Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
