At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
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. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime 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, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 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 dull assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
