The Most Disappointing Games of the Year 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Aggregate Score: 54/100, User 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 competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.