The Most Disappointing Games of the Year 2025, According to Aggregate Scores
Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes 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 shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
