The Most Disappointing Games of This Year, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve 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 tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. 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, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks 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 profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.