Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 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 complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
