Cult computer and video games

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cult computer and video games are computer and video games that usually garner limited sales, but attract a loyal fanbase and earn generally great reviews.

1 How games achieve cult status
2 Sequels and remakes
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] How games achieve cult status

There are various resons why a game becomes a cult classic.

[edit] Limited production run

Some cult games have a limited production run due to weak public interest. Often these video games feature a visual style, storyline, or game mechanic that is out of the mainstream. A lack of marketing can add to this by ensuring that the game receives insufficient attention from the general public. Games like Ico, Psychonauts, or Rez fit several of these categories.

[edit] Limited availability

Limited availability also presents an opportunity for a game to receive this classification. The game Katamari Damacy had limited availability, since it was initially released in Japan only, but many gamers were intrigued by it. The title was widely sought after and became a cult game and sleeper hit in many game import stores.

[edit] Notoriously bad games

Of particular interest is the fact that some games are notoriously bad, yet that reputation has earned them more popularity than they would otherwise have attracted, e.g. the Atari 2600 game E.T., or Bad Dudes for the NES.

[edit] Sequels and remakes

Occasionally, sequels are made because the original sold reasonably well. In some cases, the cult status is enough to produce a sequel, such is the case of Shadow of the Colossus (the spiritual successor to Ico) or We ♥ Katamari (the sequel to Katamari Damacy). Enhanced remakes and handheld ports are also made on the grounds of having a cult status.