Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 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 free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. 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 contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.