At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
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 free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
