The Most Disappointing Titles of the Year 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop 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 makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.