Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
