Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust 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 received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
