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

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of 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 simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, 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, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying 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, noting a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.