Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims 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 tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User 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 dull series of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
