The Most Disappointing Games of the Year 2025, According to Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? Let's take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.