The Most Disappointing Games of the Year 2025, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer 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 Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call 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 team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.