The Most Disappointing Video Games of This Year, Per Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

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 catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.