At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
