The Most Disappointing Games of the Year 2025, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10

Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.