The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.