The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, Per Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.