Which AAA Game Has the Worst Character Animations?

Diving into the realm of AAA video games, there have been numerous instances where developers have faced criticism for their character and animation quality. This article explores some of the games that have been at the center of these controversies, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of character animations.

Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017)

Mass Effect: Andromeda, a game developed over five years with a budget of $40 million, was anticipated to deliver a high level of polish, especially with its ambitious scope. However, upon its release in 2017, it received significant backlash for its character animations. The facial animations and lip-syncing were most notably criticized for being awkward and unconvincing, often described as stiff or unnatural. This poor quality of animations detracted from the overall immersion and player experience. The game's development team even advertised the realistic facial expressions as a key feature, which only added to the disappointment of the players.

Fallout 76 (2018)

Fallout 76, though not as extensively criticized as Mass Effect: Andromeda, still faced significant animatics issues. Common criticism revolved around the stiffness and lack of polish in the character animations during interactions and cutscenes. These animations were often described as robotic and unpolished, impacting the gameplay experience and overall immersion for many players.

Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

Cyberpunk 2077, a highly anticipated game with a massive following, also struggled with animation issues, particularly in earlier versions of the game. Players noted that certain character animations felt unnatural and lacked fluidity. While the game aimed for a high level of detail and realism, the execution in terms of animations was inconsistent and often detracted from the overall experience.

The Elder Scrolls Online (2014)

The Elder Scrolls Online, an MMORPG, was also not immune to criticism regarding its character animations. Though not as widely criticized as the games mentioned above, some players pointed out that the animations in this game seemed less polished compared to other AAA titles. This perceived lack of quality in animations was a notable concern for players and affect the game's overall immersive experience.

Anthem (2019)

Anthem’s 2019 character animations were also criticized for being basic and functional but lacking in fluidity or realism. They were often described as existing in a state of the "uncanny valley," where the animations felt almost human but were still quite off. Additionally, the PC port of The Last of Us also faced significant issues with both its graphics and animations, which further highlighted the problems in character animations for this game.

Mass Effect Andromeda: The Poster Child for Poor Animations

Of all these games, Mass Effect: Andromeda stands out as perhaps the most infamous regarding its character animations. Upon its release, the game received the most criticism for its animations. Players reported several issues, including: Sinister looking crew members Odd facial expressions Completely emotionless facial expressions Punches that do not connect but still cause damage to enemies (which is illogical) Strange character poses More floating character models Buggy characters and environments Awkward handshake mishaps More odd characters and scenes (such as the "whatever it is" moment)

This backlash was not limited to the game's release day; the development team’s hyping up of realistic facial expressions added to the disappointment. While many of these issues have since been addressed through patches and updates, the game's reputation was indeed damaged by these poor character animations. The developers faced a significant drop in sales, with the game being heavily discounted just a week after its release in 2017.

In summary, even high-budget games with extensive development timelines can face significant criticism for their character animations. These issues can severely impact the overall player experience, leading to disappointment and a tarnished reputation among enthusiasts and critics alike.