Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
