Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User 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 free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
