The Lowest-Rated Titles of the Year 2025, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10

The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10

To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized 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. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.