At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
