Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
