As the gaming industry moves into 2026, it is worth reflecting on the releases that struggled to meet expectations in 2025. While many games earned praise and recognition, several high-profile titles were met with criticism due to technical issues, uninspired design, or incomplete execution. These games not only failed to deliver on their promises but also left players questioning whether they were worth the time and money invested.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
Treyarch’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launched on November 14, carrying the weight of a franchise known for delivering fast-paced campaigns, refined multiplayer, and the iconic Zombies mode. Set during a near-future Cold War scenario, the game featured a globe-spanning campaign and updates to multiplayer, but these elements failed to resonate. The campaign was criticized for being short and incoherent, while multiplayer faced balance issues and relied heavily on recycled maps. The Zombies mode, once a series highlight, lacked depth and personality. Technical problems on PC compounded player frustration, resulting in a Metacritic score of 65%. Critics noted that the franchise felt fatigued and overly cautious, suggesting that Black Ops 7 struggled to innovate within an established formula.
Pokémon Friends
Nintendo’s Pokémon Friends launched on July 22 as a social spin-off targeting mobile and Switch players. The game combined town-building mechanics with mini-games and daily tasks, but the overall experience felt thin and repetitive. Progression was slow, interactions were limited, and time-gated mechanics contrasted with the game’s premium Switch pricing. Critics and fans largely viewed the game as relying on the Pokémon brand rather than delivering engaging gameplay, earning it a Metacritic score of 62%. While intended as a casual, accessible title, Pokémon Friends left many players underwhelmed.
Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition
Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition, developed by Raw Thrills, was released on October 24 as a home console adaptation of the arcade racing experience. While the original arcade format worked in short bursts, the console release highlighted the game’s limitations. Tracks were brief, vehicle handling was simple, and modes offered little variety. Once the initial spectacle wore off, there was little incentive to continue playing. Critics pointed to shallow gameplay, limited replay value, and dated visuals, placing the game near the bottom of Metacritic’s annual rankings with a score of 55%.
Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Released in early February by Aesir Interactive, Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator attempted to provide a realistic simulation of emergency medical response. Players were expected to drive ambulances, assess patients, and perform first aid under pressure. Despite the concept, execution was uneven. Driving mechanics were awkward, medical systems were inconsistently explained, and repetitive gameplay quickly became tiresome. Bugs and performance issues were present across all platforms. These shortcomings contributed to a Metacritic score of 44%, leaving the game widely regarded as a frustrating experience rather than an engaging simulation.
MindsEye
MindsEye, developed by Build A Rocket Boy under former GTA producer Leslie Benzies, was positioned as a cinematic open-world action thriller. Set in a near-future surveillance state, the game promised player choice, A.I.-driven gameplay, and a complex narrative. On release, however, it failed to deliver. Combat was stiff, stealth sections were lifeless, and the open world, while visually impressive, felt hollow. Missions were linear, AI behavior was poor, and many systems appeared unfinished. Critics were largely critical of the game’s execution, resulting in a Metacritic score of 37%, making it one of the lowest-rated titles of the year.
While 2025 produced standout games and innovative releases, these five titles demonstrated how technical flaws, uninspired design, and unfulfilled ambition can lead to disappointment. From mainstream shooters to social spin-offs and simulations, the year highlighted the risks developers face when high expectations are not met.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the worst video games of 2025?
The games most widely criticized in 2025 included MindsEye, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Pokémon Friends, Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition, and Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator.
Why did MindsEye receive poor reviews?
MindsEye was criticized for its stiff combat, linear missions, hollow open world, poor AI, and unfinished gameplay systems, resulting in a low Metacritic score.
Was Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 considered a failure?
While not the worst shooter of 2025, Black Ops 7 received mixed reviews due to campaign shortness, multiplayer issues, and a lack of innovation, reflecting franchise fatigue.
Did Pokémon Friends meet player expectations?
Pokémon Friends underwhelmed many players, as its gameplay felt repetitive, progression was slow, and interactions were limited despite its popular franchise branding.
Are these games still playable today?
While all five games are technically playable, most players found the experiences frustrating or limited, and they are generally recommended only for dedicated fans or collectors.
Do these games include any web3 features?
None of the titles listed incorporated web3 elements in 2025 releases, focusing instead on traditional console and PC gameplay.
