Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. 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 turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
