The Most Disappointing Games of the Year 2025, Per Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, 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 bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.