21 Gaming Concepts That Shouldn't Have Worked (But Did)

What are some of the most outlandish, insane or stupid ideas that turned into commercially successful video games?

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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A boxing puzzle game. An everyday life simulator. These are just two of the many eyebrow raising ideas that looked like crap on paper but gold in execution. In an era where game developers are taking less and less risk, they'd be wise to not conform, and come up with an original idea every now and then.

Early on in the development process you get some insane pitches. For instance, Super Mario was originally supposed to pack heat and Arkham Asylum was supposed to be a rhythm game. Those got scrapped, but these came into fruition. Next time somebody tells you that your idea sucks, and by proxy so do you, point to this list and let them know you're an innovator. Here are 21 such Terrible Concepts That Panned Out Spectacularly.

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Voyeuristic perversion + The most annoying insect on Earth = Big numbers in Japan.

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Licensed properties in Lego form.

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Track a super criminal while learning geography.

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Hip hop dog = sleeper hit.

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Atari creates a simulation of the most thankless job on Earth.

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Disney + Final Fantasy is first mocked, then beloved.

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Giant rolling ball is addictive as s***.

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Incredibly simple idea still creating obsessions thirty years later.

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A boxing puzzle game introduces the world to Little Mac.

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Talking fish + Human face + Leonard Nimoy = Sequel.

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Roller blading + Vandalism = Game of the Year candidate.

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Game idea: Play as a wolf god to restore color to a black and white world.

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Minimalist landscapes + Massive bosses - Filler enemies = The most unique title on the PS2.

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A giant escort mission, with no dialogue, brings an original idea to gaming.

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A travel simulation mixed with (slight) history lessons becomes a commercially successful series. (And they let you play it in school).

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A game lacking enemies, that allows you to communicate with animals.

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Physics based construction with "goo."

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Live a mundane life.

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Hedgehog + Attitude = Mario Competition.

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Metal Gear Solid stealth is a result of technological limitations.

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Italian plumber saves Princess from turtle = Multi-billion dollar franchise.

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