The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, Per Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game 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 strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.