At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
