Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the debate, 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
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
