The Lowest-Rated Titles of This Year, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the polished 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, User Score: 3.2/10

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10

First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.