Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique 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
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The publishers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
