Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
