At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
