At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
