Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
