The Most Disappointing Video Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.