The 15 worst-reviewed games of the past 15 years

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We scrape to the very bottom of the barrel... and then keep on scraping

Platforms: WiiWare
Average Review Score: 18.2%

What the press release promised: “As a long-time game designer, I've learned that there's one defining factor behind a successful game – is it fun?" states Scott Orr, the founder and CEO of the company behind SPOGS Racing. "That question directs our entire strategy…and SPOGS Racing is a great example of that commitment."

What the game actually delivered: SPOGS is a great example of something, alright. “Fun” isn’t it. If you’ve ever complained about rubber banding in Mario Kart – the programming that enables last-place stragglers to suddenly catch up near the end – this game will shut you up forever. There are no logical excuses like blue turtle shells or invincibility stars here; in SPOGS, the speed of vehicles simply fluctuates however the computer sees fit.

Did we say vehicles? We meant pogs. You race as pogs. Pogs with pictures of angry teddy bears, vomit-colored skulls and electrocuted phone operators on them. Floating inside giant tires. Powered by nitro-fueled exhaust pipes that just kind of float next to the tires… or are they attached to the pogs somehow? We don’t know, we don’t want to know and we don’t really need to know. This thing ridicules itself.

The nicest thing anyone had to say: “The sound effects…all sound very authentic.” – WiiWare World

The most scathing review quote: “Hyperbole is the internet's best friend, and there's an unwritten rule that anything that vaguely disappoints must be colorfully compared to the experience of watching Hitler's ghost sodomizing a beloved childhood pet, but SPOGS Racing really is that bad.” – Eurogamer

Charlie Barratt
Charlie Barratt
I enjoy sunshine, the company of kittens and turning frowns upside down. I am also a fan of sarcasm. Let's be friends!