Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
