Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
