5 Overrated Video Games: Summer 2010 Edition

Overrated video games can be the bane of any gamer's existence. Odds are, you anticipate the release date-perhaps even pre-ordering your title-and genuinely look forward to tearing off the shrink wrap and plopping the video game into your respective console. As any gamer can tell you, the worst buzz kill after a massive hype is realizing that your $59.99 video game is about as much fun as watching paint dry. While some of the 5 overrated video games below are worth buying, I highly recommend renting them before committing.

All Points Bulletin (APB)- Released June 29^th - Hailed as the best First-Person Shooter (FSP) since Half-Life, APB packs impressive graphics and a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, those lofty graphics made the game inaccessible to many people, thanks to exaggerated technical requirements. Additionally, "Realtime World Points" or RTW adds the complication of game time purchased through real-life monies-a feature many video game players simply don't want to deal with. Instead of offering a free game, with unlimited time but purchasable upgrades-like Combat Arms-APB comprises an awkward in-between.

BioShock 2 - Released February 9^th - This sequel to the well-received original Bioshock was the subject of one of my first video game reviews of the year. Unfortunately, the storyline picked up in a rather vague place, leaving new players confused about who exactly they were playing, and why. The tutorial was decent, but in the end even the impressive graphics couldn't disguise a poorly made sequel; in truth, Bioshock 2 was more Bioshock 1.5, making it nearly impossible to appreciate without playing the original. Read my extended review of Bioshock 2 here.

Blur - Released May 25^th - Blur was heavily promoted earlier in the year, including several "free trial" and "sneak peek" promotions. Such marketing made it easy to buy into the hype, and many fans of high speed racing games pre-ordered this title. While Blur is enjoyable, as far as racing games go, it certainly didn't live up to the own-or-die motto fans promoted during the anticipation before release. The split screen is lacking, but the rewards and multiplayer mode compensate. While I wouldn't recommend buying without trying it first, it isn't a bad way to spend a rainy day.

Dante's Inferno - Released February 9^th - A trek into the nine circles of Hell, as inspired by Dante Alighieri's poem The Divine Comedy, this video game is a combination of complex combat moves, watered-down storyline and disturbing graphics. Well-received by some, I found it to be a reload on several similar titles, and playing it made me want to reconnect the PS2 and load up Champions of Norrath. While the system of training combat moves allows for variation between "builds," the replay value on Dante's Inferno is minimal. The implementation of new features over the Xbox Live network adds some bonus content, but not enough to recommend this one for purchase. Read my extended review of Dante's Inferno here.

Star Trek Online (STO) - Released February 2^nd - The third and final February release, STO is a massive multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG). Based on the Star Trek franchise, characters enter into the world of STO to spend the majority of their time piloting spaceships even after an extensive, highly customizable character creation. The graphics are stunning, but only if your PC can handle the technical requirements. Ground combat is anything but fun-more redundant and awkward than anything. True fans of the Star Trek universe might enjoy STO simply for nostalgic reasons, but hardcore video game players looking for a fun ride should check elsewhere.

Sources:
VGReleases, "Video Game Release Dates"