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

Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? It's time to take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.

Nicole York
Nicole York

Elena Ashford is a freelance writer and storyteller passionate about uncovering hidden gems in everyday life.