The Most Disappointing Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.