Oct 30, 2025

10 Controversial Games Worth Buying Even If They Feel Risky

Introduction

Ever bought a game, played a few minutes, and wondered whether you’d just wasted your money? Some titles provoke that exact reaction—polarizing reviewers, dividing communities, and leaving you unsure if the purchase was a mistake. While the risk is real, each of these games offers a unique experience that can reward patience and an open mind. Below is a curated list of ten titles that may feel like a gamble at checkout, but many players ultimately find them worthwhile.

1. Baby Steps

Baby Steps sparked fierce debate when it launched. Critics praised its artistic vision, while others dismissed it as pretentious. The game deliberately adopts a low‑effort aesthetic that masks a high level of craftsmanship. Its antagonistic design choices—frequent trolling of the player and intentional frustration—make it a love‑or‑hate experience.

Why it’s risky

The gameplay can feel intentionally antagonistic.
Requires players to interpret abstract narrative cues.

Why it’s rewarding

A bold, original vision that pushes the medium forward.
Players who embrace its quirks often find a surprisingly satisfying experience.

2. Blueprints

Touted with a 92 Metacritic score, Blueprints is a puzzle‑roguelike that divides opinion. The core puzzle design is excellent, but the roguelike layer adds randomization that can either amplify excitement or create tedious runs.

Pros

Innovative puzzle mechanics.
High replayability due to procedural elements.

Cons

Randomness can stall progress for long periods.
Players seeking steady, deterministic puzzles may become frustrated.

3. Silk Song

Silk Song dazzles with gorgeous art, a haunting soundtrack, and tight controls, but its difficulty spikes dramatically compared to its spiritual predecessor, Hollow Knight. What was once optional “super‑boss” content becomes mandatory progression, demanding precise skill and patience.

Highlights

Stunning visual and audio design.
Deep, rewarding combat for players who relish challenge.

Drawbacks

Steep learning curve that can deter casual gamers.
Some players may feel the difficulty is unforgiving rather than fair.

4. Penny’s Big Breakaway

After the success of Sonic Mania, expectations leaned toward a direct sequel, yet the developers delivered Penny’s Big Breakaway, a momentum‑based platformer that feels both familiar and distinct. The game emphasizes chaining moves rather than hyper‑precise inputs, which can be disorienting at first.

Strengths

Fresh take on classic platforming mechanics.
Rewarding mastery of momentum and movement.

Weaknesses

Early learning curve may turn away newcomers.
Controls feel unconventional compared to traditional platformers.

5. Angerfoot

If you enjoy the frantic pace of Hotline Miami mixed with the chaotic humor of High on Life, Angerfoot delivers a first‑person, ultra‑hard experience. Levels are long, checkpoints are scarce, and the difficulty is relentless.

What works

Creative level design that keeps players on their toes.
Satisfying flow once you find your rhythm.

What hinders

Extremely punishing difficulty can lead to early burnout.
Lengthy stages may feel overwhelming for those seeking a quicker experience.

6. Spec Ops: The Line

Although delisted from digital storefronts, Spec Ops: The Line remains a cult classic for its subversive narrative. The gameplay itself is a fairly standard third‑person shooter, but the story ventures into dark, morally ambiguous territory rarely explored in the genre.

Key points

Atmospheric storytelling that challenges conventional military shooter tropes.
Thought‑provoking themes about war and its psychological impact.

Considerations

Core combat can feel dated and repetitive.
Accessibility is limited due to its delisted status.

7. Vampire (by the creators of Life is Strange)

Vampire blends action‑RPG elements with a morally complex system where killing NPCs fuels your power but also spreads a city‑wide disease. The game offers meaningful choices, yet its combat and world design feel constrained.

Pros

Deep moral mechanics that affect the game world.
Strong narrative voice reminiscent of the studio’s previous work.

Cons

Combat lacks polish and feels uninspired.
Limited visual variety and a cramped map.

8. Py (Supergiant Games)

Among Supergiant’s celebrated catalog, Py stands out as the most polarizing. It mixes a fantasy sports concept with League meets Dota” arena mode called the Rights. Success in these matches influences the overarching story.

Why some love it

Fresh, experimental gameplay that rewards strategic mastery.
Rich world‑building and compelling characters.

Why it alienates players

The Rights can feel unforgiving, especially without save states.
Players uninterested in the sports‑like core loop may disengage.

9. Banjo‑Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

Often remembered for the backlash against its departure from classic platforming, Nuts & Bolts actually shines as an innovative vehicle‑construction sandbox. The title encourages experimentation with physics‑based challenges, predating similar mechanics seen in later open‑world games.

Strengths

Deep, creative building system that rewards ingenuity.
Early‑access to a style of gameplay later popularized by titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Weaknesses

The name misleads fans expecting a traditional Banjo‑Kazooie platformer.
Physics puzzles can be frustratingly trial‑and‑error heavy.

10. Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster

Regarded as one of the hardest JRPGs of its era, the HD remaster of Nocturne offers a bleak, post‑apocalyptic setting far removed from the lighter tone of the Persona series. Mastery of its intricate combat system is essential; there is little room for button‑mashing.

Highlights

Brutally challenging yet deeply rewarding combat.
Dark narrative that stands out in the genre.

Challenges

Steep difficulty curve can discourage newcomers.
Requires extensive practice to understand advanced mechanics.

Conclusion

Risky purchases often stem from uncertainty—whether a game’s difficulty, unconventional design, or polarizing reception will align with personal taste. The ten titles above exemplify how innovation and ambition can generate love‑or‑hate reactions. By approaching each with an open mind and a willingness to invest time, gamers can discover experiences that are not only memorable but also push the medium forward. Even if a game ultimately isn’t your cup of tea, the very act of engaging with such bold creations enriches the broader gaming landscape.