The Most Disappointing Games of This Year, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10

Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab 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 mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.