Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores 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. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.