Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging 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 treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
