The Lowest-Rated Games of This Year, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics 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 not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.