Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, 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, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
