Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
