The Most Disappointing Video Games of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.