History CriticalDissonance / VideoGames

** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'' is by far the most critically-acclaimed game in the series and one of the most critically-acclaimed games on the 3DS. Within the ''Fire Emblem'' fandom, however, it's a major case of divisiveness, with the "hate it" crowd being extremely vocal.

** ''Videogame/FireEmblemFates'' was divisive enough to ''[[BrokenBase/FireEmblemFates earn its own]] BrokenBase page before the game had even released in the West.'' The most controversial aspects of the game -- the story, its characters, and the localization -- are a polarizing issue with the fandom, and the "hate it" part of the fandom is so vocal that you might be forgiven for thinking the critical and public response was negative as well. It isn't: critics and the majority of the public have responded ''very'' warmly to this game, with both professional reviewers and casual fans praising its interesting story, lovable characters, and fun gameplay, and it even managing to sell ''three times'' the amount ''Awakening'' did on launch.

** ''VideoGame/SonicFrontiers'' received somewhat mixed-to-positive reception from professional critics, but was met with overwhelming fanfare from the fanbase, with particular praise given to the strong development of the main cast, the successful integration of open-world gameplay with boost era mechanics, the excellent soundtrack and the myriad of call-backs to older and more obscure games of the series. Although the majority of the fandom agrees that the game is not perfect and suffers a bit from being rushed (though definitely not to the same extent as ''2006''), it is generally agreed to be the best mainline game in the franchise since the ''Colors'' duology; matter of fact, it was so well-received by the fans it received a nomination for the Players' Voice category at the 2022 Game Awards.

** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaPhantomHourglass'' got glowing reviews from critics due to its use of the DS' features, but it's considered one of the worst ''Zelda'' games by the online fandom due to its tedium.

** ''VideoGame/ShadowsOfTheDamned'' was critically acclaimed, getting eights and nines across the board. Suda fans usually consider this to be his worst game, due to it missing the trademark bizarreness and craziness of his other works, for being too slow-paced, and for being a third-person shooter rather than a hack-and-slash.

* ''VideoGame/SuperBackToTheFutureII'' is hailed as the video-game adaptation of ''Film/BackToTheFuturePartII'' that is so good that it should have gotten a release outside of Japan. Plenty of people who played it [[http://www.gamefaqs.com/snes/563055-super-back-to-the-future-2 gave it decent reviews on gamefaqs]]. Many people might not know, however, that the only contemporaneous video-game critic of the time (a French critic) who reviewed it, [[http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Joypad/joypad_numero023/Joypad%2023%20Septembre%201993%20page127.jpg gave it a 40%]].

* Upon release, ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoIV'' was praised by critics as one of the greatest games of all time. That is not metaphorical; [[http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/all/all/filtered over on Metacritic]], it holds a critics' score of 98, tied with ''VideoGame/SoulCalibur'' and ''VideoGame/TonyHawksProSkater 2'' for the second-highest score ever given to a game, behind only ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime''. Initially, the fan reaction was similar, but there always existed a subset of fans who criticized the game for its dry, DarkerAndEdgier tone and it lacking a number of popular features from ''[[VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoViceCity Vice City]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoSanAndreas San Andreas]]'', with the most high-profile new feature, the friendship system, being seen as a ScrappyMechanic even by many people who otherwise liked the game. This critical view of ''IV'' grew more prevalent with the release of ''VideoGame/RedDeadRedemption'' and especially ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV'', which combined the technical improvements made by ''IV'' with the more over-the-top style of ''San Andreas'' (or, in the case of ''RDR'', [[TheWestern a radically different setting]]) while dropping the friendship system. Nowadays, many ''GTA'' fans consider ''IV'' to be good, but badly overrated at the time by people more impressed with the novelty of the first ''GTA'' game on [[UsefulNotes/TheSeventhGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames seventh-generation consoles]], with ''V'' doing everything that ''IV'' did only better, especially in its UpdatedRerelease on PC and [[UsefulNotes/TheEighthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames eighth-generation consoles]] (at least gameplay-wise; ''V''[='=]s story is itself fairly contentious).

** ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'' for the Platform/NintendoDS received a 96% from The Official Creator/{{Nintendo}} Magazine, but its relatively easy gameplay has made it unpopular with many fans of the Mario games, with many people agreeing that ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosWii'' is the superior game. This is likely due to the Wii version being the first 2D platforming Mario game to have simultaneous multiplayer, as well as being significantly more difficult, and hilarious to watch when four players are playing simultaneously.

** ''VideoGame/{{Madworld}}''’s spinoff, ''Max Anarchy'' (aka ''VideoGame/AnarchyReigns'') was considered average by critics. General gamers, on the other hand, while not enjoying it as much as ''Madworld'', enjoyed it a lot more than the critics did.

* While Sony’s [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 PlayStation Move]] has been more critically acclaimed, it hasn’t captured the public imagination as much as the UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} Remote and the UsefulNotes/{{Kinect}} has. [=PlayStation=] fans argued that that the reason for the Move's struggles was InvisibleAdvertising. Sony barely marketed the Move while Microsoft poured millions into marketing the Kinect. Even today, Sony only treats the Move as a controller for PSVR (which makes the fact that it’s sold nine million units ''very'' surprising) while Microsoft has even developed alternate uses for the Kinect (such as use in science classes and medical colleges).
* The Nintendo UsefulNotes/{{Wii}}, as well as many of its games. The dissonance goes both ways. This can likely be explained (in a few cases) by the critic falling outside the target demographic.

** ''VideoGame/TheWonderful101'' has been received ''far'' better by general gamers than critics. Critics liked it, but found it way too hard and overwhelming, whereas general gamers love it ''because'' it's hard, and doesn’t hold your hand like most modern games do. Most gamers have even went so far as to saying that it ranks with ''VideoGame/Bayonetta2'' as the best game on the UsefulNotes/WiiU. However, despite all of this praise, it did not sell very well retail-wise, with the price being cut in half mere months after release, as Nintendo released it ''the same week'' as ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV'', and because they gave it lots of Internet advertising but ''no'' television advertising whatsoever (outside of Japan, anyway), and all of its Internet advertising has been pushing people to buy it on the Nintendo eShop rather than at retail.

* ''VideoGame/CodeOfPrincess'' received mixed to positive reviews from critics, but sold [[http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/21/4453412/code-of-princess-performs-surprisingly-well-in-us-sparks-talk-of surprisingly well]] in North America. Ironically, the game performed so-so in its native Japan. The producer, Yasuo Nakajima, said he would like to do a sequel for the UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 4}} or UsefulNotes/XboxOne because of the game’s success in North America.

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyro'' trilogy. Critics tended to give them mediocre to outright bad reviews, with a few exceptions (like the PolishedPort of the second game available on the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance). However, they managed to get fans (though not necessarily classic ''Spyro'' fans) and spawned their own unique fanbase.

** ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'' for the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS received a 96% from The Official Creator/{{Nintendo}} Magazine, but its relatively easy gameplay has made it unpopular with many fans of the Mario games, with many people agreeing that ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosWii'' is the superior game. This is likely due to the Wii version being the first 2D platforming Mario game to have simultaneous multiplayer, as well as being significantly more difficult, and hilarious to watch when four players are playing simultaneously.

* ''[[VideoGame/SuperMonkeyBall Super Monkey Ball Jr.]]'' received positive scores from critics for its ambitious attempt at rendering 3D graphics and putting the ''Monkey Ball'' formula onto the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance's limited hardware. Among fans, however, it is heavily polarizing for its low framerate and FakeDifficulty caused by the [[SomeDexterityRequired D-Pad control scheme]] and camera.

** ''VideoGame/PokemonLetsGoPikachuAndLetsGoEevee'': While critic reviews were still favorable, the games received a polarized response from fans. While considered a cute, charming entry to the series, it was an entry-level Pokemon game that was [[ItsEasySoItSucks easier]] and [[ItsShortSoItSucks shorter]] compared to other main-series Pokemon games, and fans disliked how wild Pokemon battles, abilities, held items, postgame, and online functionality were removed or compromised. Its $60 price tag, as well as finicky catching controls, also didn't help.

** The {{remake}}, ''Videogame/FireEmblemShadowDragon'' actually got hit with this so badly that some fans were convinced it received bad reviews, sold poorly and was the reason the next game didn’t get localized. All completely untrue, it actually got a respectable Metacritic average of 81 and sold reasonably well (a more likely reason for ''[[Videogame/FireEmblemNewMysteryOfTheEmblem New Mystery of the Emblem]]''’s non-localization is that it had the misfortune to be released when the DS was all but dead in the West, and any serious localization would be seen as a gamble Nintendo wasn’t willing to take). Fans weren’t nearly as kind, mostly due to suffering a major case of SeinfeldIsUnfunny, and the [[ScrappyMechanic controversial side quest requirements]].

* ''VideoGame/{{Contra}}: Rogue Corps'' received mixed reviews from video game critics, who mostly found the gameplay design and graphics [[SoOkayItsAverage unremarkable]]. Conversely, players (especially ''Contra'' fans) utterly abhorred the game for [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks changing way too much about the series]] in almost all aspects to the point of [[InNameOnly barely feeling like a true]] ''[[InNameOnly Contra]]'' [[InNameOnly game at all]]. Some commentators even went so far as to call the game the worst game of 2019.

* ''VideoGame/GoVacation'' received mixed to low critical reception when it first came out, with many dismissing it as just another minigame collection for the Wii. Players, however, enjoyed its large open worlds, relaxed setting, and just how deep some of those minigames could get, to the point where it became a CultClassic. It was even liked enough to see a rerelease on the Switch!

* An unexpected [[DownplayedTrope downplayed example]] is in the third (outside Japan) instalment of the ''VideoGame/WarriorsOrochi'' crossover which, while still suffering the same criticisms the last games did, many critics actually praised it for its GottaCatchEmAll approach to obtaining the characters and its more complex story. And of course the long-time fans liked it even more.

** ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted2012'' is undoubtedly the most infamous example in the franchise, and is arguably one of the most glaring exhibits of this trope in gaming history full-stop: the game was ''adored'' by professional critics, who particularly praised the mixing of traditional ''NFS'' gameplay with elements from the ''VideoGame/{{Burnout}}'' titles - namely ''VideoGame/BurnoutParadise'', as well as the further fleshed out online and multiplayer components compared to the previous two titles; in fact, it ranks as one of the better-reviewed games in the franchise on Metacritic with high 70's to mid 80's across the board, and it received several nominations and awards as the best racing game of 2012. On the other hand, the fandom utterly '''despised''' the game both before and on release, lambasting it [[TaintedByThePreview at first for sharing a name with the most beloved game in the franchise while having almost nothing in common with it]] (in fact, the game ''was'' originally developed as a direct sequel to ''[=MW2005=]'', only for Criterion to change the game's style on EA's request), and then also for playing more like ''Burnout'' than a traditional ''NFS'' title. Fan reception did improve over time, especially after pieces of information about its difficult development came to light, and those who liked the game ''really'' did like it, but the sentiment about it being "a ''Burnout'' game in all but name in a negative sense that shares a name with the franchise's SacredCow" still holds on in some parts of the fandom.

** Critics were very receptive to ''VideoGame/PokemonSwordAndShield''.[[note]]IGN's review and 9.3 score was especially noteworthy as it was made by the same reviewer who [[MemeticMutation infamously]] gave ''[[VideoGame/PokemonRubyAndSapphire Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]]'' a score of only 7.8 for factors like too many required [=HMs=] and "[[MemeticMutation too much water]]".[[/note]] But while still considered good by a majority of fans, they spawned an infamous VocalMinority of detractors; players were completely split over the direction and design of the game, whether its graphical quality, [[NoSidepathsNoExplorationNoFreedom extreme linearity]], short length, bare-bones postgame, and especially the jettisoning of the National Pokédex, which rendered a number of mons unobtainable in or not transferable to the games, don't matter and are important steps to modernize the series, or are just bad game design to begin with and in the case of the last one completely betray the series' "Gotta catch 'em all!" slogan[[note]]Though it should be noted this slogan was mainly unique to English releases, the equivalent phrase in Japanese actually translates to "Get the Pokémon" or merely "Get Pokémon." It was also initially retired in the year 2006 before being revived in 2013. [[/note]].

* ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil6'' is a weird example as it not only split the fans but the critics as well. At best you could possibly make the argument that the fans had mixed opinions but still ''leaned'' positive, but the critical reception was all over the place. It seems that the people who enjoyed it the most were those who preferred the more action-heavy ''RE'' games (''4'' and ''5'') over the earlier survival horror ones. Its direct precursor, ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil5'' was received with similarly mixed results, but to a far lesser extent. Lastly, despite the vocal fan backlash against them, [=RE5=] and [=RE6=] actually sold ''incredibly'' well. As in, as late as March 31 2020, they were considered the top-two best-selling ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' games of all time, and were 2nd and 3rd on Capcom's "ten best selling games of all time" list, until the fan-beloved ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil7Biohazard'' and ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil2Remake'' overtook them later on.

* Similarity, the 2010 ''VideoGame/{{Splatterhouse}}'' remake was mostly panned by critics whose complaints ranged from [[CameraScrew a wonky camera]] to an overreliance on gore. Player feedback, however, was generally much more positive.

* Numerous games in the ''VideoGame/TonyHawksProSkater'' series (specifically ''Underground 2'') are loved by fans yet the critics’ scores imply they are average. The only ones people can agree on are ''Shred'' and ''Ride'', which of course [[GameBreakingBug hardly anyone could get to work]], as well as ''Pro Skater 5'', which was enough of [[ObviousBeta a rushed mess]] to [[FranchiseKiller end the series altogether]].

* ''Super Back To The Future Part 2'' is hailed as the video-game adaptation of ''Film/BackToTheFuture'' that is so good that it should have gotten a release outside of Japan. Plenty of people who played it [[http://www.gamefaqs.com/snes/563055-super-back-to-the-future-2 gave it decent reviews on gamefaqs]]. Many people might not know, however, that the only contemporaneous video-game critic of the time (a French critic) who reviewed it, [[http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Joypad/joypad_numero023/Joypad%2023%20Septembre%201993%20page127.jpg gave it a 40%]].

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword'' is one of the most critically-acclaimed games of all time, with perfect 10 scores from multiple publications. Among ''Zelda'' fans, it's a ''major'' ContestedSequel, with some going so far as to call it an outright terrible game. Complaints include controversial motion controls, increased linearity, the limited inventory and ItemCrafting system and debate over the quality of the story and characterizations. Fans also can't seem to make up their minds as to whether it's [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks too different]] or [[ItsTheSameNowItSucks too similar]] to earlier games.

** ''Sonic Origins'' received praise from critics for bringing the classic 16-bit titles to modern standards, but was disliked by fans for a myriad of bugs, the music decisions for ''VideoGame/Sonic3AndKnuckles'', and cash-grabby monitization scheme. (Such as charging you extra money to give the characters [[IdleAnimation Idle Animations]] on the title screen).

* ''VideoGame/UltimaIX'' received decidedly mixed, but generally positive reviews. Amongst the fanbase, it's generally considered the worst in the series, due to its simplistic gameplay, [[GameBreakingBug game-breaking bugs]] (which granted, the reviews also criticized), inconsistencies with the other Ultima games, and the way in which exposition is handled. ''WebVideo/TheSpoonyExperiment'' poked fun at this in his review, where he spent a part of the opening portion reading several of the positive reviews on the box.

** ''Sonic Origins'' received praise from critics for bringing the classic 16-bit titles to modern standards, but was disliked by fans for a myriad of bugs and the music decisions for ''VideoGame/Sonic3AndKnuckles''.

** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemEngage'' has a decent 8.0 rating on Metacritic, since most critics liked it but others gave it middling reviews for its story and other issues. However, user ratings were much more divided, leading to a 6.6 rating average. Many users were even harsher than the critics, while those who enjoyed the game accused detractors of review bombing the game.

* ''VideoGame/{{Haydee}}'': Game reviewers and twitter "pundits" were very quick to dismiss the game because of its blatant {{Fanservice}} in the form of [[ThirdPersonSeductress Haydee]], considering it out of place as well as FetishRetardant for various reasons. However, most casual gamers who enjoy the game do so in large part ''[[BestKnownForTheFanservice because]]'' of said fanservice, and Haydee is quite a popular RuleThirtyFour target. If nothing else, it was succesful enough to receive a sequel despite the negative reviews.

** [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure The Adventure]] [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 era]] [[VideoGame/SonicHeroes games]] are also polarizing, despite praise. Criticisms include [[ObviousBeta clunky, bug-riddled gameplay]], [[FlatCharacter boring characters]], boring story, and dated voice acting.

* ''VideoGame/EarthBound'': Criticism from test audiences and the bizarre marketing slogan of “This Game Stinks” made it quite a hated game by critics. After a brief bit of VindicatedByHistory, it is now regarded as one of the best comedy games of all time, as well as an above-average RPG. For a while it seemed that it would never see a rerelease, but its cult status got it released for the Wii U’s Virtual Console.

* There is an increasing disconnect between fans of the ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' franchise and professional reviewers, from both directions. It does not help that several ''Sonic'' fans tend to be [[HePannedItNowHeSucks abnormally rabid]] in defense of their icon of devotion. It has gotten to the point that many fans of the series outright dismiss reviews from certain outfits due to this dissonance, considering the reviewer/site untrustworthy due to the critic’s past mistakes. For instance:

* ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed'' has sometimes gotten this treatment as a byproduct of the [[AndNowForSomethingCompletelyDifferent usually highly different styles between each title]], even though there have been some exceptions like with the universally beloved ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedMostWanted2005 Most Wanted (2005)]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/NeedForSpeedHotPursuit Hot Pursuit (2010)]]'':