The Most Disappointing Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10

Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10

To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.