At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
