At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on 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 tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after 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 universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
