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

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.