The Most Disappointing Games of 2025, Based on Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.