At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions 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 similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
