Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 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 complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop 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, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
