Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
