Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless 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
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
