Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration 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 piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
