The Most Disappointing Video Games of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.