Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience 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 complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
