At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance 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 vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
