Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience 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 similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
