The Most Disappointing Titles of 2025, Based on Aggregate Scores

At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This compilation of retro platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.