24 Years Ago, Capcom Released One of the Worst Video Games Ever Made

June 4, 2026 - 15:55

It has been 24 years since Capcom, a company now widely respected for its modern successes, released a game that earned a notorious place in video game history. In 2001, the publisher put out a title so flawed that it is still remembered today as one of the worst games ever made. The game in question was "Resident Evil Gaiden," a top-down action-adventure for the Game Boy Color. It was meant to be a portable spin-off of the survival horror series, but it ended up being a cautionary tale for rushed development.

The game suffered from a clunky control scheme and a poorly designed combat system. Players had to line up a moving crosshair with enemies, which sounds simple but was made frustrating by slow movement and awkward button mapping. The story was a mess, and the graphics, while acceptable for the handheld, could not save the experience. Critics and fans alike tore into the game for its lack of polish and broken mechanics. It sold poorly and was quickly forgotten by most, except as a dark spot on Capcom's record.

Today, Capcom is a powerhouse, known for hits like "Resident Evil 2 Remake" and "Monster Hunter World." But "Resident Evil Gaiden" stands as a reminder that even the best studios can stumble. It remains a collector's item for its rarity and infamy, a strange relic from a time when the company was struggling to find its footing on new hardware.