Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of 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
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
