At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad 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 tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label 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
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
