Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to 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 heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
