Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
