At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense 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 treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
