At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
