The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that noted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics 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

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.