The Most Disappointing Games of 2025 (Part 2)

While 2025 saw the release of some exceptional titles and critical successes, the year was also marked by a series of games that disappointed players. Between broken promises, shaky gameplay, and disastrous optimization, some titles are now even considered among the lowest-rated in recent history. While their launch and initial ratings raised some concerns, some of these games have nevertheless benefited from regular updates from their developers. It may therefore be interesting to form your own opinion on this selection.

Highly anticipated as the sequel to a cult RPG from 2004, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 turned out to be an experience that didn’t live up to its promises. The storytelling and atmosphere were praised, but many players and critics pointed to often hollow gameplay, choices with little impact, uneven design, and limited progression. All of this gives the impression that the game’s ambition was not fully realized. Of Ash and Steel is also part of our selection. This open-world RPG disappointed with its lack of polish. Frequent bugs, quests that don’t work, and sometimes frustrating gameplay and direction with few clear indications of objectives. Despite some strong points in the atmosphere and exploration, the overall experience ended up being too rough.

Let’s change genres completely with two much more colorful games. Tamagotchi Plaza is a modern adaptation of a children’s game license. Considered too repetitive and simplistic to justify its $40 price tag or the attention of older players. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is one of the most anticipated titles of the year to have divided fans. Despite refreshing real-time gameplay, the game disappointed with its overall lack of ambition, uninspired exploration limited to a single urban area, textures and graphics deemed crude, and a never-ending tutorial that breaks the rhythm. Certain elements such as the lack of voiceovers and overly low difficulty have also been criticized, giving the impression of a step backwards for the franchise.

Let’s continue our selection with Painkiller. The revival of this cult FPS franchise has polarized gamers, mainly because this installment strays significantly from the spirit of the original game by emphasizing modern cooperative play rather than the furious and atmospheric solo experience of yesteryear. While the shooting mechanics remain solid, the title has been criticized for lacking varied content, featuring overly generic designs, and failing to capture the identity that made the series so successful. Steel Seed, an action-adventure game combining stealth and exploration in a post-apocalyptic universe, also disappointed due to a lack of originality and narrative depth. The gameplay is familiar without any real identity, while also displaying certain technical shortcomings.

Wreckreation is a racing and destruction game that failed to impress: sales were low and publisher support quickly crumbled, forcing the studio to self-finance and putting the team at risk of layoffs. Players also noted a lack of variety, depth, and excitement, despite some good ideas for customization and freedom in the game world. Sleep Awake offers an ambitious psychological horror experience in a world where sleeping becomes deadly. Many reviews point out that the game fails to translate its strong concept into engaging gameplay: the stealth and puzzle mechanics are considered too simple or poorly executed, and the narrative lacks tension.

2025 has reminded us that even the most eagerly awaited projects aren’t exempt of a complicated release. Between overly high ambitions, technical constraints, and questionable creative choices, these disappointing games illustrate the difficulties that the video game industry continues to face. However, a failed launch does not always spell the definitive failure of a title: some have already begun their redemption thanks to updates and listening to their community.