Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. 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 "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
