Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, 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, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
