Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
