Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer 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 Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
