The Most Disappointing Video Games of the Year 2025, Per Metacritic

Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine 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 treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.