Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
