Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
