Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
