The Most Disappointing Titles of the Year 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience 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. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.