Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, 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 driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User 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 series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
