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

At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. 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 value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.