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

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation 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 label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.