The Most Disappointing Video Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.