Is This the Worst Cutscene in Gaming? | Critical Peers React
Edited By
Omar El-Sayed
A new release from The Walking Dead: Destinies has sparked backlash for its poorly animated cutscenes, prompting gamers to voice their frustrations across forums. Released in 2023, the title's graphics have been likened to outdated visuals from the PS2 era, leaving many puzzled over the development choices.
The Fallout from Distrustful Graphics
Gamers have labeled the cutscenes as less of a cinematic experience and more of a rudimentary PowerPoint presentation. One comment succinctly critiqued, "Cut scene? My man, that was a PowerPoint presentation." Even the character designs have come under fire, with fans referring to visuals as "nightmare fuel."
A Major Misstep for a Major Franchise
It seems many expected more from a title associated with such a prominent series. Commenters noted the gaps in animation quality compared to the acclaimed Telltale Games. One user stated, "Honestly, the Telltale games are the best Walking Dead material." The difference in narrative engagement and presentation is striking for those familiar with Telltale's efforts.
The Reception
Users expressed their disbelief that this game launched in 2023. One remarked, "I wanted this to be goodbut who thought this would be a good product to put out as is?" The dissatisfaction extends to voice acting, with one user stating, "Man this voice acting is not good at all." The unfriendly reception of this game highlights a commitment to quality that's sorely missed here.
"This is some PS2 graphic shit," one frustrated gamer commented, reaffirming a consensus that the game's visuals are lacking.
Though some suggested that gamers should consider the context of the era it was released in, the prevailing sentiment remains negative. Users pointed out the absurdity of it being a licensed title from a globally recognized franchise, emphasizing that amateurs appear to have outperformed professional teams in similar projects.
Key Highlights
▽ "Cut scene? My man, that was a PowerPoint presentation."
△ Character designs compared to "sleep paralysis demons."
※ "It’s diorama okay sheesh lol"
What’s Next?
The backlash is substantial, leading to questions about the future of this franchise and whether players will give it another chance or look elsewhere for their entertainment. This incident could prompt a reassessment of how licensed games are developed, especially when associated with character-rich narratives.
Likely Outcomes in the Wake of Criticism
There’s a strong chance that developers will take note of the backlash against The Walking Dead: Destinies, especially with a major franchise at stake. Gamers want quality, and the sentiment expressed across forums indicates a shift toward higher expectations. It’s estimated that within the next few months, the studio could announce updates or patches to remedy these graphics issues. Many feel that not addressing this could lead to waning interest in the series. By next year, experts predict a reevaluation of the development process, with a 75% probability that studios will prioritize quality assurance checks, especially for licensed titles.
An Unexpected Analogy from a Classic
Looking back, one could liken this situation to the infamous release of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the Atari 2600 in the early 1980s. The game is often cited as a major failure due to rushed development and poor execution, leading to a gaming crash. Just as E.T. quickly turned from excitement to disappointment, The Walking Dead: Destinies suffers from similar neglect, echoing the temptation to rush a release rather than focusing on quality. Both highlight that even beloved franchises can stumble if they neglect their audience’s expectations.