The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

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 collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

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 nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal 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 departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.