At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
