At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong 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 *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from 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 rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
