Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
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 notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
