Being one of the major video game developers and publishers in the industry, Ubisoft has been responsible for delivering big-name franchises that remain beloved by fans. However, the road to reaching this status has also been paved by a number of critical duds.
This is true for games that were released around the beginning of the century. At this time, Ubisoft tested the waters out for their most reliable franchises. Still, the company did hit the home run on a number of occasions as well. This makes it worth mentioning the five best and the five worst Ubisoft games, according to Metacritic.
10 Best: Rayman Legends (2013) - 92
The fact that Rayman Legends isn’t considered a mainstream title makes it one of the most underrated platformers out there, as it boasts of well rounded gameplay. With its colorful presentation and unique characters, the game certainly stands out on its own.
Critics found the high points to be the many options in play style. This includes adding up to four players to partake in the same playthrough. Along with that, it boasts as many as 120 unique levels to unlock.
9 Worst: Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker (2000) - 24
There’s no question that The Joker happens to be the best villain in the Batman series, but even he couldn’t save this film-based video game. Batman Beyond failed to be creative with its blend of three-dimensional graphics and side-scroller gameplay. Instead, it reverts to being a generic beat-em-up.
Common criticisms involve how incredibly simple the title is. Basically, there's nothing to do other than bash bad guys using the same moves. There’s no combos to be found here, and the presentation of the story doesn’t do the film justice.
8 Best: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003) - 92
It’s a shame fans don’t get to see Prince of Persia anymore, as the series is without doubt one of the greatest Ubisoft franchises. The Sands of Time is credited to setting the benchmark that Assassin’s Creed later expanded upon. It also remains just as entertaining almost two decades later.
Featuring a mix of platforming sequences and action-adventure, the game is mainly bolstered by the use of time travel, which greatly improves replay value. There’s also the matter of the story being such an engrossing one.
7 Worst: Fighter Within (2013) - 23
There’s really no way to make motion sensing into a feature that works for fighting games, and Fighter Within more than proves it. With limited movement area, very few options, and a clunky interface, the game doesn’t leave any space for players to really get their groove in.
Most critics found it to be a laughably bad attempt at making motion sensing fighters a thing. The most frustrating point is the long loading times that make players stand around to do nothing. There are titles gamers wish could have motion sensing, but this is one that didn't deserve it.
6 Best: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (2002) - 93
The arrival of this game began the many comparisons made between stealth game franchises, as Splinter Cell is one of the titles that is credited for bringing in interest for the genre. Its emphasis on espionage is reflected in its “light and dark” gameplay, where players are meant to use their minds in regards to their stealth.
The trial and error process has been called out to encourage gamers in perfecting their gameplay styles. Meanwhile, the fine acting by the cast keeps the interest high in the story’s proceedings.
5 Worst: Charlie’s Angels (2003) - 23
Even if Charlie’s Angels isn’t quite at the top of the worst games of all-time, it’s still sure to be mentioned. Any child can play this game, considering all one has to do is kick and punch until they get bored.
The presence of extremely annoying invisible walls sucks even the little fun there was away. Players are forced to beat up random bad guys so they can progress further to beat up more of the same bad guys.
4 Best: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (2004) - 93
They say you should never try to improve on what’s already close to perfection. This seems to be taken to heart by Ubisoft for Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow. The game has next to no differences to the original release, a point that critics ended up loving.
It’s the story that keeps fans hooked this time around, as new twists and turns keep them engaged. The graphical upgrade and tweaks in gameplay serve as proof for improvements from the original. Additional praise is for the “slick” style of play found here.
3 Worst: Hooters Road Trip (2002) - 22
Easily qualifying to be among the worst driving games ever to be made, Hooters Road Trip also hasn’t aged well due to the blatant objectification of women available in the game. There’s zero imagination in gameplay, with tracks hardly even having any turns for the player to make.
Pretty much all there is to do is keep driving on a straight road. This also has the fun sucked out of it due to the speed limit being reached fairly quickly. Other than that, there’s nothing else to note since the maps are interchangeable.
2 Best: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (2005) - 94
This entry marks several improvements made by Ubisoft to have Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory avoid featuring more of the same. It’s clear that venture is a big hit. Stealth mechanics in this one are more realistic than ever. So much so, that even the element of sound plays a crucial part.
This time round, combat mechanics also have a role to play. The player character is far more empowered in order to present gamers with a different perspective of gameplay. All things considered, Chaos Theory clearly is the most refined release Ubisoft has ever come up with.
1 Worst: Self-Defense Training Camp (2011) - 21
A word of advice to anyone considering taking self-defense training through a motion sensing game is to abandon these efforts straightaway and go for an actual class. In case of Self-Defense Training Camp, this advice is even more essential, as this game makes a mockery of things.
Since players don’t have anything to actually grapple upon, the practice ends up looking completely silly, as it plays out on-screen while the person simply swooshes their hands around in the air. There’s also the fact that self-defense is obviously not a fun game to play, regardless of what mechanics might be present.