At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying 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 profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
