At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User 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 almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, 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, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
