Games That Got Review-Bombed for Modern Representation Changes

Video games are increasingly facing “review bombing” – coordinated efforts to flood online review platforms with negative scores. This often happens when a game includes more diverse characters or storylines. While some reviews focus on how a game plays, most of these campaigns center on cultural or political issues. This shows a growing disagreement within the gaming community about including different viewpoints in games.

‘The Last of Us Part II’ (2020)

The game’s sequel was met with a huge number of negative reviews right after it launched. A lot of the criticism centered on the character Abby, with some players finding her appearance unbelievable. Others disliked the story’s choices and the focus on different kinds of relationships. The game received a lot of attention and debate online before most reviewers had a chance to complete it. Surprisingly, despite the initial negative reaction, it went on to win numerous awards.

‘Horizon Forbidden West’ (2022)

The ‘Burning Shores’ expansion received a wave of negative reviews shortly after release, primarily because of an optional same-sex romance. Many players expressed disapproval that the main character, Aloy, could kiss a female character, causing the game’s user score on review sites to plummet. This led review platforms to increase moderation and filter out unfair reviews. Despite the controversy, critics generally praised the expansion’s impressive graphics and enhanced gameplay.

‘Starfield’ (2023)

When this large-scale science fiction game was released, it received criticism, particularly regarding its character creation. Some players disliked the option to choose pronouns for their character and also voiced concerns about the diversity of characters in the game. This led to a wave of negative reviews, with many players feeling the game was overly focused on politics. The developers responded by explaining that these choices were intentional, designed to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all players.

‘Battlefield V’ (2018)

The first trailer for this historical shooter caused a lot of disagreement among fans. Many players disliked seeing a female soldier with a prosthetic arm fighting on the battlefield. This criticism grew when the developers emphasized that including diverse characters was important to them. Some people then deliberately lowered the game’s review scores, believing it prioritized modern values over historical correctness. The game continues to be a key example in conversations about how much realism war games should have versus how much they should focus on representing a variety of people.

‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ (2025)

Before it even came out, this game set in feudal Japan received a lot of criticism. The main source of the backlash was the decision to make Yasuke, a historical figure, a playable character, with many players questioning how accurately his story was being portrayed as a samurai. Some people responded by giving the game negative ratings on trailers and social media to show their disapproval, claiming the choice felt forced by modern demands for diversity in historical contexts. The game’s creators explained they were intentionally mixing real history with fictional storytelling.

‘Dragon Age The Veilguard’ (2024)

This fantasy role-playing game was unfairly targeted with negative reviews after its release due to its inclusive features. Specifically, players criticized the game for allowing players to choose their character’s gender identity and for including conversations about these topics. Within the first week, the game received a huge wave of very low ratings, with many reviewers expressing disapproval of the inclusive themes instead of commenting on how well the game actually played. It has since become a prominent example of representation in gaming and sparked a lot of discussion.

‘Marvels Spider Man 2’ (2023)

The latest installment in this superhero series received some criticism regarding certain missions and changes to character appearances. Players expressed disappointment with a side quest involving a deaf character and the use of sign language. Others negatively reviewed the game due to changes in Mary Jane Watson’s facial model, which they felt looked worse than before. Some also objected to the inclusion of diverse flags and symbols in the game’s version of New York City. Despite these complaints, the game was a huge financial success for the developers.

‘Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League’ (2024)

The game faced significant player backlash, largely due to concerns about the influence of outside consultants. Many players criticized how beloved characters were portrayed and the diversity of the game’s team. Discussions often connected these issues to a perceived emphasis on social issues rather than enjoyable gameplay. This sparked a wave of negative reviews and deliberately low user scores, which hurt the game’s overall rating. As a result, the game had trouble keeping a stable player community.

‘Saints Row’ (2022)

The latest installment in this open-world series faced immediate criticism because of its new characters. Longtime fans thought the new leads were too preoccupied with current trends and social topics. The game was heavily review-bombed by players who felt it had lost the tough and edgy feel of earlier versions. Many believed the game had become too safe and inclusive, trying to attract a wider audience. As a result, sales were lower than expected, and the development studio eventually closed.

‘Concord’ (2024)

The game received a lot of negative reviews immediately after it was announced, largely because of its characters and the emphasis on having a diverse cast. Many players thought the characters were designed more to fulfill representation goals than to look good. This led to a poor launch, with few people playing and a wave of criticism online. Some argued the game didn’t have the same unique style as other popular games in the genre. Ultimately, the publisher removed it from sale just weeks after it launched.

‘Alan Wake 2’ (2023)

So, the sequel to this horror game let me play as Saga Anderson, a really cool Black woman, which was awesome. But honestly, there was some drama online because some people remembered her looking white in early previews and stuff. They kinda piled on the game with bad reviews because they thought the character was changed just to be ‘diverse.’ It was a bummer to see, but thankfully most critics loved the game. They really praised how unique the story was and how creepy the atmosphere felt. It even won a bunch of awards for its story and art, which it totally deserved!

‘Dead Space’ (2023)

The recent remake of this beloved horror game received a lot of criticism, surprisingly focused on small changes to the game’s setting and characters. Some players negatively reviewed the game specifically because it included gender-neutral bathrooms and updated the ages of certain characters. These fans believed these changes weren’t true to the original game’s spirit. This online backlash often overshadowed the game’s improved gameplay and technical advancements. Despite the controversy, the remake was generally seen as a successful update to the classic title.

‘Silent Hill 2’ (2024)

The remake of this popular game faced criticism and negative reviews before its release, largely focused on how the characters looked. Players complained that Angela and Maria’s updated designs were less appealing or covered up more than before. Speculation about outside consultants contributing to these changes added to the negativity online. Many felt the new designs didn’t respect the meaning behind the original characters. Despite the backlash, the game still attracted players interested in a fresh version of the classic horror experience.

‘Star Wars Outlaws’ (2024)

The game, an open-world adventure, received a lot of negative reviews shortly after release, largely focused on the appearance of its main character, Kay Vess. Some players felt she wasn’t designed to be conventionally attractive, and this sparked a wider conversation about how women are portrayed in video games. Many negative reviews were posted online as a protest against what some saw as the game developers pushing a particular social or political viewpoint. Despite the controversy, the game itself offers a rich and detailed exploration of the galaxy’s criminal world.

‘Fable’ (2025)

Okay, so when the trailers dropped for this game I’ve been waiting for, there was a lot of negativity, and honestly, it was kinda frustrating. People were hitting the review scores hard, and it was mostly focused on how the main female character looked. A lot of players were saying her design didn’t feel right for a lead in a big-budget game – that it didn’t meet their expectations. It quickly turned into a bigger discussion about what ‘realistic’ characters should look like and what we consider ‘beautiful’ in games. But the developers stuck to their guns, thankfully, and kept that quirky, British humor that the series is famous for. They didn’t seem willing to change the core of what makes the game special.

‘Ghost of Yotei’ (2025)

I was really excited when the sequel to that awesome samurai game was announced, but then I saw the new lead character and it kind of stirred things up. It’s a woman this time, and set in a totally different period, which is cool, but a lot of fans weren’t happy about it. Honestly, the reaction got pretty intense online, with people arguing about the change and even the actor’s personal beliefs. There was a lot of negativity – review bombing, even before the game came out! The developers kept saying this new direction was important for the series to grow, and I get that, but it was definitely a controversial reveal.

‘Dustborn’ (2024)

Dustborn is an action-adventure game where talking and interacting with others are key parts of the experience. However, it received a lot of negative reviews because it openly addresses political topics and features a diverse group of characters. Some players felt the game was too forceful in its handling of social issues, and the unique gameplay mechanic of using words as weapons divided opinions. The game also appeared to be the target of a deliberate campaign to lower its ratings on online stores.

‘The Sims 4’ (2014)

Despite being more than ten years old, this game keeps getting negative reviews whenever it adds features focused on inclusivity. Recently, options like medical wearables, top surgery scars, and vitiligo caused some players to react negatively, claiming the developers should prioritize fixing existing problems over adding diverse representation. Even with these recurring criticisms, the game remains popular and a leader in the life simulation genre, and its dedication to diversity continues to be a major talking point among players.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

The game, a large-scale role-playing experience, received mostly positive reviews, though it did experience some negative review bombing. This backlash stemmed from its inclusive approach to romance and gender, as some players objected to being able to romance any companion regardless of their character’s gender. Others criticized the game for featuring diverse characters and allowing extensive character customization. However, these negative reviews were largely overshadowed by the game’s significant critical and commercial success. It’s now considered a leading example of how to effectively implement meaningful player choice and representation in games.

‘Hades II’ (2024)

The highly anticipated follow-up to the popular indie game received some criticism regarding its character designs. Some players felt the new characters, including the main hero and the gods, prioritized diversity over staying true to traditional mythology. This sparked discussion and frustration among players online. While the developers continued to refine the game during its early access period, they stayed committed to their artistic choices. Despite these concerns, the game continues to be well-regarded by fans of roguelike games.

‘Forspoken’ (2023)

The game, about a young woman who finds herself in a fantasy world, received a lot of criticism even before it launched. Many people disliked the writing and found the main character, Frey Holland, unappealing, criticizing her as a cliché. Discussions quickly became divided, with some focusing on her race and gender. This made it difficult for the game to succeed when it was released, especially with so many other games already available.

‘Unknown 9 Awakening’ (2024)

The game received a surge of negative reviews, likely because of its diverse main character and exploration of different cultures. Some reviewers specifically criticized the use of consultants during development. These low ratings centered on the game’s story and characters, with some claiming the focus on inclusivity overshadowed fun gameplay. This situation highlights a growing trend where using consultants can lead to immediate negative reactions within the gaming community.

‘Flintlock The Siege of Dawn’ (2024)

This action adventure game received negative reviews, largely due to criticism of its main character and story. Many reviewers complained the protagonist felt forced, believing she was included simply to meet diversity goals. The game also drew fire from groups that track the use of consultants in game development, with players arguing these influences made the game feel inauthentic. Despite the controversy, the game itself featured a unique mix of magic and gunplay.

‘Life is Strange True Colors’ (2021)

Shortly after its release, this story-driven game experienced a wave of negative reviews. The issue stemmed from Chinese players who objected to the appearance of a Tibetan flag within the game, viewing it as a political symbol. They responded by leaving many low scores. This put the developers and publishers in a difficult position, requiring them to address a sensitive political matter while protecting their game’s artistic vision. Aside from this controversy, the game received positive feedback for its compelling story and well-developed characters.

‘Tell Me Why’ (2020)

Developed by the team behind ‘Life is Strange,’ this game was notable for being one of the first from a major studio to star a transgender character. However, it received a lot of negative reviews online, largely from players who disliked its focus on LGBTQ+ themes. Many reviewers criticized the characters’ identities instead of the game’s story or how it played. The developers had openly stated their intention to create inclusive representation during the game’s development. Despite the backlash, it’s still considered an important game for its thoughtful and complex depiction of diverse characters.

‘Goodbye Volcano High’ (2023)

I was so upset to hear about everything this dinosaur game went through! It’s a really unique narrative experience, but the developers faced years of awful online harassment and people deliberately leaving bad reviews. It seemed like a lot of the negativity stemmed from issues people had with the game’s queer themes and art style – they accused it of pushing an agenda. What’s really sad is that many of those negative reviews came from people who were specifically following the game just to tear it down. When it finally came out, the reviews were all over the place, but honestly, the developers were just trying to tell a really personal story about growing up and dealing with tough times, like the end of the world.

‘Mortal Kombat 1’ (2023)

The latest installment in the popular fighting game series faced criticism for its character designs, particularly the redesign of Tanya. Some players negatively reviewed the game specifically because of Tanya’s new appearance, claiming the changes were made to diminish her attractiveness based on current trends. This controversy reflects a wider discussion about how female characters are designed in fighting games. Despite the criticism, the game was a commercial success and continued the series’ reputation for intense action.

‘Overwatch 2’ (2022)

This team-based shooter has repeatedly received negative reviews, particularly after it became free-to-play. While many complaints center around how the game makes money, some players also react negatively to the revealed sexual orientations of characters. When heroes are confirmed to be LGBTQ+, the game often sees a spike in bad reviews and low ratings, with some arguing that this information isn’t needed and takes away from the game’s focus on competition. Despite this, the developers continue to develop the game’s story and create a diverse cast of characters.

‘Apex Legends’ (2019)

Apex Legends has a variety of characters, and this has sometimes led to negative reviews. A small number of players will leave negative reviews during events that celebrate things like Pride or other social issues, claiming the game is becoming too focused on politics through its characters’ stories. However, these review campaigns are usually minor and don’t reflect the opinions of the game’s large and supportive player base. The game developers have consistently stated their commitment to including diverse characters and representing a broad range of experiences.

‘Street Fighter 6’ (2023)

The newest installment in this popular fighting game series received a lot of negative reviews online shortly after its release, largely due to its updated character designs and art style. Some players disliked what they saw as a focus on current social issues in the character creations. This resulted in a surge of low scores on various review sites. The criticism was especially strong towards the game’s more diverse characters. Despite the negative reaction from some players, critics loved the game and it helped boost the competitive fighting game community.

‘Resident Evil 4’ (2023)

The recent remake of this classic horror game received a lot of negative reviews initially because of changes to the voice acting and character designs. Many players were especially unhappy with the new voice performance for Ada Wong and the removal of some mature content from the original game. They felt these changes were an attempt to make the game more politically correct. This negativity was reflected in the game’s user score for several weeks after it came out. However, most players eventually focused on the improved gameplay and graphics and enjoyed the remake overall.

‘Gotham Knights’ (2022)

Okay, so I’ve been checking out this new DC game, and honestly, it’s been a bit of a mess online. A lot of the drama isn’t even about the gameplay itself. It’s mostly about the story, specifically when they confirmed Tim Drake is bi. Some people really didn’t like that, and started review bombing the game – just dropping the score because of that one thing. They felt it didn’t fit the character, which is fair to feel, I guess, but it got way out of hand. Plus, the game did have some technical issues, and all that stuff got mixed up with the complaints about the story, making it hard to see what was actually broken with the game itself.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

Despite a rocky start filled with technical issues, ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ also drew criticism for how it portrayed gender and character customization. This sparked negative reviews from players with diverse viewpoints, some of whom felt the game was too forward-thinking, while others believed it didn’t go far enough in being inclusive. Over several years, the developers fixed bugs and added features, ultimately transforming the game into a well-regarded title, especially after the release of a major expansion.

‘Mass Effect Legendary Edition’ (2021)

The recently updated collection of the classic trilogy received some negative reviews due to small changes made to how the game looks. Developers removed a few camera angles they considered inappropriate during important scenes. This upset some fans who preferred the original version and felt it was a form of censorship. These players left low scores as a way to protest the removal of certain visual perspectives. However, most players still enjoyed the collection and appreciated having the beloved story available on newer consoles.

‘The Outer Worlds’ (2019)

Some players left negative reviews for this sci-fi role-playing game because of its diverse characters and its exploration of social issues. One mission, focusing on a character’s asexual identity, received particular criticism, with some reviewers claiming the game was promoting a specific viewpoint. However, the game was created by experienced developers who deliberately aimed to tackle complex themes. It continues to be enjoyed by players who appreciate its funny and critical look at corporate life.

‘Boyfriend Dungeon’ (2021)

This independent game, which combines dating and dungeon exploration, received negative reviews due to how it portrayed one character. Players objected to the inclusion of a character who acted like a stalker, even though the game included warnings about this behavior. The discussion also broadened to include the game’s LGBTQ+ representation and diverse characters, with some arguing the game overly focused on inclusivity while not handling difficult themes well. The developers responded by updating the game to make its warnings clearer and address player concerns.

‘Sea of Thieves’ (2018)

The pirate game initially received negative reviews because players couldn’t create characters fitting traditional heroic standards. The game featured a variety of body types and randomly assigned characters, which some felt restricted their freedom to customize. Critics saw this as an attempt at inclusivity that went too far. Despite the initial backlash, the game became hugely popular, attracting millions of players. The developers listened to feedback and added more customization options to keep the community happy.

‘Stellar Blade’ (2024)

The game ‘Stellar Blade’ received negative reviews after a post-launch update altered some of the character outfits. Players who initially praised the game’s designs felt the changes were censorship made to avoid criticism. This led to many players deliberately leaving negative reviews as a protest. The incident showed a disagreement between the developers and some players over how characters should look. Despite this controversy, ‘Stellar Blade’ was still recognized for its difficult but rewarding gameplay and impressive graphics.

‘The Last of Us Part I’ (2022)

The updated version of the beloved original game received a lot of negative reviews, similar to its sequel. Many players criticized the new character designs, saying they appeared aged or less appealing to align with current trends. This negative reaction stemmed from a general distrust of the studio following the release of the second game. Critics often felt the remake wasn’t needed and reflected a focus on modern preferences. Despite the criticism, it’s still considered the best way to play through the story of Joel and Ellie.

Share your thoughts on these review bombing trends in the comments.

2026-01-06 22:54