The Most Disappointing Video Games of This Year, Per Aggregate Scores
At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections 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 a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
