The Most Disappointing Games of This Year, Per Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the top games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience 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 vapid assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.