The Most Disappointing Games of the Year 2025, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10

Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.