Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience 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 basic activities that rapidly became boring. 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
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
