The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature 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

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.