Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible 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 voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
