The Most Disappointing Titles of the Year 2025, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.