Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment 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 their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
