Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment 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, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
