The Most Disappointing Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique feel didn't land, 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 curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.