Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
