Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
