The Most Disappointing Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to 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 the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

Aggregate Score: 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. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience 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 assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.