Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
