Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
