Last week, we re-ignited our List column with a very divisive topic: the Best MMOs of 2013... so far.  While quite a few folks didn’t quite get that the list was a countdown of the games that are having a stellar year (as opposed to an end-all be-all list of the best games EVER), it was still fun to see who agreed and who disagreed... and who flipped their lids and called for my head on a platter. Ah, opinions. They sure are fun. Well, hopefully this week’s list strikes a similar chord.  The selected titles will most likely be games that came out this year, but can include titles that came out in previous years if the game in question is having a particularly rough go of things since January 1st. 

With all that said, let’s get to it.  Here are MMORPG.com’s picks for the Worst MMOs of 2013... so far. If there’s a game that’s released in 2013 and it’s also equally as terrible, and it’s not on this list?  Chances are it was omitted because it was so mediocre it just didn’t warrant a mention.  This top five is reserved for titles that hold a special place in the bad pile.

5.) Wizardry Online

What went wrong here? Such a classic IP, such interesting ideas for an action-MMO.  But as our reviewer put it: “When the opening credits for a game are more dramatic and compelling than the game itself, that’s a problem.” Aside from the buggy launch and questionable “Perma-death” mechanic, it turns out that Wizardry just wasn’t very fun when all was said and done.  Let’s hope that Dragon’s Prophet, another promising F2P game being published here in the west by SOE, doesn’t share a similar fate.

4.) DK Online

You’ll first look at DK Online, and say: “Hey, this is kind of pretty. Maybe it’s worth a try? Well, let us do you a favor and tell you no.  It’s not.” As our review states, it’s simply not worth a fuss over.  Everything in DK Online is generic fare from the questing to the lore to the combat... and its only redeeming qualities in shapeshifting and castle sieges are underdeveloped to the point of being pointless as well.  Avoid this one, unless you’re very, very bored.

3.) Asura Force

Technically launched at the end of 2012, but reviewed this year by our staff, Asura Force makes the list because well... it’s just so damned “blah”. Consider this one a representative on the List for all the same-old-thing MMOs that released on a regular basis into the wild.  It’s one in a long line of incredibly easy, generic, ugly, and copycat MMOs to be released since 2004 broke the market wide open.  I’m doing you all a disservice by even mentioning it here, since there are probably a few of you that will check it out given your sense of curiosity.  For that, I am sorry.

2.) Scarlet Blade

Our review is still forthcoming on Scarlet Blade, but we’re putting it on this list because well... even if the game was a stunning achievement of MMO design and depth, we’d still find it shockingly and face-palmingly shallow in its audacious attempt at gaining players by appealing to the hentai-lover in us all... if there is a such a thing.  For all I know, Scarlet Blade may be one of the best free MMOs to come out in recent years.  But I’ll never really find out, because I’m too put off by the shamelessness of the whole package and the softcore anime porn it really is. Just look at the ridiculous ads that have been on this site since the game went into open beta. They’re cringe-worthy, and a whole game based on that sort of thing is plenty reason to make it to our number two spot.

1.) The War Z

What do I really need to say about The War Z that hasn’t already been said by our reviewer, Blake Morse? Again, War Z technically “launched” back in December of 2012, but even this far into 2013 I think most people would be hard-pressed to call the game anything but “paid beta” at this stage.  Hell, it’s probably more like a paid alpha.  Blake put it best when he wrote: “The War Z is the gaming equivalent of a knock-off Spider-Man toy from Japan in a box that says “Batman” on it and has a picture of the Power Rangers.” The War Z could have been amazing, instead we’re left with a game that tarnishes the reputation of DayZ, and a prime example of “don’t pay for something you haven’t played.”

That does it for our List this week.  What games would you add, and how come?  Be sure to rant and rave in the comments and let us know.

Bill Murphy / Bill Murphy is the Managing Editor of MMORPG.com, RTSGuru.com, and lover of all things gaming. He's been playing and writing about MMOs and geekery since 2002, and you can harass him and his views on Twitter @thebillmurphy.

• Read last week’s Best MMOs of 2013... so far.