The Most Disappointing Games of 2025, Per Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions 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 similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation 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 packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.

Richard Martinez
Richard Martinez

A seasoned cybersecurity analyst with over a decade of experience in data protection and secure storage solutions.