Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length 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 curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
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 pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment 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, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
