At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
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 production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, 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
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned 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 similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
