The Most Disappointing Games of the Year 2025, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? Let's 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? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.