Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial 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 piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
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 essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
