The Most Disappointing Games of This Year, According to Metacritic

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.