Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller 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 European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
