Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
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 vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
