The Most Disappointing Games of 2025, According to Metacritic
Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. Regardless 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
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy 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 past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.