Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
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 bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User 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 vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
