Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
