The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.