Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
