Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User 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. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
