The Most Disappointing Titles of This Year, Per Metacritic

Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.