At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
