Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 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 team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities 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 depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
