Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
