At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of 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
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
