At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime 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 Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by 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 widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
