At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of 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 "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. 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 nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
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 were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics 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 departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
