At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
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, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
