10 Most Disappointing Games of 2025 You Should Know About

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Even highly anticipated titles aren’t safe from missteps

2025 has been a lively year for the gaming industry, packed with exciting releases and ambitious projects. But even with innovation at an all-time high and developers mastering next-gen hardware, not every game met expectations. Some releases left fans frustrated, critics disappointed, and hype unfulfilled. Here’s a look at 10 of the most disappointing games of the year.

FBC: Firebreak

Remedy Entertainment’s first attempt at a large-scale online FPS in the Control universe fell short. Despite reaching one million players in a week and avoiding aggressive microtransactions, the game required multiple patch fixes and ultimately disappointed many fans.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

A tech demo meant to showcase Nintendo Switch 2 features, this release felt like a paid preview rather than a full game. Detailed tutorials couldn’t compensate for bland presentation, leaving players underwhelmed.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

This remaster from the classic Donkey Kong franchise suffered strange downgrades, including simplified shadows and buggy levels. Frame rate instability also reduced the experience, frustrating fans expecting a polished revival.

Borderlands 4

Although praised for improvements over previous entries, the PC version demanded high specs and experienced performance hiccups. Changes like replacing the mini-map with a compass caused further frustration, though ongoing updates may eventually smooth the experience.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Even a flagship franchise stumbled this year. Performance issues across platforms and simplified difficulty diluted the series’ signature challenge. Early sales in second-hand markets suggest players quickly lost patience.

Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

High expectations, a popular IP, and the Arc System Works team couldn’t save this one. Visuals and animation fell short of prior titles, and steep pricing made it a difficult sell for fans.

Lost Soul Aside

After 12 years of anticipation, this action title from a Chinese developer disappointed with repetitive gameplay, lackluster story, and inconsistent voice acting, despite impressive visuals and character design.

The Precinct

This open-world police simulator had promise with its story and setting, but repetitive mission loops and uninspired gameplay made it a chore rather than a thrill.

The House of the Dead 2: Remake

Fans awaited this remake eagerly but were let down by strange physics, over-the-top gore effects, and subpar music. Even with 60FPS support on Switch 2, performance issues persisted.

MindsEye

Touted as a GTA rival and helmed by Leslie Benzies, the launch was plagued by performance complaints and work environment controversies, resulting in widespread refunds and a tainted reputation.

2025 proved that even the most hyped titles can stumble. From ambitious remakes to highly anticipated originals, these 10 games showed that big names and long waits don’t always guarantee quality. Performance problems, uninspired design choices, and missed expectations left players frustrated. Yet, these missteps also teach the industry valuable lessons: innovation must be paired with execution, and hype must meet reality. Gamers should stay informed, stay critical, and remember that even in disappointment, the next great experience is always around the corner.