At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
