At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. 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, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
