6 Games That Weren’t Worth the Buy

Let’s be real—sometimes we drop full price on a game, only to realize later… yeah, this should’ve been a weekend rental at best. It’s the gamer’s version of buyer’s remorse. Whether it’s bloated open worlds, zero replay value, or just plain disappointment, some titles hit better when there’s an expiration date involved.

Here are six games that made us wish Blockbuster was still around, because a quick weekend fling would’ve been more than enough.

1. Ghostwire: Tokyo – Gorgeous, But Hollow

At first glance, Ghostwire: Tokyo has all the ingredients for something special: an atmospheric world, intriguing powers, and some seriously cool visuals. But the deeper you get, the more you realize it’s just a beautifully wrapped empty box. The open world feels padded, the gameplay loop overstays its welcome, and the story never truly hooks. If you played the opening hours, nabbed a few abilities, and called it a day, you'd probably walk away satisfied. Perfect rental material—forgettable ownership.

2. A Plague Tale: Requiem – One and Done

Don’t get us wrong—Requiem is a stunning sequel with a heartfelt story. Escorting your little brother through plague-ridden chaos brings emotional weight, and the level design shines. But once the credits roll, there's little reason to return. With minimal replay value and no gameplay evolution, it's the definition of a "play it once and move on" experience. Great to borrow, but probably not worth a permanent spot on your shelf.

3. Marvel’s Spider-Man – Great Game, But Too Short-Lived

Yeah, this one might ruffle some feathers. Spider-Man is undeniably a blast. Swinging around Manhattan is thrilling, combat is slick, and the story hits emotional beats. But it’s short—and once you’ve seen the credits, there’s not much driving you back unless you’re a completionist. For many, this is a one-and-done experience that could’ve been enjoyed in a few sittings. A solid rental that didn’t quite justify the full purchase.

4. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – Style Over Substance

This one hurt. Rift Apart promised a vibrant, dimension-hopping adventure packed with charm and creativity. But for some players, the experience peaked within the first hour. Despite its polished visuals and bombastic weapon variety, the gameplay loop felt thin and unengaging. It’s a Saturday rental kind of game—jump in, bounce around, shoot some wild weapons, and be done before the sun sets. Not every game has to be deep, but this one just didn’t click long-term.

5. Saints Row (2022) – A Missed Opportunity

Saints Row 2022 had all the potential to reignite the franchise’s magic, but instead it tripped over its own reboot. Long-time fans hoped the irreverent humor and chaotic sandbox fun would return in full force. What they got was a buggy, undercooked mess that lacked soul. Playing it for a day might have scratched that curiosity itch, but paying full price? That stings. This reboot needed more time in the oven—and way fewer glitches.

6. Jurassic World Evolution 1 & 2 – Dino Joy with a Shelf Life

Dinosaur park sims? Sign us up. Jurassic World Evolution nails the fantasy of building your own dino-filled attraction, and watching chaos ensue is half the fun. But once the main campaign wraps up and your dinos have eaten enough guests, the excitement fades. Sure, there’s sandbox potential, but the novelty wears thin fast. A fantastic game for a short-lived obsession—just maybe not one you need to own forever.

What about you? What games do you wish you had rented instead of bought? Drop your picks in the comments—we want to hear your gaming buyer’s remorse stories!

Did we call out one of your favorites? Got a hot take of your own? Let’s hear it. Hit the comments and let us know what games you think are the ultimate rentals.