Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial 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 Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
