The Most Disappointing Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Aggregate Scores
Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.