Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User 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 complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
