At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
