Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
