At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
