At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning 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 rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
