The Most Disappointing Titles of This Year, Per Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.

Jeffrey Ellison
Jeffrey Ellison

Music journalist and critic with a passion for uncovering emerging artists and trends in the UK music scene.