The term "masterpiece" gets thrown around a lot in gaming circles, and some titles have enjoyed being the top dogs for decades, being praised as the absolute best in their respective genre.

However, while the legacy and impact of such games cannot be denied, the gaming industry is an ever-evolving market, where old formulas are improved, and what was once considered cutting edge can suddenly feel completely outdated.

Including all of the games die-hard fans consider masterpieces.

If you ever picked up a beloved game after a long time and didn't find yourself having fun, then you have experienced this very problem. Unfortunately, even the greatest releases can struggle to stand the test of time, and when it happens, what you used to love painfully turns into the subject of disappointment.

The following titles undoubtedly deserve a spot in the gaming hall of fame, but these days you probably won't enjoy playing them. They just don't meet the expectations of modern players, and as much as you would like for it to be otherwise, they won't give you the same magical feel they used to.

Hitman: Codename 47 is the first title in the iconic assassination series that put the franchise on the map thanks to its amazing storytelling and novel gameplay that set it apart from other games in the year 2000.

Sadly, those who were wowed by Codename 47 back then will not be so easily impressed with it twenty-six years later.

Codename 47 is a game that doesn’t hold up not only by modern standards but also by the standards of older Hitman games.

The game’s AI is way too aggressive, punishing you for even the smallest mistake or even just standing around at times. Stealth is virtually impossible on later stages, and combat is awkwardly paced, with slow-flying bullets and unsatisfying brawls with endless hordes of enemies.

Even the game’s story has surprisingly aged like milk. Although the origin of 47 is intriguing, it was also clearly written at a time when games didn't take their storytelling completely seriously.

The first few levels might be worth playing for the nostalgia factor, but afterward the game becomes unplayable, which is why if you want the old-school Hitman experience, you’re better off starting with Hitman: Contracts, which vastly improved the early Hitman formula.

Michael Fincher

Video games enthusiast with a love for bizarre facts about his favorite titles. Really into old-school strategies and RPGs of all shapes and sizes.

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