Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, 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 "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. 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 past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
