Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
