The Most Disappointing Video Games of This Year, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from 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 take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 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 commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.