Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, 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
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
