Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging 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 narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
