about the people who once lived with you.
