At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, 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 "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
