Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine 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? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
