Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration 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 past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 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 vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
