At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
