Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
