The Most Disappointing Video Games of This Year, Per Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, 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 "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.