At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a severe lack of content. User reviews was particularly negative, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
