Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.