The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, According to Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.