At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize 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 the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
