At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive 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 fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
