The Most Disappointing Titles of 2025, According to Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

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

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.