The Lowest-Rated Games of 2025, According to Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful 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, Audience Score: 3.2/10

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.