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

Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. 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 peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.