The Most Disappointing Games of This Year, Per Metacritic
At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes 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 digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.