At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all 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
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality 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
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
