The Most Disappointing Video Games of the Year 2025, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.