The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on 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

The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per 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 lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.