Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to 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
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences 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 largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
