Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of 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
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
