Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey 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 were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
