EA’s Wild Ride Through Releases

Not every release hits the ground running. EA's catalog is a mixed bag of unforgettable highs and head-scratching lows. Over time, some titles found a permanent spot in players' favorites, while others became cautionary tales. Dig into this list for a look at both extremes, starting with the worst.

1. Dungeon Keeper (2014, Mobile)

EA reimagined this beloved strategy classic into a paywall-heavy mobile grindfest. Released in 2014, the app's core mechanic wasn't gameplay but waiting and paying. Players couldn't dig tunnels freely as timers blocked everything. It even triggered a UK ad complaint.

2. SimCity (2013)

Disaster struck in 2013, not in-game but on EA's servers. SimCity's always-online requirement rendered it unplayable at launch. Gamers building virtual cities got error messages and over 180,000 refund requests followed. Maxis never recovered—this was its final mainline SimCity game.

3. Anthem (2019)

Anthem launched in 2019 as EA's answer to Destiny, promising jetpack-fueled exploration. Instead, players faced loading screens, broken systems, and empty worlds. BioWare's magic vanished. Post-launch patches failed to fix the core loop, and the planned overhaul was canceled entirely by 2021.

4. Star Wars Battlefront II (2017)

This 2017 shooter made headlines not for lightsabers but for pay-to-win mechanics. If you want Darth Vader, fork over dozens of hours or real cash. After intense backlash, EA reworked the progression system, but player trust didn't respawn as easily as the heroes did.

5. Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight (2010)

In 2010, this RTS sequel gutted everything fans loved. C&C4 ditched core mechanics for a strange unit cap and class-based approach. Even the iconic Tiberium harvesting vanished. Series veterans were alienated, and the franchise entered hibernation for nearly a decade afterward.

6. Battlefield 2042 (2021)

Battlefield 2042 hit shelves in 2021 with lofty expectations—and promptly tripped over its own ambition. Missing features, bizarre glitches, and more left fans puzzled. EA admitted its failure, and updates followed, but the Steam rating still hovers at "Mostly Negative."

7. Army Of Two: The Devil's Cartel (2013)

This 2013 co-op shooter removed its signature mask customization and bro banter, delivering a generic, gray shooter. Rios and Salem's playful antics were gone. Reviews cited lifeless dialogue and weak AI, which led to the franchise being shelved indefinitely after this entry.

8. Mercenaries 2: World In Flames (2008, PS2 Version)

The PS2 version of this open-world chaos fest suffered from poor visuals and a barren map. Released in 2008, it paled next to the Xbox 360 version. Even EA quietly ignored it as future ports focused only on the higher-end consoles.

9. The Simpsons Wrestling (2001)

The Simpsons Wrestling hit the PlayStation in 2001 with clunky controls, stiff animations, and a barely-there combat system. Characters barked the same catchphrases endlessly. Despite the brand's power, critics buried it. IGN gave it a 1.0, and that's not a typo.

10. Catwoman (2004)

Released alongside the Halle Berry film in 2004, this action game swung into failure. Combat was shallow, and the camera fought you harder than enemies did. Based loosely on the movie plot, it failed to impress even casual fans.

However, EA has had some real wins, too, and they're worth talking about.

1. Mass Effect 2 (2010)

BioWare's 2010 epic placed players in command of the Normandy's fate, building a crew and surviving a mission designed to kill them all. Narrative branches shaped relationships and consequences, and critics praised its cinematic dialogue system. Over 2 million copies sold in its first week.

2. Titanfall 2 (2016)

Precision movement, slick gunplay, and a memorable robot named BT elevated this 2016 release beyond expectations. Though launched between juggernauts, it built a cult following over time. The time-warping mission "Effect and Cause" is now a textbook example of FPS-level design.

3. It Takes Two (2021)

Developed by Hazelight Studios, this co-op-only platformer turned a crumbling marriage into a playground of bizarre mechanics—from vacuum bosses to space squirrels. Released in 2021, it received Game of the Year at The Game Awards and became a runaway hit with over 10 million players.

4. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (2010)

In this squad-based FPS from 2010, destruction wasn't just cosmetic but strategic. Entire buildings crumbled mid-fight, and players embraced the chaos, especially in multiplayer's Rush mode. A campaign packed with humor added personality. It remains one of the franchise's most fondly remembered entries.

5. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019)

Cal Kestis' galaxy-spanning journey connected platforming, combat, and storytelling in a single-player Star Wars experience that players had begged for. Released in 2019, it struck a balance between Metroidvania exploration and Soulslike challenge. By 2020, it had surpassed 10 million units globally.

6. Need For Speed: Most Wanted (2005)

Blacklist racers and relentless police pursuits were features of this 2005 racer. Players customized rides to outrun spike strips and helicopters across an open city. Critics applauded the blend of arcade physics and cinematic style. It set a new bar for street racing games.

7. The Sims 3 (2009)

Released in 2009, this life sim broke ground with open neighborhoods and near-limitless customization. Unlike previous entries, players could visit neighbors without a loading screen. Expansion packs followed quickly, but even the base game became a bestseller in over five countries.

8. Dead Space (2008)

Claustrophobic corridors, grotesque creatures, and zero-HUD immersion made this 2008 sci-fi horror a genre standout. Strategic dismemberment changed how players approached combat. The Ishimura wasn't just a ship but a character. IGN called it "Resident Evil in space," and it's still studied in horror design courses.

9. FIFA 15 (2014)

Player emotion and physicality saw a leap in FIFA 15, which launched in 2014 with new animations and licensed Premier League stadiums. Commentary and ball physics improved immersion. It topped charts in over 20 countries and sold nearly 18 million copies worldwide.

10. Plants Vs. Zombies (2009)

Tower defense met cartoon absurdity in 2009 when PopCap, under EA, released this backyard strategy gem. Its balance of charm and challenge hooked players across platforms. Within months, it became a household name and later earned spots on multiple "best casual game" lists.