At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
