Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
