Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of 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
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. 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 resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games 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 a slog, 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, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
