Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
