At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a moment 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 reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration 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 resurrected relic from the past, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
