10 Recent Games That PROVED EVERYONE WRONG

Hype can create unreasonable expectations, both positive and negative, often differing from the final product. This video discusses ten recent games that defied initial perceptions. Starting at number 10 is *Silent Hill F*. While *Silent Hill 2 Remake* received praise, *Silent Hill F* was a surprise, coming from Neobard Entertainment, a studio primarily known for porting and remasters, with their only prior self-developed game being the poorly received *Resident Evil Reverse*. Skepticism was high, especially considering the last new *Silent Hill* game was in 2004. Despite initial mixed reactions due to its melee combat focus, overall reviews were strong, quickly shifting opinion. Though it has flaws that become apparent on repeat playthroughs, it's considered the best *Silent Hill* game since the original trilogy, proving Konami's tangible efforts to revive the series after previous disappointments like *Silent Hill: The Short Message* and *Silent Hill Ascension*. Number nine is *Routine*, a game announced at Gamescom in 2012 and finally released in 2025. It was considered vaporware after going radio silent around 2017. Even a surprise re-announcement in 2022 was met with skepticism, reminiscent of *Duke Nukem Forever*. However, *Routine* was surprisingly good. The version released was largely a new game, with the original scrapped in 2017 due to financial issues and developer dissatisfaction. Development resumed in 2020 with a new publisher and engine (Unreal 5). The new *Routine* is a moody and sinister horror game, lacking some original ambitious elements like nonlinear story and permadeath, but resulting in a more entertaining experience. It's a solid horror game, not groundbreaking, but far from the anticipated mess. At number eight is *Resident Evil Requiem*. Despite its eventual success, there was significant negative coverage leading up to its release, unusual for game previews. Concerns arose from its ambitious design, featuring two playable characters with entirely different playstyles—action-oriented Neon and horror-focused Grace. This raised fears of it resembling the poorly received *Resident Evil 6*. However, *Requiem* proved these concerns unfounded. It expertly combines elements of *Resident Evil 7* and *Resident Evil 4*, offering some of the franchise's best horror segments and top-notch action. It showcases Capcom operating at peak performance, making a complex game seem effortless. While it leans heavily on callbacks, it's a great game that defied expectations. Number seven is *Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater*. Even with Konami's *Silent Hill* success, skepticism surrounded this *Metal Gear Solid 3* remake, being the first major project since Kojima's departure. The initial reveal was uninspiring, and information rollout felt uncertain. Ultimately, it's a faithful recreation of the PlayStation 2 original with minor enhancements. While a more ambitious *Metal Gear Solid 5/3* hybrid could have been, this safer approach was likely correct. Trailers initially looked off, similar to the *Silent Hill 2 Remake*, but the final product works as a straightforward graphics update. It offers an accessible way to experience the story, with quality-of-life improvements like easier camo switching and crouch walking. At number six is *Sonic X Shadow Generations*. The original *Sonic Generations* from 2011 was a franchise highlight. A remake seemed unnecessary, and the *Bowser's Fury*-style Shadow add-on was met with groans, given Sonic Team's mixed track record with add-ons and games. Most assumed the Shadow content would be a tacked-on justification for a full-price port. Surprisingly, the Shadow portion became the package's highlight—one of the best Sonic games in a long time. It’s a well-made, entertaining platformer that is fast yet controlled, with open levels and an interesting story follow-up to *Adventure 2*. The Shadow part is ambitious and better than predicted, while the Sonic part is as expected. Number five is *Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition*. Originally a Wii U exclusive, this open-world JRPG was divisive. While some loved its new directions, many disliked its thin plot, convoluted systems, awkward online features, and unfinished feel. Despite a cult following, a Switch port announced in 2018 was largely disbelieved. The definitive edition's announcement in 2024 was shocking, and its release in 2025 revealed even more surprises. Developers added significant content, including a new ending, revamped core gameplay, rebalancing, new story elements, companion characters, and side quests. What was expected to be a straightforward port became a vastly improved, definitive version, proving both fans and haters wrong. At number four is *Super Meat Boy 3D*. The concept of a 3D *Super Meat Boy* seemed disastrous. The original indie classic was known for its tight, simple controls, which would be complicated by 3D rotational movement. Without original lead Edmund McMillen, it felt doomed. Yet, it surprisingly works. While not a masterpiece and showing signs of rushed development, it functions as a 3D *Super Meat Boy*. Despite occasional jank and sloppy elements, its mere functionality is impressive. It’s not as good as the original, lacking its brilliant level design and challenges, but its heart is in the right place, and it’s much better than anticipated. Number three is *Hollow Knight: Silksong*. As one of the most hyped games, strong initial opinions were inevitable. Early impressions were rough, with many finding it excessively difficult. Players new to *Hollow Knight* were unprepared for a game designed for masters of the original. Hornet is faster and nimbler, with aggressive enemies and complex attack patterns, making the game significantly harder. The difficulty discourse dominated discussions, overshadowing positive aspects. Despite initial negativity, opinions shifted over months as players realized its difficulty is fair and surmountable. It's a well-designed, creative, and fun game that provides tools to ease the challenge, proving initial backlash overblown. Number two is *Yooka-Laylee Replayley*. The 2017 Kickstarter platformer *Yooka-Laylee* received mixed reviews, seen as a failure by fans hoping for a true *Banjo-Kazooie* successor. Many argued it was fundamentally flawed and beyond saving without a complete remake. However, a full remake was announced, a surprising but good idea for giving mediocre games a second chance. It turned out to be easily fixable, requiring only minor changes. Developers gave all moves from the start, removed a problematic small-to-big level gimmick, and made cuts, resulting in a far superior game. It wasn't fundamentally broken, just burdened by a few bad ideas, making the remake a solid platformer easily recommended over the original. Finally, at number one is *Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era*. After the failures of *Heroes 6* and *7*, the franchise was considered dead. Despite common arguments that turn-based strategy games are no longer wanted, *Olden Era*, a deliberate throwback to the original games in the non-Ubisoft timeline, defied expectations. It became one of Steam's top 20 most wishlisted games and sold over 500,000 copies in 72 hours, a bonafide hit even in early access. This classic game revival done right proved there's still a strong appetite for such titles, surprising even those who believed the "nobody wants these games" narrative.