At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
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. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.