Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
