The Most Disappointing Games of This Year, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic
Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
