
It’s here and it’s sick. Should you buy Hatred? Should it even exist?

A game about killing people.
This game was just gratuitous violence. I don't know why it was rated AO. It's no worse than a GTA killing spree, Hotline Miami, or even the 'No Russian' COD mission. Reminded my of a weaker Dead Nation except no zombies.
I'm surprised Switch is getting this and PlayStation/Xbox isn't. The game was basically Postal with better graphics and more realism.

A look at five games that gamers loved but most critics hated.
Advent Rising is another good example. It got panned by critics but it has a good story and I enjoyed playing it. The graphics are dated, the enemies all look the same, but it was made in 2005 so what do you expect? I wish they made the sequel so I could finish the story but I think the critics killed it off.

Joanna Mueller writes: "Since the 1980's, video game advocates have been arguing for the protection of games as a medium of free speech. Frankly, I consider myself in that camp, but just because a game can push against the boundaries of common decency doesn't mean it should. Especially if the developer is just hoping to ride the wave of pearl clutching controversy to the bank."
Nothing wrong with pushing for controversy, but the game still has to be worthwhile. Lots of games in the 90s showed that.
Because the novelty will eventually wear off and the audience will eventually wise up.
So what? If there's a market for something then why should anyone care if it gets filled, as long as it's not something illegal? You can dislike so-called "edge lord" games all you want (in fact, you can like or dislike whatever you want, full stop) but even if games like Hatred are just trying to take advantage of anti-SJW backlash to make a quick buck, the fact that they exist at all is important in a culture that's becoming increasingly puritan and censorship orientated. Art is supposed to push the envelope. It's supposed to make you think. And even if all a game makes you do is think about why certain people are so desperate to ban it.
Ignore the shallow gameplay experience and put all focus on the controversy surrounding it. Congratulations gaming media, you have done more to sell this game than an advertising team ever could.
I absolutely loved Manhunt, it was one of my all time favourite games on PS2 (I'd pay silly money for a Manhunt HD remake anyday!!!). So, I'm into my violent games, lets establish that.
But comparing Manhunt to Hatred, as an example, there's alot left to be desired from Hatred. Forget the ultra violence for a moment, and lets talk gameplay design, level design, game mechanics, character design, story, pacing, etc etc. All those elements that make a great fun video game... all those elements that make games like Manhunt and GTA great video game experiences... and I have to say Hatred lacks in nearly every single department.
Here is the litmus test for me - if Hatred had no ultra violence but was just about shooting cops, would it stand as a great game... even a good indie game? I don't think it would. I don't think it would have been on the radar as it is now.
My conclusion therefore? It's easy to completely ignore all the things that make a great game - character development, level design, gameplay mechanics, story, pacing etc etc, and simply build a game based on hype and sensationalism.
In this case I think the devs unfortunately went for the cheap and easy option.