Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the charming software itself. Despite 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
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, 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 vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from 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 essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
