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

At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

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 a very long time in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.