Top 9 Biggest Game Disappointments of 2025 (Up to Now)

As we venture through 2025, avid gamers have much to rejoice about, with a diverse array of indie and AA titles captivating our attention. In recent weeks, we’ve been tantalized by stunning reveals of upcoming games, adding to the excitement. However, as we reach the mid-year point, caution is warranted. Amidst a multitude of stellar titles, some releases have unfortunately failed to meet the high expectations set by their predecessors and promotional materials.

This article serves as a valuable guide for gamers contemplating their next purchase. Below, we’ll explore several notable game releases from 2025 that failed to deliver on their promised potential. Our assessment includes both objectively poor games and those that, while not entirely disastrous, did not live up to what fans anticipated. Notably, we will exclude any titles that were launched in early access, as those often come with varied expectations.

9 REMATCH

An Own Goal

Leading our list is a title I eagerly anticipated as a former Rocket League enthusiast. At first glance, REMATCH promised a blend of traditional soccer mechanics with the exhilarating essence of vehicular sports. However, it fell drastically short of these expectations.

While the gameplay is occasionally enjoyable, it suffers from significant flaws, including erratic rubberbanding and bizarre ball behavior, especially in ranked matches. Unjust goals due to unwanted ball interactions and overpowered techniques create an imbalance that undermines the overall experience. Ultimately, this title feels more like a half-finished product that should have been released as a free-to-play early access game.

8 Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Living in the Shadow of Its Predecessors

Even as I brace for backlash, I must categorize Assassin’s Creed Shadows as one of the more lackluster entries of 2025. While it has solid stealth mechanics and impressive graphics, it fails to elevate itself beyond mediocrity.

Players will find the adventure filled with conventional open-world tropes, mundane side quests, and uninspiring exploration experiences. The story also deteriorates as it progresses, punctuated by a secondary character that adds little value to the journey. This title, viewed as a potential renaissance for Ubisoft, ultimately reflects more dazzle than depth.

7 Croc: Legend of the Gobbos

The Legend Was a Myth

As a nostalgic fan of Croc, critiquing this game comes with mixed emotions. The recent remake of this beloved platformer fails to truly honor its legacy.

Despite enhanced visuals, the gameplay feels outdated, trapped in a bygone era of tank controls that diminish challenges. The levels emerge as excessively simple, and outdated game mechanics, including irritating mini-games and a redundant health system, reveal how poorly this title has aged. The omission of trophy support only adds to the sense of disappointment.

6 Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree

Meh-Troidvania

As a fan of Metroidvania-style games, I had hopes for Mandragora. The impressive visuals and expansive skill tree initially drew me in, reminiscent of games like Path of Exile. However, the allure faded once I engaged with its world and combat system.

The gameplay, while not outright poor, tends to be overly simplistic and becomes a significant drawback as the focus remains heavily on combat. Unfortunately, uninspiring bosses and a lack of engaged platforming only amplify the frustration. Ultimately, it emerges as a passable title that fails to excel, making it one of the year’s most disappointing offerings.

5 FBC Firebreak

In Desperate Need of Content

The underwhelming title FBC Firebreak makes a last-minute addition to our list. Critics have pointed out numerous flaws, primarily revolving around its lack of engaging story elements, especially when compared to the standout features of other titles like Control.

The game also feels heavily basic and grind-centric, leaving players yearning for more diverse content. With most unique missions playable within a mere 1-2 hours, the sense of value is sorely lacking, rendering it another example of a game that feels terminologically unfinished yet is presented as a complete product.

4 The Precinct

All Units, Proceed With Caution

Playing as an enforcer of the law in The Precinct may seem intriguing, but the game struggles to deliver a compelling narrative. While the concept holds potential for a significant story on police work, the execution is painfully mundane.

The game features repetitious missions, uninspired gunfights, and clunky driving mechanics that detract from any impact intended by the narrative. Players will experience fleeting moments of excitement amidst a sea of squandered opportunities, illustrating a classic example of untapped potential in gaming.

3 Captain Blood

A Rotten Relic

Captain Blood piqued my interest due to its intriguing backstory, having been largely developed during the PS2 era before being shelved. Unfortunately, its release has revealed why it perhaps never saw the light of day.

While it attempts to evoke nostalgia for PS2 adventures, it instead comes off as a paltry imitation of early classics like God of War. Repetitive gameplay, outdated graphics, numerous bugs, and poor sound design render this title a disappointing time capsule, leaving behind minimal redeeming factors.

2 Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Welcome to Hell

The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour presents a curious case. While its inspiration may stem from the popular Astro’s Playroom, which beautifully showcased PS5 technology, this attempt falls significantly short.

Intended as a fourth-wall-breaking tech demonstration, the game turns out to be a tedious experience that fails to engage players. Moreover, it seems impossible to complete the game without additional Switch 2 perks that come at a significant cost, making it less accessible to a broader audience. In a year where Switch 2 titles are sparse, it’s best to avoid this one.

1 Mindseye

Certainly Not a GTA Killer

Finally, we arrive at Mindseye, a title many had anticipated would be a colossal disaster. The developers’ passionate rhetoric could not mask the unfortunate reality—a game that fails to resonate within the gaming landscape.

Even with its marketing warnings, it soon became evident that Mindseye lacks substantial content. The game often feels tedious, with performance issues plaguing gameplay outside of cutscenes, while the story lingers in mediocrity. Its mechanics feel antiquated those resembling third-person shooters of past generations, ultimately securing its place among the worst of 2025.

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