Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience 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 slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
