At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
