The Most Disappointing Video Games of This Year, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, 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 European developers was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10

First things first: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.