Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software itself. 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 "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment 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 transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
