Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. 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 transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
