The Most Disappointing Titles of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.