Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
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, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
