At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.