Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
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 slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. 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-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
