The Most Disappointing Games of the Year 2025, According to Aggregate Scores

At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment 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, noting a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.