The Most Disappointing Titles of This Year, According to Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on 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, Audience Score: 3.4/10

First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives 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 notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.